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.

Marilyn Betty Jacobson marries Harvey William Vosika on November 21, 1959

Published in the Sacred Heart News on December 10, 1959, is the following about the wedding. Marilyn’s family donated her wedding dress and veil to RCHS March 2021. Marilyn Jacobson and Harvey Vosika wed November 21             The… Read More

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 Brownton1932 Buffalo Lake Glencoe1933 Brownton Norwood1934… Read More

We NEED Renville County School Yearbooks (Annuals)! UPDATED 11/09/2025

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.

Soldiers, Sailors, Marines published in the Sacred Heart Journal Sept 12, 1919

Will hold a meeting in the Village hall Monday, Sept. 22 at 8 o’clock for the purpose of organizing a post of the American Legion. Editor’s Note: The Sacred Heart Post # 229 is named for Joseph Viken… 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

Died at Training Camp, Renville Star Farmer, 11-14-1918

Odeon Swieven Passed Away October 25th in Georgia It is said and being so sudden, is doubly distressing to the family and friends when a young life is snatched from us. Odeon Sweiven, son of Mr. and Mrs…. Read More

Funeral of Lieut F L Hammerstrand, Renville County Journal, 11-8-1918

The funeral services of Lieut. Frank L. Hammerstrand were held Thursday afternoon, Oct. 24 at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew G. Hammerstrand, on South Washington Street. A quartette composed of Misses Edna Larson and… Read More

LARGE DRAFT ENTRAINS TODAY: Half of Number to go to Camp Cody and Balance to Camp Forest, GA – Late Registrants Included. Olivia Times 10-24-1918

No Public Reception Will be Held on Account of the Influenza Epidemic. Bird Island: Lloyd L. Battershell, Warren J. Gallery, Carl Heinzelman, Vincent Hurley, Engvald Johnson, Frank R. Karp, Edward A. Kenning, John Neumann, Gust Olinger, Leonard Selle,… Read More

Many Deaths From Influenza, Olivia Times, 10-10-1918

Many Deaths of Renville County People in Army Camps and Among Civilians: Four Funerals at Hector – Mother and Son at Renville Die a Few Hours Apart and are Buried Together Great anxiety is caused over the rapid… Read More