Behind the Scenes & Collection Resources

Anoka County Commissioner Board Meeting Minutes

1857-1871

After the County was organized in 1857, the Anoka County Board sat and recorded their meeting minutes. These records have been preserved, microfilmed, and now transcribed for researchers and lovers of local history.

Sam Hermanstorfer Letters

Read the transcript of the full collection of letters Sam donated to the museum in 2003.

History of Cedar by Karen Gallagher

This history of Cedar, MN written in the 1970s is the first comprehensive history of this small town on the south eastern part of modern-day Oak Grove in Anoka County.

History of St. Francis and Surrounding Communities

In 1972, students in Mr. Eugene Yank’s Independent Study class compiled a 56 page history booklet that included information about St Francis, Bethel, Cedar, East Bethel, and Crown (located just north of St. Francis in Isanti County.)

The final product contains images along with the culmination of their research. Unfortunately, we don’t know the names of the students who worked on this project, or that of the school they attended.

A History of Agriculture in Anoka County, Minnesota 1840-1900

Anoka Historical Society Grant. Compiled by Jeanine Pratt March 2006

“Agriculture was an important industry in Anoka County even before Minnesota became a state. The sandy soil found in much of the county, which was considered poor for farming, did not deter the early settlers who grew, among other crops, potatoes, corn, and wheat. Many farmers took good care of their land and taught their children to do the same. The land often stayed in the hands of succeeding generations of the same farm family…

This document records detailed information about the beginning of agriculture in Anoka County. The main sections describe national and local agricultural developments that occurred during each decade. The appendices have additional information highlighting local statistics.”

Columbia Heights Pioneer

Part 1 Jan- March, 1939

Part 2 April - June, 1939

Part 3 June - Sept, 1939

Part 4 Sept - Nov, 1939

Published every Thursday for less than a year, this Columbia Heights newspaper preceded the Columbia Heights Record which began publication a month after the Pioneer shuttered it’s presses.

East Bethel Booster Newspaper - 1958

Part 1 Jan-Jun, 1958

Part 2 July-Dec, 1958

Read the latest news from East Bethel circa 1958 in a newly digitized and searchable PDF. Published by the East Bethel Booster Club, the newspaper captures the village’s fight to incorporate, and news on an Air Base’s immanent construction.

Anoka Street Cars: 1884to 1941 by George Atwood, May 20, 1966.

Excerpt: “The Anoka Horse Drawn Street Cars did a prosperous business for about five or six years, - but it had its draw-backs and difficulties, as it was held up with bad and stormy weather, and occasionally the cars would jump the tracks and would be delayed in getting it back on the tracks;- and there was considerable complaints about its undependability,- as a consequence, - horse drawn buses and stage coaches began to spring up and out into the passenger service as they would call at the people homes to pick them up.”

Anoka County Cheat Sheet

The cliffs-notes version on the history of Anoka County’s 21 Cities. Each city, and the lone township, in the county gets their own section which details the important dates in its incorporation story and fun facts that will make you the Local History master around the dinner table.

Great for student learners!

History of Bethel Village

Compiled by the Proper Spirit Club in 1942, this history of Bethel Village is an invaluable resource for the early history of one of Anoka County’s oldest settlements.

File is searchable PDF.

Bethel Theater Backdrop

This backdrop for a theater in Bethel ca 1900 was donated to the ACHS collection in 2003. At nearly 20 feet long, this painted canvas was stored away to protect it from light and further damage. We unwrapped it and documented the journey April 13th, 2021. Watch the entire process in the video above.

State Hospital Oral History Project

From the earliest discussions in the late 1800’s about its location, to the later controversies over patient treatment, the State Hospital in Anoka has a storied history. In 2013, ACHS received a grant so we could better document that history in the form of oral interviews, conducted in 2014. ACHS has over 20 interviews documenting life at the Anoka State Hospital, as well as the changes that occurred over the years.

As a large employer in the area, the Anoka State Hospital touched many people in both the city and the county. Staff and patient interactions with the community over time (both good and bad), created further connections. ACHS has attempted to capture many of these stories. Interviews represent former employees, family, community members, doctors, and some patients. The list is alphabetical by last name of the interviewee.

Ann Larson, Nurse

Bruce Olson

Cliff Nelson