Elk River by Debra J. Mortensen (English) Paperback Book

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Fur trade posts were established along the Upper Mississippi River between St. Anthony and St. Cloud during the first part of the 19th century. One of these trading posts was established by Pierre Bottineau on the bluffs just north of the mouth of the Elk River between Orono (upper town) and Elk River (lower town) in 1850. As the fur trade slowed, the logging industry took over and numerous sawmills sprung up along the rivers. Ard Godfrey, well known in the milling industry, established the first mill in Orono in 1851. As the township of Elk River grew, the population jumped from 7 people in 1849 to 134 in 1857. Ponds and gullies were drained and filled to make room for more businesses. In Elk River, learn about the Civil War soldiers, the dynamiting of the Blind Pig Saloon, the murder of Deputy Sheriff Ed Foley, devastating fires, and the Boxcar Murder, told through pictures and newspaper clippings.

FORMATPaperback LANGUAGEEnglish CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

Fur trade posts were established along the Upper Mississippi River between St. Anthony and St. Cloud during the first part of the 19th century. One of these trading posts was established by Pierre Bottineau on the bluffs just north of the mouth of the Elk River between Orono (upper town) and Elk River (lower town) in 1850. As the fur trade slowed, the logging industry took over and numerous sawmills sprung up along the rivers. Ard Godfrey, well known in the milling industry, established the first mill in Orono in 1851. As the township of Elk River grew, the population jumped from 7 people in 1849 to 134 in 1857. Ponds and gullies were drained and filled to make room for more businesses. In Elk River, learn about the Civil War soldiers, the dynamiting of the Blind Pig Saloon, the murder of Deputy Sheriff Ed Foley, devastating fires, and the Boxcar Murder, told through pictures and newspaper clippings.

Author Biography

Debra J. Mortensen is a commissioner on the Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission and a member of both the Sherburne County History Center and the Minnesota Historical Society. She has participated in living history reenactments throughout Minnesota since 1993.

Review Text

Title: Elk River newcomer works to perserve history Author: Jim Boyle Publisher: Star News Date: 4/22/2010 When Debra J. Mortensen arrived in Elk River six years ago, this history buff would love to have dived head-first into a good book to familiarize herself with the town she now called home. When she didn't find one, she did the next best thing she could think of: She joined the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC), and began her exploration that way. This living history re-enactor and self-appointed family genealogist took to local history like it was her own. In a short time, she has unearthed much of Elk River's past and done her best to preserve what she has come across. She now realizes preservation has not always been a priority of this community. "I want to preserve what's left," she says. "At least put up a good fight." No matter the outcome of that battle, this Crystal native has torn down the first challenge she encountered in her attempt to quench her thirst for history. She has written a book on Elk River's history. It's part of the "Images of America" series published by Arcadia Publishing. Readers of this newspaper may recall books from this series being completed on the Rogers area and Otsego. The first one was written by Paulie Skaja-Bell of Rogers, and the second one was by Skaja-Bell and Chris Wilson. Skaja-Bell has a desire to see more communities complete these projects. She came before the Elk River HPC to share her books and offer her advice. Knowing there wasn't a budget, Mortensen volunteered her services and the City of Elk River covered most of her expenses. "History has always been my thing," Mortensen said. "It's in my DNA." Skaja-Bell gave both advice and encouragement. At least until Mortensen's passion took over. Even as a little girl Mortensen can remember the passion she had for history. When she wasn't joining her friends for all the typical pretend play, she pretended to be a pioneer. She loved history in school, too. And if she wasn't hooked already, she became even more passionate in college when she took a family history class. Researching her own family has uncovered little details about her family that she finds fascinating. The red hair, red highlights and freckles that run through her family tree can be traced back to enlistment papers from the Civil War. She has been doing family genealogy since 1972. The Internet has made it easier, but the old-fashioned style of research that calls for digging up actual documents appeals most to Mortensen. She has hunkered down in history centers in both Stearns and Blue Earth counties as well as the cities of Rochester and Mankato. She has learned of seven ancestors who served in the American Revolution and another five in the Civil War. Her family has also served in World War II and the Korean War. Along the way Mortensen has developed in her only daughter, Savant, now 27, a strong interest in history as well. The two have shared a similar passion that has brought them closer throughout their lives. "You need to know where you come from to know who you really are," said Savant. Mortensen, who has been involved in two of the Heritage Festivals that were put on in Elk River, now applies her passion to Elk River history. She has completed the first book, and is already considering writing another. Mortensen has made her living - and supported the costs associated with her interest in history - mostly in the field of records management. She completed degree programs in legal assistance and human services from North Hennepin Community College and Metropolitan State University. Someday she wo

Details ISBN0738577200 Author Debra J. Mortensen Language English ISBN-10 0738577200 ISBN-13 9780738577203 Media Book Format Paperback Series Images of America (Arcadia Publishing) DEWEY 977.6 Illustrations Yes Short Title ELK RIVER Year 2010 Publication Date 2010-04-21 Imprint Arcadia Publishing Country of Publication United States AU Release Date 2010-04-21 NZ Release Date 2010-04-21 US Release Date 2010-04-21 UK Release Date 2010-04-21 Pages 128 Publisher Arcadia Publishing Audience General We've got this

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