441 North Park Drive, Morton, MN 56270 info@renvillecountyhistory.com 507.697.6147

Preserving Renville County’s History since 1940!

The Renville County Historical Society seeks donations for their Shelving and Archival Boxes Fund to preserve local history. They utilize acid-free archival boxes from Gaylord, ensuring long-term preservation. Additionally, specific shelving and everyday supplies are needed for museum operations. Donations and purchases can be made via specified links or checks.

Wilkinson honored for World War I Duty

Published in the Redwood Gazette November 11, 1993, written by staff writer Vicki L. Gerdes FRANKLIN – Seventy-five years ago today, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an historic treaty… Read More

Martin-Jensen Post Organized published in the Franklin Tribune 12-4-1919

Local American Legion Post Now Numbers More than Thirty-five and Growing! The Franklin Post of the American Legion, Martin-Jensen Post No. 308, is rapidly growing into a strong organization and before long will include all of the servicemen… Read More

American Legion and Its Purposes published in the Franklin Tribune September 18, 1919

Object of Soldier Organization is to Foster Americanism and Support Constitution. During the past few weeks, there has been some talk of organizing a post of the American Legion at Franklin but no action has so far been… Read More

We NEED Renville County School Yearbooks (Annuals)! UPDATED 1/06/2026

The Renville County Historical Society needs your help to add to the Research Library’s Yearbook Collection. Yearbooks, platbooks, and phonebooks are key pieces of preserving the history of who lived in the area and when.

Memories of a Coach: How Franklin Changed by Life by Coach Ron Eickhoff

BY Coach Ron Eickhoff I had never heard of Franklin, MN, when I was job-searching after graduating from St. Cloud State in 1960. Then I got a phone call from H.A. Mahler, Superintendent at Franklin.  We agreed to… Read More

War Fund Campaign, Bird Island Union, 12-12-1918

Report by Districts We give below a synopsis of the report of Renville County’s United War Fund Campaign. G. O. Bergan, Captain Sacred Heart District, cash $6084.50, pledged $4176.25, allotment $10,224.00 subscribed $10,260.75. Dr. A. M. Erickson, Captain… Read More

Bert Martin Writes, Franklin Tribune, 11-28-1918

Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Martin were on Tuesday greatly relieved of anxiety when they received a letter from their son, Bert, who several weeks ago was reported as missing in action, the letter stating that he was… Read More

Letter From Florense Grimes, Franklin Tribune, 11-14-1918

On Active Service, Oct. 6, 1918 Franklin Tribune, Just received a Tribune today, the second one since I arrived and I guess it reminded me that it’s some time since I wrote. I read it until I know… Read More

Julius H. Jenson, Hector Mirror, 11-14-1918

Julius H. Jenson was born Jan. 9, 1892, the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Jenson. He was a graduate of the Franklin High School in 1910 and taught school a few years, one term being in… Read More