The 19th century American industrial revolution dynamically changed our society. We moved from an agrarian way of life to an agrarian/manufacturing combination. British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli captured this upheaval when he said, “In a progressive country change is constant, change is inevitable.” This article is about one of the catalysts that contributed and stimulated revolutionary changes in Anoka County in the 19th century.
Read MoreFamily is a constant thought in Dennis Berg’s life, and it was for them he wrote his autobiography, “Growing Up Barefoot.” Listen as he reads excerpts from it about his childhood on the farm (complete with outhouse!), meeting his wife, finding employment with the Greenberg’s and being drafted to serving in Vietnam.
Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.
CW: This episode contains descriptions of engagements in Vietnam. If you would like to skip this section entirely, it lasts from the 22-34 minute mark of the episode.
Read MoreWe remember Flora Aldrich as a doctor practicing in the early 1900s who saw patients out of her stately home on 3rd Ave., So, Anoka. In that role she published two medical books and provided countless recommendations on healthy living. What history often forgets is her single novel, “the one man “. In this podcast you can get a taste of Flora’s attempt at creative writing, then commiserate with hosts Sara and Daryl about just how bad we think it is. Warning, in discussing the books themes we ignore all spoilers!
Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Daryl Lawrence, ACHS Board Member.
Read MoreAlbert Kordiak served as Anoka County commissioner for 32 years, beginning a family legacy that lasted a total of 64 years when his son retired. During his lifetime, Kordiak built a legacy based on supporting causes he firmly believed in, including the anti-communist movement in the 1950’s, advocating for his hometown of Columbia Heights, and remembering his Czechoslovakian roots. In 2009, Kordiak took time to record an oral history for ACHS that detailed many of his experiences.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreBefore photographing an accident or crime scene became a standard part of law enforcement in Anoka County, William Nelson took up his camera in 1961 to document the scenes as a volunteer. In 2010, Nelson donated his collection to the museum and recounted his time as unofficial photographer.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreLevon Williams, a Race, Equity & Inclusion Consultant with the American Association of Museums, discusses his work at ACHS and other midwest museums through the Facing Change grant. Levon reflects on how diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) work can be messy, convoluted, and imperative for museums.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreAs the staff at the Anoka County Historical Society continue to process the centennial collection of the Federal Cartridge Corporation, we trip over tidbits like the situation below. In 1929, FCC was only seven years old and, in many ways, Charles Horn and Bob Ehlen still had some kinks to work out of the company. In what could likely become a classic tale of employee safety standards set in place by Horn, Ehlen received instruction to change the locks on campus to Yale locks with master keys.
“It is simply nonsense to have to climb through the window and so there will be no more trouble I want uniform locks put on all doors,” wrote Horn.
Read MoreDennis Tkach played as part of the Tkach band for 40 years—four of the members are in the same family! Their parents, Walter and Mary, created B Sharp Music in Columbia Heights. Dennis shares how the band formed when he was a high schooler as a seven-piece variety dance band to compete in the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest (they made it to the finals!). They played for over 2000 events throughout the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin before retiring in 2019…but have they really?
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreJohn Jost’s love of Anoka Halloween began as a child, and have culminated in the publication of a book celebrating the 100th anniversary of the festival. Learn about his connection to the holiday as a child, and what it was like organizing and celebrating a 100th anniversary during a pandemic.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreWhen a city like Anoka begins, the residents erect several landmark buildings to signify the importance of their culture. Often these include a post office, bank, town hall, churches and schools. This week, students and staff at Franklin Elementary in Anoka celebrate 150 years of education under the same name, though not always the same building.
Read MoreIn 1979 Karen George became an Anoka Princess and spent the next year driving back and forth from college in Morehead, MN to represent her home town at various events and parades. George shares her journey as a candidate and Princess, how she designed the first Halloween themed float for the city and her lasting connections with Anoka Halloween.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreWhat’s it like living in a haunted house? Jenn Shoemaker and her family (along with a couple permanent, ghostly residents) lived at 403 Van Buren in Anoka for four years. Hear how they came to own this beautiful home, the surprise of finding that their new house was on the Ghosts of Anoka Tour, and all the supernatural occurrences they experienced along the way.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreWhat’s it like running a county historical Society? Sam Klocksien, Executive Director of the Isanti County Historical Society, sits down with Rebecca to talk about the ins and outs of running a museum - from helping people with research to mowing the lawn yourself.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreJust in time to head out for the annual Nowthen Threshing Show, John Wetter and Anne Zimmerman, President and Director of the Nowthen Historic Power Association, talk about what exactly threshing is, everything you can find at the show in Nowthen, and why it’s important to preserve and showcase these skills for kids today.
Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreFCC established the Federal Cartridge Social Club in 1934 to maintain employee events and clubs as well as “promote closer relations among the employees”. This worker-controlled organization would receive reimbursement for things like bowling uniforms, ammunition, and refreshments. In total, the Club was responsible for a long list of things, including the archery club, bowling teams, chorus, Credit Union, Diamond Ball Team, and the Clubhouse.
Read MoreAll bound up and waiting for you! This brand new history of Blaine has come out to play with beloved tales as well as newly discovered gems about Anoka County’s largest city. Join Orville Lindquist from the Blaine Historical Society as he divulges some plot twists about Greenberry Chambers, relates how he discovered a slide showing the aquariums at Northtown, and the local connection to the Radisson empire.
Hosts Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreAs ACHS works to discern how to gather the stories of all residents, regardless of geography, ethnicity, and economic status, we appreciate the people we meet at festivals such as the County Fair. We often hear, "I didn't know there was a history center!" which means we are indeed reaching new audiences through our outreach efforts--because now they DO know the building exists. Several old friends came by to see us as well, which warms our hearts and reminds us that the work we do each day matters, that relationships we build are nurtured and cherished. It takes both groups to propel ACHS forward as a nonprofit, the established as well as the new. Both groups have stories to share and information to preserve for future generations. It's interesting that a kitchen table with a puzzle on it feels like a safe place to start that conversation, regardless of whatever else life has in store for us all.
Read MoreServing as the most recent guardians of their 150 year old home on Ferry St. in Anoka, Dillon and Kristin Cords join a list of familiar names including Woodbury and Goodrich on their property abstract. In this episode of History 21, they share their joys and frustrations of living in an old home, their restoration journey, and some fun things they found inside the walls…along with a few surprise guest visitors who might just frequent the property still.
Hosts Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director; Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator; and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.
Read MoreACHS goes on the road to create a new rotating display for area residents in Centerville. Both the City and ACHS welcome submissions for future exhibit content.
Read MoreThe Riverfest tradition is back, and organizers are expecting larger-than-usual crowds on July 10. The History Center will open its doors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to the public for games, treats and a sneak-peek into the framed objects included in the anniversary collection. Grab a selfie with a life-sized cutout of Charles Horn, the founder of Federal Cartridge Company, and see an original photo of the first staff he hired in 1925. You’ll also view other framed images on display include a parade float, Christmas celebration, advertising and aerial images of the plant.
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