This publication was shared by Rick Bonlender, Economic Development Professions of the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission on 1/28/2021. He requested anyone to feel free to use it as a template to write up your own Op-ed and post/circulate in your area.
In the small towns of Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar, residents are deeply invested in their communities. Many return home to find work and start a family after graduating college, while others choose to stay local after retirement. Meanwhile, civic groups, entrepreneurs and city officials are actively engaged in these communities—each of which depends on central commercial districts as a magnet to bring people together. Whether it’s a local cultural center, treasured coffee shop, or family-owned restaurant, small businesses are at the heart of Bird Island, Olivia, Willmar, and other small towns like them.
Over the past year, these small businesses have been severely tested. Foot traffic is down, funding is scarce and local entrepreneurs are hurting. Yet, throughout the pandemic, Main Street groups have been—and continue to be—a critical lifeline, helping to direct local businesses to grants and other resources, guiding them through COVID-safe operations, and continuing to work toward a long-term vision of economic development for each community’s downtown. These groups leverage the support of the nationwide Main Street America network and the Main Street approach, which empowers communities to transform their economies, leverage local leadership, and improve overall quality of life. Today, Main Street programs like those in Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar are vital—now more than ever.
In Olivia, for example, the local Main Street group is playing a pivotal role in the effort to find new buyers for Master’s Coffee Shop, which was a downtown staple for decades before it closed for good in December. Master’s is important not only because it is the sole dining option in downtown Olivia, but also for its time-honored role as a beloved community gathering place. While the owners had been trying to sell the business for years, the economic toll of the pandemic was the final straw. With the help of Olivia Main Street, the owners have already found a potential buyer and are in the process of negotiating a deal.
Meanwhile, Willmar’s Main Street group also remains focused on economic development—even as it assists businesses with the pressing concerns of the pandemic, like navigating grant options and applying for funding. Over the past year, Willmar Main Street has continued the downtown assessment it began in 2020, albeit with modifications. Through virtual focus groups with stakeholders, Willmar Main Street is quickly identifying a priority for downtown development: creating more green space. Before the state had even begun to shut down indoor dining last spring, Willmar was already at work creating outdoor seating options on sidewalks and street parking spots. The energy that effort generated continues to inspire their work. Willmar Main Street will begin exploring solutions for a more permanent green space downtown, ideally with a playground and other amenities to attract families.
Long-term planning has also continued in Bird Island, where the Main Street group is working to repurpose a shuttered elementary school that occupies a full city block near the heart of downtown. Along with a devoted group of community members, Bird Island is trying to save the building from demolition, transform part of the property into open space and find local entrepreneurs to occupy the remaining structure. Through that project, Bird Island Main Street built a network of community members who are committed to downtown revitalization—and that group was a critical asset in December, when the town had to pivot its traditional “Olde Fashioned Christmas” celebration, typically held indoors at a local bank. Working with the residents, the city’s cultural center and a family-owned B&B, Bird Island Main Street was able to host the event outdoors on the B&B’s circle driveway.
These examples demonstrate just a few of the ways Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar Main Street groups serve as a vital support for small businesses and the community—both in response to the pandemic and in ensuring long-term economic development. While Main Street groups provide fundamental assistance to local businesses, these communities are still at risk. Too often, small businesses are overlooked in favor of big-box stores and online retailers that have greater resources at their disposal. Yet the entrepreneurs that make local communities special are also a powerful economic force—employing nearly half the workers in Minnesota.
State and local elected officials are the next—and last—line of defense in protecting Minnesota’s small businesses, the people they employ, and the beloved downtowns they sustain. In future budget negotiations, lawmakers must recognize that recovery depends on Main Street groups and the small businesses they support. Cutting funding for such programs would be a grave mistake, resulting in lost jobs and reductions to state and local revenue. Before, during, and after the pandemic, Main Streets have proven themselves to be an essential partner to downtown businesses—and those small businesses are essential to the recovery of Willmar, Bird Island, Olivia, and other communities like them.
Sincerely,
Rick Bonlender, economic development professional, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission; Mark Glesener, director, Bird Island Main Street; Susie Lang, director, Olivia Main Street; and Sarah Swedburg, director, Willmar Main Street
Posted: September 16, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Renville County Township & City Dates
Townships of Renville County information from History of Renville County 1916 Volume II
Cities of Renville County information compiled by county.
Bird Island was incorporated in 1881
Buffalo Lake was incorporated in 1891
Danube was incorporated in 1901 first call Miles
Fairfax incorporated 1888
Franklin incorporated 1888
Hector incorporated 1881
Morton incorporated1884
Olivia incorporated1881
Renville incorporated 1881
Sacred Heart was incorporated in 1883
If you have information to add to this article please email Nicole director@renvillecountyhistory.com
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Posted: July 9, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
J.M. Bowler excerpt from the History of Renville County Volume II: 1916
J.M. Bowler was born in Lee, Main, on July 10, 1838. Educated in common schools, Lee Academy and Westbrook Seminary. Worked on his father’s farm, in his store and lumber camps. Taught country school in Lee in 1855 and Falmouth in 1856. Came west in March 1857. Taught school in Hales Corners and Lynn, Wisconsin, and McGregor, Iowa. Came to St. Anthony Falls, Minnesota, in April 1859, taught school several times in Nininger and Grey Cloud. Carried a Torch in the Wide Awakes, and voted for Abraham Lincoln for President in 1860. Enlisted in Company E, First Minn. Vol. Inf. in April 1861, and was discharged up the re-organization of the regiment for the three years service. Enlisted as private in Company F., Third Regiment Minnesota, Inf. Vols., Sept. 23, 1861; was promoted to corporal and sergeant, and in October 1862, was commissioned Second Lieutenant and December 1, 1862, captain of the company and served as such until April 1, 1865; was commission Major of 113th U.S.C.T. and was mustered out with the regiment April 9, 1866. Was on detached service at different times as a member of the General Court Martial, Military Commission, and Post Adjutant on the staff of General C.C. Andrews at Little Rock, Ark., and was also appointed assistant general superintendent of Freedman’s Bureau for the same district. Major General Reynolds offered to recommend him for second lieutenant’s commission in the regular army. He declined the office, preferring to return to his home in Minnesota. November 30, 1862, married Lizzie S. Caleff at Nininger, Minnesota. She and their daughter, Victoria, were with him during his stay at Jacksonport, Ark. After leaving the army, he taught school several terms at Nininger and Hampton and followed farming until he moved to Minneapolis, October 1901. Besides he was in the farm machinery business at Bird Island for a short time and for a few years traveling collection agent for the Northwestern Manufacturing and Car Company of Stillwater and Minneapolis. Harvestor Company, Minneapolis.
He worked two summers as a right-of-way agent for Chicago, Great Western Railroad Company. At different times held various town and school district offices; was representative in the legislature of 1878, speaker’s clerk during the session of 1891, and State Dairy and Food commission two years under Governor Lind. Was a nominee for Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket with Governor Lind in 1896 and 1898; also for Railroad Commissioner on Democratic State ticket in 1902. As an earnest friend of good government—government of, for, and by the people–has always taken a lively interest in politics and never missed an opportunity to vote at elections. Since coming to Minneapolis in 1901 has done some business in real estate and insurance. In 1881 and 1882 was editor of the newspaper, the Bird Island Blizzard.
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Posted: February 12, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
The Importance of Main Streets: Bird Island, Olivia and Willmar FINAL
This publication was shared by Rick Bonlender, Economic Development Professions of the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission on 1/28/2021. He requested anyone to feel free to use it as a template to write up your own Op-ed and post/circulate in your area.
In the small towns of Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar, residents are deeply invested in their communities. Many return home to find work and start a family after graduating college, while others choose to stay local after retirement. Meanwhile, civic groups, entrepreneurs and city officials are actively engaged in these communities—each of which depends on central commercial districts as a magnet to bring people together. Whether it’s a local cultural center, treasured coffee shop, or family-owned restaurant, small businesses are at the heart of Bird Island, Olivia, Willmar, and other small towns like them.
Over the past year, these small businesses have been severely tested. Foot traffic is down, funding is scarce and local entrepreneurs are hurting. Yet, throughout the pandemic, Main Street groups have been—and continue to be—a critical lifeline, helping to direct local businesses to grants and other resources, guiding them through COVID-safe operations, and continuing to work toward a long-term vision of economic development for each community’s downtown. These groups leverage the support of the nationwide Main Street America network and the Main Street approach, which empowers communities to transform their economies, leverage local leadership, and improve overall quality of life. Today, Main Street programs like those in Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar are vital—now more than ever.
In Olivia, for example, the local Main Street group is playing a pivotal role in the effort to find new buyers for Master’s Coffee Shop, which was a downtown staple for decades before it closed for good in December. Master’s is important not only because it is the sole dining option in downtown Olivia, but also for its time-honored role as a beloved community gathering place. While the owners had been trying to sell the business for years, the economic toll of the pandemic was the final straw. With the help of Olivia Main Street, the owners have already found a potential buyer and are in the process of negotiating a deal.
Meanwhile, Willmar’s Main Street group also remains focused on economic development—even as it assists businesses with the pressing concerns of the pandemic, like navigating grant options and applying for funding. Over the past year, Willmar Main Street has continued the downtown assessment it began in 2020, albeit with modifications. Through virtual focus groups with stakeholders, Willmar Main Street is quickly identifying a priority for downtown development: creating more green space. Before the state had even begun to shut down indoor dining last spring, Willmar was already at work creating outdoor seating options on sidewalks and street parking spots. The energy that effort generated continues to inspire their work. Willmar Main Street will begin exploring solutions for a more permanent green space downtown, ideally with a playground and other amenities to attract families.
Long-term planning has also continued in Bird Island, where the Main Street group is working to repurpose a shuttered elementary school that occupies a full city block near the heart of downtown. Along with a devoted group of community members, Bird Island is trying to save the building from demolition, transform part of the property into open space and find local entrepreneurs to occupy the remaining structure. Through that project, Bird Island Main Street built a network of community members who are committed to downtown revitalization—and that group was a critical asset in December, when the town had to pivot its traditional “Olde Fashioned Christmas” celebration, typically held indoors at a local bank. Working with the residents, the city’s cultural center and a family-owned B&B, Bird Island Main Street was able to host the event outdoors on the B&B’s circle driveway.
These examples demonstrate just a few of the ways Bird Island, Olivia, and Willmar Main Street groups serve as a vital support for small businesses and the community—both in response to the pandemic and in ensuring long-term economic development. While Main Street groups provide fundamental assistance to local businesses, these communities are still at risk. Too often, small businesses are overlooked in favor of big-box stores and online retailers that have greater resources at their disposal. Yet the entrepreneurs that make local communities special are also a powerful economic force—employing nearly half the workers in Minnesota.
State and local elected officials are the next—and last—line of defense in protecting Minnesota’s small businesses, the people they employ, and the beloved downtowns they sustain. In future budget negotiations, lawmakers must recognize that recovery depends on Main Street groups and the small businesses they support. Cutting funding for such programs would be a grave mistake, resulting in lost jobs and reductions to state and local revenue. Before, during, and after the pandemic, Main Streets have proven themselves to be an essential partner to downtown businesses—and those small businesses are essential to the recovery of Willmar, Bird Island, Olivia, and other communities like them.
Sincerely,
Rick Bonlender, economic development professional, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission; Mark Glesener, director, Bird Island Main Street; Susie Lang, director, Olivia Main Street; and Sarah Swedburg, director, Willmar Main Street
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Posted: February 8, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Basketball Results Prior to 1960
Found in the scrapbook for the 1960-1961 Danube Hawks basketball, belonging to Rod Black was a none dated clipping listing the basketball results from 1931-1959.
Year —- Champion —– Runnerup
1931 Glencoe Brownton
1932 Buffalo Lake Glencoe
1933 Brownton Norwood
1934 Glencoe Hutchinson
1935 Glencoe Hutchinson
1936 Hutchinson Norwood
1937 Hutchingson Glencoe
1938 Lester Prairie Olivia
1939 Hutchinson Lester Prairie
1940 Glencoe Norwood
1941 Lester Prairie Olivia
1942 Olivia Hutchinson
1943 Hutchinson Norwood
1944 Brownton Hutchinson
1945 Hutchinson Brownton
1946 Hutchinson Buffalo Lake
1947 Hutchinson Glencoe
1948 Hutchinson Brownton
1949 Brownton Olivia
1950 Hutchinson Glencoe
1951 Glencoe Sacred Heart
1952 Glencoe Hector
1953 Renville Bird Island
1954 Renville Buffalo Lake
1955 Renville Sacred Heart
1956 Hutchinson Buffalo Lake
1957 Olivia Hector
1958 Brownton Olivia
1959 Renville Olivia
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Posted: January 7, 2021 by Renville County Historical Society Leave a Comment
Editor Ploof Succumbs published in the Danube Enterprise Thursday, December 1, 1960
John K. Ploof, 65, editor and publisher of the Danube Enterprise and a former editor of the Bird Island Union was laid to rest Monday, Nov. 28, 1960.
Mr. Ploof passed away at the Renville County Hospital in Olivia, Friday, Nov. 25. In failing health for the past several years, he entered the hospital Wednesday evening. He underwent an emergency operation for bleeding ulcers about midnight Thursday. He developed heart complications and died about 7:30 Friday morning.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island. Father Thomas Ploof of Rochester, a cousin of the deceased officiated at the Requiem Mass. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bird Island. Present also at the Mass were Msgr. George Rolwes of New Ulm, a former pastor of St. Mary’s and friend of the Ploof family, and Father Mark Otto, pastor of St. Mary’s.
Survivors left to mourn his death include widow, Ann; 3 sons, Robert of Chaska; John of Shakopee, and Kenneth of St. Louis Park; 5 daughters, Mrs. Adrian (Germaine) Weis; Mrs. Frank (Joan) Undesser, Jr. of Bird Island; Mrs. ARlyn (Eileen) Janke, of Hector; Mrs. Stewart (Lois) Holt of St. Cloud and Patricia of Minneapolis, 13 grandchildren; brother, Howard Ploof of Warroad, 3 sisters, Mrs. L.E. Alberts of Spring Valley; Mrs. John Johnson of Spring Valley; and Mrs. A.C. Ward of Lake Crystal. One daughter, La Vonne died in 1937 at the age of 9 months.
Pallbearers were : Ed Jungers, Ruben Ruehle, Bennie Maier, Al Ringness, Al Schnieder and Ben Neubauer.
Renville County Editors were honorary pallbearers. Those in attendance were: Vern Pushing, Olivia, Fred and Ed Schiere of Fairfax, Gene Hall of Franklin, U.T. Licklider of Renville, Jay Lighter of Sacred Heart, Garland Hubin of Buffalo Lake, Willard DeGroat of the Hector Mirror, and Art Noecker of Bird Island.
Glesener Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Ploof was born May 14, 1895, at Wykoff, Minnesota, the son of the late William E. and Margaret (Baumgartner) Ploof. He attended school and began his newspaper career in Wykoff at a very early age, working for a newspaper that set all its type by hand. At the age of 13, he was already enrolled as a member of the Minnesota Editorial Assn., now known as the Minnesota Newspaper Assn. He was awarded a 50-year pin in that organization in 1958.
In 1914, Mr. Ploof began his career as a linotype operator in the employment of the Fairfax Standard, then owned by his older brother and a partner. He was also employed as a printer-operator in Iowa for a time.
He enlisted in the Army in June 1916 and from November 1918 to August 1919 was with the army of occupation at Coblenz, Germany. He was a Linotype operator at the Osakis Review from 1919 to 1921, then worked for the Alexandria Citizen-News until 1922 when he became advertising manager of the Bird Island Union. In 1924 he became publisher of the Bird Island Union, which he published for 22 years.
In 1946 Mr. Ploof sold the UNION and for a short time held a traveling sales job. In that same year, he was called to take the helm of the Morton Enterprise after the publisher suffered a heart attack. After leasing the paper a few months, Mr. Ploof purchased the Morton Enterprise which he operated for a number of years. In 1953 he moved the publication to Danube where he published the Danube Enterprise until his death.
In addition to spending his entire life in the printing and publishing profession, most of the couple’s children and at least one son-in-law learned the trade under Mr. Ploof’s guidance. Two sons, Robert and Kenneth have followed the trade and are presently employed as linotype operators at Minneapolis Suburban Newspapers, Inc., Hopkins, Minn.
John K. Ploof and Anna T. Brunner were married Sept. 18, 1923 at Fairfax and the couple made their home in this village (Bird Island) their entire married life. All of their children graduated from St. Mary’s Schools.
A World War I veteran, Mr. Ploof, with many years of service including overseas duty, was elected three times as commander and adjutant of the Bird Island Legion Post No. 430, as well as serving in the top position in the Osakis Post No. 111.
He was a member of the National Editorial Association, the Minnesota Newspaper Association, as well as the 7th District and Renville County Editorial Associations.
From 1923 to 1928 he was athletic coach at St Mary’s High School in Bird Island. During his first year as coach, his team qualified for the first state Catholic High School basketball tournament, where the team defeated St. Anne’s of LeSaeur 26 to 4. Ploof’s team of “Four Brothers” (four Baumgartners) as it was called emerged victorious in their second game as well, downing St. Mary’s of Waverly 24 to 7, but were defeated in the semifinals.
Mr. Ploof was also a great baseball enthusiast and was one of the organizers of the Bird Island Civic and Commerce Assn. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and also had been a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of the Renville County Fair Assn. for many years, and was presently serving as first Vice-President. He also served as mayor of Bird Island at one time.
Many friends and former residents of the community came from Minneapolis, Chaska, St. Cloud, Benson, Fairfax, and other towns to pay their last respects and attend the funerals services of the widely known publisher.
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