441 North Park Drive, Morton, MN 56270 [email protected] 507.697.6147

Honor Roll of World War I: Renville County

Compiled by Linda Balk, Research Librarian. Editor’s Note: The soldiers’ names in red have their local American Legion post named for them. We have not found any name on the Buffalo Lake Legion to date. “Sixty-nine graves many… Read More

58 County Boys Give Their Lives in World War II

Published in the Buffalo Lake News on July 4, 1946 12 Men From Eastern Renville County Made Supreme Sacrifice in the Second World War. The first consolidated list of Army dead and missing in World War II –… Read More

Social Media Avenues

Due to Governor Walz’s Stay at Home order the Executive Director, Nicole Elzenga, has been working from home. During this time period organizations have been posting more frequently on their social media avenues to share artifacts, photographs, stories,… Read More

Fire Destroys Public School Building Last Wednesday Night published in the Bird Island Union March 9, 1916

Had a Good Start before Discovered–22 Below Temp Weather and Dep Snow Hampers Firemen–School to Resume Work Monday Morning. The Birds Island Public school building was totally destroyed by fire last Wednesday night. The fire was discovered by… Read More

DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HERE SATURDAY

Published in the Morton Enterprise on February 4, 1916. Madison Basket Shooters will Endeavor to Lessen Morton’s Chances in District Championship Contest Local basketball fans are becoming intensely nervous in anticipation of the fast game to be played… Read More

Bird Island Turned Down…Supreme Court of Minnesota Decides Her Petition an Illegal One… Published in the Olivia Times on August 2, 1900.

The Supreme Court, by its decision on the 2nd of August, 1900, has turned the Bird Island petition down, holding in its decision that the Board of County Commissioners had no jurisdiction to act upon the said petition… 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

Letter from Alma Kienlen, Fairfax Standard, 12-26-1918

Darling mother: Several days have slipped by and I haven’t written any letters. Have been waiting to hear from you. Received your letter yesterday written Oct. 8th, so guess I’m getting my mail a bit more regular. Hope… Read More

Letter from Howard C. Olson, Bird Island Union, 11-28-1918

Paragraphs taken from letters written Oct. 17 and 26 by Howard C. Olson, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Olson Somewhere in France, Sat. Oct. 26, 1918 Dear Mother and Father: This is Saturday morning and am… Read More

Thrilling Account of Aeroplane Trip, Renville Star Farmer, 9-26-1918

Renville Boy Now Located in Southern Camp Describes The Sensation of Sailing Above the Clouds Montgomery, Ala., Sept. 9, ‘18 Dear Mother: Well, were you able to read my last letter? Am afraid it was put together kind… Read More