"Images of America: Forest Lake" book talk with Justin Brink
2023-11-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Book cover
Author and historian Justin Brink is joining us to share his BRAND-NEW BOOK “Images of America: Forest Lake”! Books will be available for purchase at the event. Come learn about Forest Lake’s exciting history!
About the book:
Like so many of the places that lined the route from St. Paul to Duluth, Forest Lake came of age as a railroad town and was first incorporated as a township in 1874. Situated on a lake by the same name, it soon became known as a resort town where many residents from the Twin Cities could leave their cares behind for some fishing and sunbathing. Because of its secluded nature, it also attracted well-known gangsters of the era. Minnesota native George “Bugs” Moran had a hideout near the lake, as did the Ma Barker gang. As the resort traffic dried up, progress soon took over, and with it came residential development and downtown revitalization. Today, Forest Lake’s population has increased nearly twentyfold and continues to attract visitors to its pristine lakes.
About the author:
Justin Brink is president of the Forest Lake Historical Society and a lifelong Forest Lake resident. He serves as a planning commissioner for the city and is a registered nurse by profession. For this book, images have been collected from the Forest Lake Historical Society, the Washington County Historical Society, and the community.

Attend in-person at the Washington County Heritage Center OR virtually on Zoom.
Zoom Info:
Click here to join the Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 812 4364 7160
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Book Launch: "The Last Bookseller" paperback edition with Gary Goodman
2023-11-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Gary Goodman returns to launch the paperback version of his book “The Last Bookseller!” Many remember his store St. Croix Antiquarian Books in Stillwater, a mainstay on Main Street for 27 years. Gary will present on the book and tell stories about the wild world of buying and selling used and rare books.
Hosted in partnership with Valley Bookseller, who will have Goodman’s book available for purchase at the event.

Attend in-person OR on Zoom (see Zoom link below)

ABOUT THE BOOK:
About “The Last Bookseller”:

When Gary Goodman wandered into a run-down, used-book shop that was going out of business in East St. Paul in 1982, he had no idea the visit would change his life. He walked in as a psychiatric counselor and walked out as the store’s new owner. In The Last Bookseller Goodman describes his sometimes desperate, sometimes hilarious career as a used and rare book dealer in Minnesota—the early struggles, the travels to estate sales and book fairs, the remarkable finds, and the bibliophiles, forgers, book thieves, and book hoarders he met along the way.
Here we meet the infamous St. Paul Book Bandit, Stephen Blumberg, who stole 24,000 rare books worth more than fifty million dollars; John Jenkins, the Texas rare book dealer who (probably) was murdered while standing in the middle of the Colorado River; and the eccentric Melvin McCosh, who filled his dilapidated Lake Minnetonka mansion with half a million books. In 1990, with a couple of partners, Goodman opened St. Croix Antiquarian Books in Stillwater, one of the Twin Cities region’s most venerable bookshops until it closed in 2017. This store became so successful and inspired so many other booksellers to move to town that Richard Booth, founder of the “book town” movement in Hay-on-Wye in Wales, declared Stillwater the First Book Town in North America.
The internet changed the book business forever, and Goodman details how, after 2000, the internet made stores like his obsolete. In the 1990s, the Twin Cities had nearly fifty secondhand bookshops; today, there are fewer than ten. As both a memoir and a history of booksellers and book scouts, criminals and collectors, The Last Bookseller offers an ultimately poignant account of the used and rare book business during its final Golden Age.

Check out “The Last Bookseller” website for more information and to order your copy!

ZOOM INFO:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87126480488?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 871 2648 0488
Passcode: [REDACTED]

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" with author and retired law enforcement officer L.C. Simon
2023-11-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
L.C. Simon releases his new book “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” a fictional piece based on true events from his decades in law enforcement working on behalf of children.
Hosted in partnership with Valley Bookseller, who will have Simon’s book available for purchase at the event.

Free!
Attend in-person OR on Zoom (see Zoom link below)

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Retired detective Jack Janssen is tormented not by the hundreds of child abuse investigations under his gun belt but by a single case. One case that not only keeps him up nights but gives him night terrors.
Deciding to retire early, he struggles with his subconscious as he tries to figure out where he goes in life from here. Suddenly he finds himself drawn back into his old life and begins to get a glimpse of what the rest of his life has in store for him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

My career in law enforcement span twenty seven years, with seventeen of those years focused exclusively on child abuse investigation. I was also a contract employee for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for ten years, teaching other law enforcement across the state the unique techniques used in this specialized field.
After retirement, my wife and I traveled the country in a motorhome, and for twelve years spent our summers living and working in Voyageurs National Park.
I have never lost my dedication to the cause of children, and recently decided to spend some time writing novels that draw from my experience in law enforcement while highlighting the problem of child abuse in our country. I think I hit the mark; making a fun interesting read and informing at the same time.

ZOOM INFO:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87939627099?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 879 3962 7099
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Saving Your Stuff: How to Care for Art, Heirlooms, and Personal Collections with Megan Narvey
2023-12-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Learn about the “ten agents of deterioration” and how to preserve and protect the things you value. There will be a presentation followed by an open question and answer period. Recommendations for how to find additional resources will be provided at the event.
About the presenter:
Megan Narvey is the Outreach Conservator at the Minnesota Historical Society, where she provides guidance to individuals and local historical organizations on caring for collections big and small across the state of Minnesota. Before coming to MNHS, Megan worked as an Objects Conservator at the Western Archaeological Conservation Center in Tucson, Arizona, and as the Objects Conservation Fellow at the Canadian Conservation Institute in Ottawa, Ontario. Megan received a BA in chemistry from Carleton College and an MA in Principles of Conservation, and an MSc in Conservation for Archaeology and Museums from University College London.
Attend in-person at the Washington County Heritage Center or virtually on Zoom. No registration required.
ZOOM INFO:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86124926725?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 861 2492 6725
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Swedish Christmas Craft Sunday
2023-12-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Come celebrate the holiday season, Swedish style! This festive day will include making these three very simple paper craft tree ornaments, drinking hot chocolate, munching on Christmas cookies, and enjoying Gammelgården‘s brand new Swedish Christmas exhibit in Community Corner.

The event is free and no registration is required. All ages are welcome! All craft supplies will be provided. Museum admission will also be free for all event attendees.

Hosted by Gammelgården Museum of Scandia and the Washington County Historical Society.

The Last Man's Club of Company B with Mike Frain
2024-01-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Charles Lockwood
A bittersweet tradition that stemmed from the Civil War was an organization called The Last Man’s Club. Civil War reenactor and longtime WCHS volunteer Mike Frain will present on this club that began as a group of friends and became legendary.
The men of Company B of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment were 101 strong when they left for battle, and sadly only 34 of them survived. After the 34 men gathered together Stillwater in 1885, they decided to make the reunion an annual thing.
The group called themselves The Last Man’s Club, and agreed to meet each year on July 21 — the anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run — until only one of them was left. The last remaining man would drink a toast to his departed comrades from an expensive bottle of Burgundy wine that was to remain unopened until that day.
The last remaining man was Charles Lockwood, who raised his glass in 1930 to his fellow comrades. Lockwood stood alone at the end of a long table at the Lowell Inn, where each of the chairs – except Lockwood’s – were draped with black.
“When we formed the club, we thought the agreement rather funny,” Lockwood told the St. Paul Dispatch at the time. “After our experiences in the war we had no fear of death. But now that I am last I see no humor in it.”
Attend in-person at the Washington County Heritage Center or virtually on YouTube. No registration required.
In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

Annual Ice Cream Social
2024-01-27 12:00 - 16:00 | MN
Ruth Smart at the 1953 Ice Cream Social

Two GREAT reasons to have an ice cream social in the winter: no mosquitos and no melting ice cream! Come celebrate winter, the rich history of our area and our fun-loving community.

The ice cream and root beer floats & coffee are free to everyone! Chili is $5 (cash only).

Generous event partners include Lift Bridge Brewing Company, Leo’s Grill & Malt Shop and The Daily Grind Espresso Cafe.

The tent will be set up in downtown Stillwater’s Lowell Park in front of the pavilion on the St. Croix riverfront.

The tent will be set up near the pavilion at the end of Mulberry Street

HISTORY:
Back in 1950 Stillwater businessman Gilbert (Gib) Larson of Snowland Foods as well as other business people held the first winter ice cream social at the St. Croix Boom Site. Even though the temperatures were well below zero more than a thousand people came out and enjoyed the ice cream and the season!

The event was moved to Lowell Park the next year and later it moved to Lily Lake. The event was sponsored at that time by the Jaycees and eventually faded away like winter into springtime.

Stillwater's Last Lumber Baron with Bill McGrath
2024-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

Black Pioneers of Washington County with Brent Peterson
2024-02-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
WCHS Executive Director Brent Peterson will be presenting stories about Black pioneers in the St. Croix Valley and the early trails that they blazed in a multitude of social and entrepreneurial arenas. Among these stories is a man named Charles Jackson, a newly freed slave turned businessman who followed the Minnesota Regiment to Stillwater after the Civil War concluded. Jackson began his career at the Sawyer House and eventually opened his own barbershop on Main Street. Another man who followed the Regiment to Minnesota was Jim Carter, who became a custodian and one of Stillwater’s most beloved residents. When Jim passed away, his funeral was the most well attended service anyone in town had ever seen. Caroline Lindsey was another early notable citizen. She and her sisters were artists who displayed their pieces at the Louisville Fair in 1897. Caroline was Stillwater High School’s first Black graduate, finishing her studies in 1898.

In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

Caroline Lindsey pictured with her high school graduating class
Charles Jackson
Jim Carter (center) with Union soldiers

Balancing on a Hair with Evonne Bilotta-Burke and JoJamba Matthews
2024-03-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Art by Ariel Rucker-Ehlers via the LA Times

Hair.

A natural part of who we are, how we present in the world, and the understanding of why it is so personal to individuals and racial groups around the world.

Hair, especially for Black, African, and African-American women, has traditionally been subject to interrogation and judgment by non-Black racial groups as a way to demean and control. Sometimes, what seems like an idle conversation can be triggering and negatively impact individuals. We would like to bring clarity to the topic of hair and discuss how we can shift future conversations.

Also, we have passed the one-year anniversary of Minnesota passing the Crown Act on Feb 1st, 2023.

The CROWN Act was created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California, to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools.
https://www.thecrownact.com/

Presented by Evonne Bilotta-Burke and JoJamba Matthews

To encourage a supportive environment for open conversation and discussion, this presentation will be available in person only.

Attend in-person at:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082

Women's Groups of the St. Croix Valley
2024-03-07 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Who run the world? Girls!

Women have been gathering together since the beginning of time to promote learning, personal growth, civic duty and volunteerism. Come learn about and celebrate historical and current women’s groups in the Stillwater area that truly make the world go ’round.

Presenters include the Women’s Reading Club, Women’s Business Bridge, the Primrose Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution and more.

The event is free to the public and no reservations are required.

Photo Credit: Oksana Osypenko

Black & White Movie Night: Three Comedies!
2024-03-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Black & White Movie Night is back!
This time we present three classic short subjects: two featuring Mabel Normand, the Queen of Silent Film Comedy, and one in which Buster Keaton plays dozens of characters. Charlie Chaplin and Fatty Arbuckle also make appearances. Be prepared to spend an hour laughing!
Actress Mabel Normand from Ziegfeld. (Photo by Donaldson Collection/Getty Images)

Buster Keaton in “The Playhouse”

WAITING LIST ONLY: Washington County Historical Society's Annual Meeting and Dinner
2024-03-21 17:30 - 20:30 | Stillwater Event Center, 1910 Greeley Street South, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
This event is SOLD OUT, but we are taking waiting list reservations.
Please call the Heritage Center at 651-439-2298 or email information@wchsmn.org to be added to the waiting list. Thanks!

Tickets:
Reservations are required.
$25 per person if you are a WCHS member
$30 per person if you are not a WCHS member
Click here to buy your ticket in advance.
Want to just make a reservation and pay at the door instead? Please call 651-439-2298 or email information@wchsmn.org to secure your spot.
Click here to become a member! If you’re unsure of your membership status, please call 651-439-2298 and we will be happy to assist.

"AND IN THIS CORNER, from PARTS UNKNOWN" with wrestling historian George Schire
2024-04-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN?
On April 2, 2024 at 6:30pm wrestling historian and author George Schire returns to the Washington County Heritage Center to share the identities and stories of wrestling’s mystery men.

In the old territory days of professional wrestling, there was a highly populated city called, “Parts Unknown”. It couldn’t be found on any map, because no one knew where it was located. It was as mysterious as the wrestlers who were billed from this seemingly lost city.

Even more intriguing was that these wrestlers were all masked! Their faces covered so they couldn’t be recognized for a variety of given reasons.

Wrestling fans were told by promoters that they didn’t know who these masked hombre’s were. They didn’t know their names, their weights, or anything else about them. And the fans bought it and ate it up!

JOIN US APRIL 2ND for this behind the scenes visit to “Parts Unknown”.

In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

About George:

As a kid, Schire found a way to escape the troubles of his life by becoming a wrestling fan, glued to the TV set and then later traveling to see every live “card” in the Twin Cities and many more throughout the region. Over the years he has been involved in all aspects of the sport, and he now offers detailed, behind-the-scenes accounts of important matches from 1954 to 1990 and stories of wrestler personalities, both in and out of the ring. He shares his own extensive collection of wrestling memorabilia— photographs, program covers, newspaper clippings, and other ephemera—to honor the hardworking characters who forged serial storylines onstage week after week and who thrilled fans by carrying out their plots in the ring, with blood, sweat, tears, and high-flying body slams for all.

HANDWORK & HERITAGE: Woodcarving, Tin Types and Spinning/Fiber Arts
2024-04-06 10:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
This event is a celebration of the new exhibit designed by Gammelgården Museum of Scandia at the Heritage Center, all about handwork and winter crafts. This exhibit won’t be here forever, so see it while it lasts!

Spring Cleaning at the Warden's House Museum
2024-04-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Spring cleaning – let’s get the house spruced up for the season!
There are three cleaning dates:
Tuesday April 9 from 10-2
Wednesday April 10 from 10-2
Thursday April 11 from 10-2

Spring Cleaning at the Warden's House Museum
2024-04-10 10:00 - 14:00, 2024-04-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Spring cleaning – let’s get the house spruced up for the season!
There are three cleaning dates:
Tuesday April 9 from 10-2
Wednesday April 10 from 10-2
Thursday April 11 from 10-2

New tour guides wanting to learn more about the Warden’s House and experienced tour guides are all welcome!

Warden's House Museum Volunteer Training
2024-04-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Get acquainted with the Warden’s House Museum and see what’s new for 2024!
New tour guides wanting to learn more and experienced tour guides wanting some refreshers are all welcome.

Orphan Train Story in Minnesota with Bill Schrankler
2024-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Orphan Train in Minnesota
The hidden story of the orphan train movement in Minnesota will be explained from its beginnings to its climax. Approximately 5,000-6,000 children were sent to Minnesota via the orphan trains, nearly half of whom arrived between1882 and 1892.
Become acquainted with the personalities, both locally and nationally, who initiated the largest mass migration of children in United States history. The orphan train movement in Minnesota will be the focus of the presentation. However, the perspective of national background of the movement will be included. The pros and cons of the endeavor will be presented, for the listener to decide was it a triumph or tragedy.
In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

Warden's House Museum Open House
2024-04-28 12:00 - 16:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
The Warden’s House Museum will be open from noon to 4 PM at no charge to check out the new exhibits and talk with knowledgeable volunteers!
We have TWO big things to celebrate this season – the 83rd year of the Warden’s House operating as a museum, and the 175th Birthday for Washington County! Refreshments and all the festive birthday trimmings are in store for the day.
Come help us kick off the season and see what is new this year at the Warden’s House!
Parking
Limited parking is located behind the Warden’s House and overflow parking is located across the street in the parking lot next to the walking trail and the Zephyr Theatre/River Grove Elementary.
The handicapped accessible entrance is located behind the house. Guests are welcome to drop off behind the building and park elsewhere as needed.
Contact
For more information, contact Heidi Heinze at 651-439-5956 or heidi.heinze@wchsmn.org
About the Warden’s House Museum:
The Warden’s House opened as a part of the new Minnesota Territorial Prison in 1853. Over time, 13 Warden’s lived in the house until 1914. After that, A superintendent of the Prison, Thomas Ross, and his family lived there until 1941 when the Washington County Historical Society purchase the home from the state and opened it as the second house museum in Minnesota that year. The museum demonstrates the history not only of Stillwater’s infamous prison, but also the history of Washington County.

"Growing Up Wright" with author Lonnie Lovness
2024-05-08 19:00 - 19:30 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Lovness Estate in Grant, Minnesota
Local resident Lonnie Lovness will present the story of her parents Don and Virginia Lovness, who built two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes by hand just west of Stillwater. At the age of four she carried small rocks in a bucket to help as her parents labored long hours, and when the first home was completed in 1957 she moved with them from an old trailer into a work of art.
Wright called them his “Do-it-yourself couple”, and her parents became close to Mrs. Wright and the architects and apprentices at Taliesin over several decades. They were avid proponents of Wright’s philosophies and became noted collectors of Oriental and pre-Columbian art. Don re-created the Midway Garden “sprites”, built Wright-designed furniture, and was instrumental in saving the Francis Little house in Minnetonka. Lonnie’s book “Growing Up Wright” tells the story in 288 pages with over 600 photos.
Her presentation will describe the experience of creating and living in a Wright Usonian home, and the adventures her parents had as owners and “unofficial” members of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Fellowship. A book signing will follow the talk and slide show.
Lonnie Lovness

In-person attendees:
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
Virtual attendees:
Link to WCHS YouTube page

First Prison Warden's Descendant Speaks on His Legacy
2024-05-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Francis Delano

Come and learn about the life and times of the Delanos before, during, and after Francis Roach Delano was appointed the first Warden at the MN territorial prison (1853-1858). Tom Delano, great great grandson of Warden Francis Delano will be giving a presentation about F. R. and Calista Delano at the Warden’s house on Friday, May 10 at 7pm.

See some heirlooms generously donated to the Warden’s House Museum, and hear how the family fits in to America’s history – from the Boston tea party to the New Deal.

This event is free and in-person only at the Warden’s House Museum. No registration is required.

Tom Delano

Mother's Day at the Warden's House
2024-05-12 13:00 - 17:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Calista Delano with her son Lewis (born -1866)

Happy Mother’s Day!
Bring your mother/grandmother/other special mom figure in your life to the Warden’s House Museum and your mom will receive FREE ADMISSION for the tour!
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12 and the Warden’s House Museum tours are at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm.
*Regular tour rates apply for other non-mom guests – $8/adults, $3/ages 6-17

Hay Lake School Spelling Bee
2024-05-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047
Come out to Hay Lake School and test your skills with an old-fashioned spelling bee!
7-7:30pm – Kids Category (students age 9-14)
7:30pm – Adult Category (ages 15 and up)
Free!
Questions? Email Susan Stepka at susan.stepka@wchsmn.org

2024 Stillwater Historic House Tour
2024-05-19 12:00 - 17:00 | MN
****Click here to buy tickets****
Celebrate spring and enjoy beautiful, unique, and historic homes nestled into the hills of Stillwater!
1. Please pick up your tickets on the day of the tour at:
Washington County Heritage Center
1862 Greeley Street South
Stillwater, MN 55082
At will call, we’ll provide you with:

your tickets
a map with all the house addresses
a packet of historical information about each house!

Please bring a photo ID to claim your tickets.
The Washington County Heritage Center will open at 10am on the day of the tour. Tickets cannot be picked up early. This limits the potential for copies being made. We appreciate your patience!

2. Houses may be visited in any order!

3. Transportation is not provided by WCHS, so please plan according to your needs. A few of the houses are close together and can be walked between easily. Others are several blocks apart and we recommend driving to them. All parking is street parking. There is a free public parking lot located across the street from the Warden’s House Museum that you may use when you visit that location.

4. All tour attendees require a ticket, including children of any age. Thank you for understanding!

Rain or shine. All sales are final. Questions? Call 651-439-2298.

WCHS would like to sincerely thank our generous sponsors:
Cates Fine Homes
Darn Knit Anyway
JG Eagleton Trust
Johnny’s TV
June Weddings
Karen Ukura
Linda J Besk, Sotheby’s Real Estate
Rose Floral & Greenhouse
The Tilted Tiki
Valley Booksellers

Preview of houses on the tour

Lovness House (1957)
Located just outside of Stillwater and is a true crown jewel of the tour. The Lovness House is a perfect example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Physically built stone-by-stone by Don and Virginia Lovness in about 1957. Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright originally designed the project, made up of a custom home and guesthouse cottage.
Lonnie Lovness (daughter of Don and Virginia) generously gave a fascinating program on growing up in the Lovness House and the journey her parents took to build it. Watch the talk she gave at the Heritage Center at this link!

6th Street, Proctor House #2 (about 1875)
The well-preserved house still retains typical features of this style, including ionic columns lining the porch and scrolled brackets supporting the cornice, which is emphasized with a dentil molding. The broad porch wraps around the front and side of the house and allows lovely views toward the river, and the distinctive tympanum above the porch entrance remains today. (via Stillwater HPC)

Holcombe Street (1868)
This beautiful Victorian house on Holcombe Street is the only one on the tour that could be yours! Currently on the market after some beautiful renovations, this house keeps its antique charm while having modern functionality.The updated kitchen, adorned with quartz, tile backsplash, and new flooring, merges natural light with a perfect cooking and gathering space. Rich hardwood floors exude warmth, complemented by original woodwork. Vintage charm meets modernity, creating an ideal home. (Zillow)
More info: Link to Zillow Page

Sauntry Mansion (1880)
William Sauntry’s house might be considered a Queen Anne, but was constructed with the enthusiastic use of other architectural style elements, including Eastlake millwork, a mansard-roofed tower common to Italianate villas, and hints of the Gothic in the gable. (via Stillwater HPC)

1st Street North (1860s)
Unlike any other house in Stillwater, this “estate” has the full complement of supplementary buildings: chicken house, barn, wagon shed, outhouse–practical remnants of what would have been found on the properties of many Nineteenth Century Stillwater homes.Today, the “new” guardian of the property, Melanie Ebertz, follows the Berg sisters striving to preserve and protect the old house and its full complement of outbuildings, while trying at the same time adapting them to the Twenty-First Century.

4th Street, Proctor House #1 (1860)
*The reason this is a picture of the driveway is that this is the first view that House Tour guests will see, and we want everyone to know where to enter!John and Caroline Proctor are associated with two distinguished homes in Stillwater. The first, this 1850s Greek Revival, perches above the city, one of the very earliest remaining homes in Stillwater. Set back from the street and well above street level, with the outer edges of the lot screened by foliage, the home appears quite secluded today, but would have been a distinctive and highly visible building at the time of construction. The lovely front entrance with its straight staircase, double columns and elegant tympanum has been preserved well and is a distinguishing feature. Numerous additions at the rear of the home likely more than doubled the original size of the house; some were completed by 1888 and others are more recent. (via Stillwater HPC)

Aurora Staples Inn (1892)
The architecture is unique to the Boom Town Period which is seen in different types of wood used throughout the home. You will find bird’s eye maple, pine, oak, ornate inlaid flooring and wood carvings featuring Isaac Staples signature oak leaves and acorns around the fireplaces and doors. There are leaded glass windows, wood & coal burning fireplaces, pocket doors, a servant’s stair case. Originally, the kitchen was in the basement & the third level was a ballroom. A beautiful open staircase leads to four guest rooms. There are flower gardens in back and a Carriage House, which is renovated and made into a guest suite. The St. Croix Suite was Aurora’s bedroom until 1924, Her original dresser is still there and her bed is currently in the Gallery Room. (via Aurora Staples Inn)More info:https://aurorastaplesinn.com/

Washington County Historic Courthouse (1860)
Located high on the hill overlooking downtown Stillwater, the Washington County Historic Courthouse is the longest standing courthouse in the state of Minnesota, serving as the county seat for over 100 years. (via Historic Courthouse) The Historic Courthouse recently underwent a massive renovation and House Tour guests will be among the first guests to see it!More info: https://www.co.washington.mn.us/2204/Historic-Courthouse

Warden’s House Museum (1853)
The Warden’s House Museum was built in 1853 as the residence of the Minnesota Territorial Prison warden. Over the next six decades, there were thirteen wardens that lived in the house until 1914 when the prison moved to its present site in Bayport.
After 1914, a Deputy Warden or Superintendent of the prison used the old Warden’s House. In 1941, the State of Minnesota sold the house to the Washington County Historical Society and it was opened as the second house museum in the state in June 1941.
The museum consists of 14 rooms decorated in the late 19th and early 20th century style. Many rooms are like that of a upper middle class Victorian household while other rooms house exhibits showcasing Washington County history such as the lumber industry, the 1965 St. Croix Valley Flood, and of course, the Old Stillwater Prison.

Black & White Movie Night: His Girl Friday
2024-06-05 19:00 | Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
A classic! Settle into the Washington County Heritage Center for a showing of “His Girl Friday” (1940), a screwball comedy starring Cary Grant.

Grant stars as Walter Burns, a workaholic editor for a New York newspaper. Walter’s ex-wife Hildy (Rosalind Russell), a star reporter for the paper, enters his office and not only tells him she’s quitting her job, but she has plans to marry bland insurance man Bruce Baldwin the very next day in Albany. Shocked and distraught, Walter does everything to delay Hildy’s trip and show her that Bruce is not worthy of her hand in marriage. Appealing to her hard-hitting journalism prowess, Walter convinces her to stay on for one last story – the upcoming execution of Earl Williams, a shy bookkeeper accused of murder.

Steve Schroer will provide an educational introduction to the film and will be available for discussion following the showing.

17th Annual Beer Tasting at Hay Lake School
2024-06-15 16:00 - 19:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047
For seventeen years, this event has become the keystone fundraiser for the Washington County Historical Society. This year the breweries attending are Bent Brewstillery, Bent Paddle Brewery, Castle Danger, Lift Bridge Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Summit Brewery, Rustic Roots winery and more!
The beer is just a part of it; in addition, there will be a silent auction that includes tickets to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, tickets to a St. Paul Saints baseball game, movie passes from Woodbury 10 Theater, four green fees from Marsh Oaks Golf Course and signed items from the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. There is much, much more!
Extra excitement will be the vintage baseball at the Lions Park next to the Hay Lake School. Vintage Baseball, played by the rules of 1860, will start at 2pm and go until 4pm. The reigning Minnesota Vintage Baseball champions, the St. Croix Base Ball Club, will be playing against several other clubs for the enjoyment and education of the crowds that will be there. No cost to attend the games, just bring your own chair and enjoy the event.
Admission to the event is $20 per person and participants must be 21 years or older. All proceeds from this event benefit the Washington County Historical Society.
The Hay Lake School was constructed of brick in 1896 and held classes until 1963. After that, the Washington County Historical Society purchased the school in 1978 and has been a public museum ever since. The school is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Hay Lake School Museum & Johannes Erickson Log House Museum are located at 14020 195th St N, Marine on St Croix, MN 55047.
Please contact Susan Stepka at Susan.stepka@wchsmn.org or 651-433-4014 with any questions regarding this event or to schedule a tour of the museum.

Free Father's Day at the Warden's House Museum
2024-06-16 13:00 - 17:00 | Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater, MN, 55082, United States
Happy Father’s Day!
Bring your father/grandfather/other special dad figure in your life to the Warden’s House Museum and your favorite guy will receive FREE ADMISSION for the tour!
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16 and the Warden’s House Museum tours are at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm.
*Regular tour rates apply for other non-dad guests – $8/adults, $3/ages 6-17

"Scandia softball: past and present" with Dan Lindgren
2024-07-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Hay Lake School, 14020 195th St N, Marine on St. Croix, MN, 55047
Greg Benson, second from left, was inducted to the Minnesota Hall of Fame. In the 1990s Greg’s three sons Mike, Josh, and Ryan Benson playing in the Minnesota State Tournament. From left, Mike, Greg, Josh, and Ryan. Photo courtesy of Dan Lindgren
Play ball!
Dan Lindgren, Forest Lake High School grad and full-time player on Scandia’s fastpitch softball teams from 1980 to 2000, will be presenting all things Scandia softball!
Learn the stories about local legends like,” dominant arm of Jim Lindberg,” the “powerful bat of Greg Benson (Lester’s son),” and how Greg Isaacson “led his team to a state title in 1987, a year that included Scandia’s first trip to a national tournament.” (quotes taken from Dan’s recent article in the Forest Lake Times.
Check out the article here!
The event will be held either inside Hay Lake School or outside on the lawn, depending on weather. See you there!
