Early days in Meeker County, MN, are recalled in this spiral bound booklet a reprint of the rare 1937 book: Meeker County History, edited by Frank B. Lamson under the guidance of the Meeker County Historical Society. We've also included an excerpt from the WPA's Minnesota, a State Guide, a 1938 publication. The 41-page 11" x 8 1/2" booklet, is printed on 60# paper. A vinyl sheet protects the front cover. Because of the larger size, each page of our book contains 2 pages from the original books. The book begins with a biography of Magnus Johnson, a prominent political figure from the county, followed by a genealogy of the Dorman family, one of which was an early settler in Kingston town. Other Kingston topics followed: Kingston citizenship, the Swedish Settlement, South Kingston Mission Church, the Finnish Settlement (by Ray Maikkula), the Sauna (Finnish Steam Bath), Kingston Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church, Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church, Old Cemeteries, Kingston Town and Village, the J.B. Salisbury family, Mark Cates, Adam Brower, Early Records, Mills, Schools, Cyclones, the Olson Studio, James McGannon, Notable Dates, Nystrom's Rock Garden, Riverside Chick Hatchery, the Square Deal Egg Association, Creameries, Elections, a bank Robbery, etc.. Forest City Township topics include: a history of Forest City town and Village, pioneers (1836-1868), early businesses, mills, St. Gertrude Catholic Church, Ostmark Lutheran Church, Schools, Forst City Creamery, etc. Forest Prairie Township topics include Pioneers, the Village of Watkins (by E.J. McCarthy), the Church of St. Anthony, the Watkins Creamery, etc. Kimball's history, written by Don B. Brower, is followed by Kimball Schools. Then there's a history of Darwin and Darwin town and Village, Briar Cliff, St. John's Church, Darwin Creamery, Farmer's State Bank, etc. Photographs and advertisements are scattered throughout, and there is also a list of sponsors. This is followed by bios of J.E. Matsen, Harry W. Christenson, Einar A. Anderson, Elton K. Ramsey, and George W. Hannula. The WPA book gives a nostalgic glimpse from a 1941 vantage point, including interesting historical notes, especially as they relate to sightseeing possibilities in Litchfield and the surrounding area.


