WCHS Store

Commemorative Washington County Historical Society Medallion Celebrates Sesquicentennial!

The Washington County Historical Society is proud to join the celebration of Minnesota's 150 years, by offering a limited edition, sesquicentennial collector's medallion which honors Washington County's role as Minnesota's birthplace.

The state's sesquicentennial happens only once. Join the celebration by collecting these limited edition souvenirs of the 150 years of Minnesota statehood.

The circular bronze medallion, approximately one-and-a-half inches in diameter, carries the slogan Stillwater, Birthplace of Minnesota, with an engraving of the Steamer Ben Hur about to depart from Stillwater. The reverse side is imprinted with the motto 150 years of Statehood, 1858-2008, and an outline of the state's shape with a star marking the location of Washington County and Stillwater.

In addition to the collector's coin, a souvenir coffee mug, which bears an image of the medallion engravings is available, too.

Mug $9, medallion $15.

Stillwater: The Next Generation

Brent Peterson's new book of fascinating stories includes "Fisherman" John Jeremy, "Sport" the Cat, horse troughs of Stillwater, neighborhood grocery stores, the courthouse cannon, inventors, Janda's, Kolliner's, Hooley's, and many more. Includes many previously unpublished photographs. 160 pages, fully indexed. Hardcover $50, paperback $25.

Index

Paddlewheels on the Upper Mississippi

A new WCHS book, Paddlewheels on the Upper Mississippi tells how that uniquely American invention, the western river steamboat, made settlement of the Upper Midwest possible in the days when the river was America's western frontier. $18

Ghost Stories of Minnesota

Explore the state's spooky, spine-tingling tales. From well-known legends to accounts of current ghost hunters, these chilling tales of inexplicable events are sure to please readers interested in the paranormal. Tales of events from Camden, Lakefield, Little Falls, Stillwater, St. Paul and more. Paperback, 208 pages. $13

Scandia - Then and Now

Anna Engquist's popular book, originally published in 1972, has been reprinted many times. WCHS has again reprinted the volume with all of Anna's material, plus several new pictures, and information that brings the book up to date. $25

The Story of Cole Younger

Missouri guerrilla, Confederate officer, bank robber, notorious outlaw, Wild West showman - Cole Younger's life was the stuff of myth and legend. In The Story of Cole Younger, long out-of-print, he tells his story in his own words after his parole from prison at the age of 59. $13

Convict Life at the Minnesota State Prison

A reprint of the 1909 book describing life at the Minnesota's original state prison at Stillwater, including a chapter related by one of the prison's most famous inmates, Cole Younger. $13

Hard Time: Voices from a State Prison

A compelling look at Stillwater Prison life in another era, vividly recalled through historic photographs and startling first-person accounts. Paperback, 146 pages. $23

Afton Remembered

Relatively unspoiled by progress as she approaches the twenty-first century, Afton remains a world apart for those who love her. Combining memoir with narrative history, Afton Remembered is admirer Ed Robb's heartfelt paean to his hometown. $25

 

Joseph R. Brown: Adventurer on the Minnesota Frontier

This volume is more than part one of the first full length biography of Joseph R. Brown. It is a chronicle of life, free enterprise, and politics on the frontier. $30

 

Marine on St. Croix: 150 Years of Village Life

Culled from research in government documents, letters, diaries, business records, accounts, and newspaper stories, this book is a year-by-year record of big and small events in the village. $15

Minnesota Beginnings: Records of St. Croix County, Wisconsin Territory, 1840-1849

Before the creation of Minnesota Territory, Washington County was part of St. Croix County, Wisconsin Territory. $30

Woodbury:
A Past To Remember

A book that describes the early history of Woodbury and its surroundings. By the Woodbury Heritage Committee. $10

Index

St. Croix: Midwest Border River

With picturesque anecdotes and complete annotation, The St. Croix: Midwest Border River tells the story of the scenic and popular waterway that forms part of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. $13

Saving the River, Second Edition

The history of the St. Croix River Association, 1911-2001. $15

Jo Lutz Rollins and the Stillwater Art Colony

Sketches by the well-known Stillwater artist, and a history of the summer art school she organized in the 1930s and 1940s. $5

Folsom "Fifty Years in the Northwest" Biographical Index

An index to the classic Minnesota history book. $15

To the Rescue: Stillwater Fire Department 125th Anniversary

The history of Stillwater's fire department. $20

 

"Retirement on the St. Croix"

These 8x11 color prints, from the late Bob Thein collection of White Bear Lake, show the old steam locomotive Engine 328 a year after it was placed in the Stillwater's Lowell Park. The engine sat in that location for 30 years, enduring a number of floods and vandalism until the Minnesota Transportation Museum restored her in 1985. The engine now runs excursions out of the Osceola, Wisconsin depot during the summertime. $5

Bricks from the Minnesota Territorial Prison

Arson destroyed the old Minnesota Territorial Prison twine factory in September 2002. These bricks were pulled from the rubble the following week, before condominiums were built on the site. Call for details.