BELTRAMI COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Beltrami County Historical Society to host Women of Local Government program

Pioneer Staff Report — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:11:47 GMT

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society will host a public panel titled "Women Elected to Lead: Voices from Local Government" at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, at the Beltrami County History Center.

As part of an ongoing series recognizing the significant impact of women in shaping Beltrami County, this panel will feature three women with firsthand experience in public office.

Local historian Lois Jenkins will moderate the discussion and offer historical context about women who have served in elected office throughout the region.

Panelists include:

Rita Albrecht, who served four terms as mayor of Bemidji following her election in 2012. She previously served on the Bemidji City Council and has been a longtime advocate for sustainable land use and public engagement. In 2021, she was appointed co-chair of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Gwenia Fiskevold-Gould, current Bemidji City Council representative, who has been active in discussions surrounding community infrastructure, business development and neighborhood engagement. Elaine Fleming, who made history in 2003 when she was elected the first female and first Ojibwe mayor of Cass Lake. She served two terms and has remained active as a professor at Leech Lake Tribal College and host of the radio program "History of Leech Lake." She is also known for her environmental advocacy and oral history work.

Panelists will explore the challenges, responsibilities and rewards of local leadership and the importance of civic participation and representation, a release said.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about this event, visit beltramihistory.org or contact the Historical Society at (218) 444-3376 or via email at depot@beltramihistory.org.

]]>

Shaynowishkung's life and legacy honored during statue's 10th anniversary ceremony

TJ Rhodes — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:36:21 GMT

BEMIDJI — Shaynowishkung, commonly known as Chief Bemidji, was a charismatic 19th-century Anishinaabe leader who bridged the gap between two colliding cultures — settlers and Native Americans.

Born sometime in the 1830s, Shaynowishkung was a leader by the time colonizers began traveling north. These colonizers nicknamed Shaynowishkung "Chief Bemidji" when they mistook the lake's name, Bemijigamaag, as his own. He passed away in 1904 as a beloved leader; the emerging Bemidji, a village at the time, recognized his effort and held a celebration to honor him.

Now, a Shaynowishkung statue, which overlooks Lake Bemidji within Library Park, serves as a constant reminder of his dedication to the land that he called home.

And on Saturday, his statue and legacy were honored during a 10th anniversary ceremony.

Mariah Ortiz, whose Ojibwe name is Niigaanikwe (woman who leads), is Shaynowishkung's seventh-generation granddaughter. She lived up to her namesake and led the ceremony with an Ojibwe prayer. Ortiz then discussed Shaynowishkung's legacy and explained the Seven Generations principle, an Anishinaabe philosophy that teaches people to think of their footprint seven generations into the future.

Shaynowishkung embodied this principle and aligned with the seven grandfathers' teachings, which preach the importance of humility, bravery, honesty, wisdom, truth, respect and love.

"I come from a strong line," Ortiz said. "I just want to talk about my grandfather: he was the peacemaker of the settlers. He always opened his arms, and he lived through a great era with the treaties and allotment. He always was respectful and he wanted peace between the settlers. He always was opening and welcoming to them."

The event was extra special to Ortiz as it served as her first public speaking appearance. But more importantly, her daughter, Rahmya, begins a new string of seven generations.

Ojibwe Nation singer Jeremy Clark played a drum song to conclude the ceremony at the park.

Following, the crowd of attendees split, with some taking a guided walk to see Shaynowishkung's historic home site near The Coffee District, east of the Mississippi River between Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving. The rest of the crowd stuck around, taking photos with the statue, chatting and enjoying the weather.

The attendees later reconvened at the Beltrami County History Center for a second presentation from the statue's sculptor, Gareth Curtiss.

Curtiss earned the honor of sculpting the statue in 2015 after entering a contest. He felt a deep connection to Shaynowishkung immediately.

"I've done over 60 statutes all over there; this is the first time there's been a 10th anniversary on any of them," Curtiss joked. "I was provided with a very old photo (of Shaynowishkung), that photo is still right on the wall in my living room; I don't have pictures of anybody else in there.

"I felt a special connection here, special connection to you. He is a remarkable man. I see him as a bridge between two different cultures and he had a lovely heart as a man of peace. I was drawn to that."

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe elder, activist and former Cass Lake mayor Elaine Fleming also spoke during the presentation. She began by detailing how her connection with the historical society formed.

"Ten years ago, I got involved with this committee, and they wanted to raise the money to put up the statue of Shaynowishkung to honor him," Fleming said. "And so I thought that was pretty groovy. I'm so glad that I came in here; I'm grateful for a chance to share some of our history.

"Working with this committee has taught me something really important. It is about that interconnectedness and how important it is to be a peacemaker, that we need to respect each other and we need to know each other. To understand each other's culture and history takes work."

Fleming then detailed Shaynowishkung's life, legacy and the struggle that he led, with connection to the area's rich settler-Native American history.

"He fought for his land ... in his peaceful way," Fleming remarked. "We are doing awesome things, the Ojibwe people. People like Emily (Thabes) and Carolyn (Jacobs) and the committee, all these people make me so glad that we're traveling this road together. We have a long way to go and I'm glad to be here with you today, traveling."

The entire event was planned by the Beltrami County Historical Society and the Bemidji Statue Committee, in partnership with the Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department.

Emily Thabes, the BCHS Director, was pleased with how the program went.

"I think it was a learning opportunity for folks," Thabes said, "but also a way that we could all come together as a community to honor Shaynowishkung. I think the message that he raised, peace and bringing community together, is one that we should continue to try to work toward.

"We were really fortunate that Mariah was available to give a prayer and that Jeremy was available to sing ... It turned out to be a good day."

]]>

Bemidji's first-ever Menstruation Health Week events aim to create lasting change

Leo Pomerenke — Sat, 31 May 2025 12:15:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — From author talks to exhibits and informative workshops, Bemidjians and beyond took part in a variety of events throughout the week aimed at changing how the community approaches menstrual health.

Coined Menstruation Health Week, the week-long event kicked off May 26 and was initiated by Beltrami County Historical Society Executive Director Emily Thabes. She was inspired last September after listening to a podcast episode where men miscalculated the pain they’d feel in a menstruation pain simulator.

“The premise was that men underestimated the pain that they thought they were going to have, but they also routinely were saying that they just had not believed their wives, girlfriends, sisters, mothers about the pain that they had,” she said. “Thinking about that and how many women don't get believed about their pain, their problems when it comes to menstruation things, I just got riled up.”

That’s when she realized the overall lack of education on the subject. Thus, Menstruation Health Week was born.

Menstrual Health Week is a "groundbreaking community initiative designed to address period poverty, promote menstrual health education and break the silence surrounding a natural process affecting over half the population," Thabes said ahead of the event.

In Beltrami County, where 16% of residents — and over 20% in Bemidji — live below the poverty line, period poverty affects thousands of individuals who struggle to afford basic menstrual supplies. For these community members, the choice between food, transportation and period products can lead to missed work, school and social opportunities, she added.

Throughout the week, community members viewed an original exhibit, listened to nationally recognized authors, joined in expert-led discussions and participated in community action opportunities — all aimed at creating lasting change in how the community approaches menstrual health.

One of the first events of the week was a screening of the documentary “Period. End of Sentence.” in Bemidji State's Beaux Arts Ballroom, followed by a panel that included Minnesota House 39B Rep. Sandra Feist, DFL-New Brighton; Impact91 founder Aashraya Seth; and Dina Mickle of Beltrami County Public Health.

Feist sponsored the “Menstrual Equity Bill” passed in 2023 that provides free menstrual products in public school bathrooms. Seth advocates for menstrual equity in America and his home country of India and has invented some of the world's most affordable menstrual products, according to Thabes.

The panel talked about lowering costs for essential menstrual products, how to destigmatize the subject and other issues surrounding menstruation.

One of the main issues discussed is how education around menstruation for boys and girls can be changed and improved in schools, particularly during sexual education.

“You get a little video that talks largely about pregnancies and STDs and not a lot about menstruation itself,” Thabes said. “So you're not really learning about what it is that's happening to you and to your body over time. You don't learn about the products and the way you should use them properly. So you have to … just figure it out on your own.”

Figuring it out on their own is far too common for women in the Bemidji area, Thabes said, motivating her to cover all the bases for Menstruation Health Week.

“We really wanted to cover as much about this topic as possible to help people feel like they are empowered, that they can be healthier, that they can have healthy conversations in their family without it being awkward,” Thabes said. “It doesn't have to be something that we're ashamed of because there doesn't need to be shame around it.”

Thabes shared that she's received positive feedback from members of the community, thankful that she is highlighting the issue and promoting education throughout the Bemidji area.

“We've had women and men who have attended events and seem excited and enthusiastic and informed,” she said. “So that's the best I think I can ask for.”

]]>

Bemidji reopens 2 downtown parking lots following annual alley paving project

TJ Rhodes — Tue, 27 May 2025 19:00:33 GMT

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Public Works Department uncovered a mystery when the leftovers of a basement were discovered beneath city parking lot 7 in downtown Bemidji, at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Fourth Street NW, adjacent to Raphael's Bakery and Brigid's Pub.

Many things led to the discovery.

The city planned to reconstruct the lot in conjunction with its annual alley paving project, with hopes of reopening it quickly. Before the project could begin, someone notified the city of a potential sinkhole at the lot in mid-April. The city investigated immediately, discovered the basement and promptly closed the lot.

City Manager Rich Spiczka explained to the Bemidji City Council via email that the issue would need to be resolved soon. He also explained that accommodations with the Bemidji Police Department were made, allowing residents who rely on the lot to park in the street without worry of being ticketed.

Residents grew curious: which building or business did the basement belong?

Beltrami County Historical Society members Cecelia McKeig, Ashton Loebs and Lois Jenkins sought to answer this question and researched the history of the lot. They determined that the lot was initially paved in 1971 and likely belonged to Saar Motor Co., which operated from 1946 to 1970.

The origin of the basement is still a mystery; however, once the city began excavating the cavity, it discovered Saar Motor Co. documents, proving that Saar was the last to occupy it. This was documented via an April 22 myBemidji Facebook post.

City parking lot 2 project

Around the same time, the north and south facades of the Blue Ox Business Center, located at 206 Minnesota Ave. NW, began to deteriorate and fall off the building. This sparked city parking lot 2, which is connected to the Blue Ox Business Center and adjacent to Cantabria Coffee Company, to close.

Bemidji used this opportunity to replace the pavement and sidewalk of parking lot 2 using Capital Improvement Plan funds allocated to the alley paving project.

Now, Bemidji announced in its May 23, 2025, newsletter that construction is complete and both parking lot 2 and 7 are open. Even with the two urgent developments, the city stayed under budget and stuck to its initial timeline of completion by the end of May.

"With the expertise and overall awesomeness of our streets department staff and area partners, we were able to rent the necessary equipment and bring in the necessary materials to remove the basement footprint while still keeping things on schedule to be completed with the project by end of May," City Engineer Sam Anderson wrote in the newsletter. "Paving was completed (the week of May 11) with final striping completed (the week of May 18) and the parking lot and alleys are back open to traffic.

"Shout out to our streets department staff, engineering technicians, and especially our affected downtown businesses, in helping us overcome the obstacles (to) reach our end goal," he concluded.

]]>

Celebration set to mark 10 years of Chief Bemidji statue

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:53:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Shaynowishkung (he who rattles) was an unorthodox Ojibwe leader from the mid-19th century, known as a peacemaker among settlers and the roughly 50 Ojibwe who followed him. Over time, Shaynowishkung became a beloved figure to both groups that called the Bemidji area home.

Commonly known as "Chief Bemidji," he gained the title among settlers as they mistook the lake's name, Bemijigamaag, as his own.

To honor the charismatic leader, Bemidji erected the Shaynowishkung statue that stands at Library Park along Paul Bunyan Drive with Lake Bemidji as a backdrop, roughly a century and a half after he placed his stake in the region.

His statue has stood strong and tall for 10 years.

The Beltrami County Historical Society, in partnership with the Bemidji Statue Committee, will host a celebration to honor the statue's 10th anniversary at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, at Library Park.

"This special event honors a decade of reflection, remembrance and recognition of Shaynowishkung, an Ojibwe leader whose presence continues to shape our understanding of local history, diplomacy and cultural respect," a release said.

The ceremony will begin with a brief presentation at the statue, followed by a guided walk to Shaynowishkung’s historic home site near The Coffee District, east of the Mississippi River between Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving.

Participants will then return via the rail trail to the Beltrami County History Center.

Elaine Fleming, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe elder, activist and former Cass Lake mayor, will offer a public program about Shaynowishkung’s life, legacy and importance. Fleming is a founding member of the Bemidji Truth and Reconciliation group and has been an influential voice in place-name restoration, Indigenous language revitalization and community healing.

The history center welcomes all to the free event. Refreshments will be served at the history center following the program.

A limited number of wheelchairs will be available. Additionally, a shuttle bus ride from the history center to the program and back will be available for those at the center before the load time at 9:45 a.m. Those who need to reserve a wheelchair can send an email to depot@beltramihistory.org or call (218) 444-3376.

For more information on the event or other summertime history center events, visit beltramihistory.org.

]]>

Beltrami County Historical Society's Menstruation Health Week to run May 26-31

Pioneer Staff Report — Wed, 21 May 2025 12:50:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society and Bemidji Public Library will host Menstruation Health Week May 26-31.

This first-of-its-kind event for the region will feature an original exhibit, nationally recognized authors, expert-led discussions and community action opportunities — all aimed at creating lasting change in how the community approaches menstrual health.

According to the release, in Beltrami County, where 16% of residents — and over 20% in Bemidji — live below the poverty line, period poverty affects thousands of individuals who struggle to afford basic menstrual supplies. For these community members, the choice between food, transportation and period products can lead to missed work, school and social opportunities.

Menstruation Health Week events

All events are free, but most require pre-registration:

Opening events - Monday, May 26

"Women's History, Period. (The evolution of menstruation)" exhibit opens at 5 p.m. at the Beltrami County History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW. "Pints, Pours, and Periods" community gathering with experts from the Eli Coleman Institute, Planned Parenthood and local Pride leaders at 7 p.m. at Bar 209, 217 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Author Talks with National Voices on Zoom

Lily Williams will present "Go With the Flow" at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27. Abigail Norman will give a talk titled "Ask Me About My Uterus" at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28. Anita Diamant will present "Period. End of Sentence" at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 29.

Health Education Workshops - Tuesday, May 27

Planned Parenthood will present "Period Power: A Practical Guide to Menstrual Products" at 5 p.m. at the Bemidji Public Library, 509 America Ave. NW. Sanford Health will present "Power Through the Change: A Guide to Peri-Menopause and Menopause Health" at 6 p.m. at the Bemidji Public Library. Cultural understanding The Anishinaabe Berry Fast: Cultural Teachings and Practices is set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at the History Center. Attendees can learn about "Navigating the Seasons of the Cycle: A Feminist Inquiry into Knowledge, Experiences and Relationships to Menstrual Cycles" by Researchers Alina R. Peter, Laura K. Witham and Meghan L. Delgado at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. Community action A documentary screening and panel discussion with Minnesota State Representative Sandra Feist and experts will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27. Period product repacking community service events will take place on Thursday and Friday, May 29-30, at the History Center. Community members are invited to an "End of the Cycle" celebration at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Bemidji Public Library. Four ways to get involved

The week offers multiple ways for community members to participate:

Period Dignity Pledge Drive: Businesses, schools, government offices and places of worship are invited to commit to providing free, accessible period products in their facilities. Participants will receive recognition and a "Period Dignity Supporter" window sticker. Period Product Collection Drive: From May 7 to 28, new, unopened menstrual products will be collected at five locations throughout Bemidji: the History Center, Bemidji Public Library, Headwaters Music and Arts, BSU Student Union and Sanford Medical Center. All donations will be redistributed locally with the support of Community Resource Connections, United Way of the Bemidji Area and Beltrami County Public Health. Share Personal Stories: Submit anonymous period stories to depot@beltramihistory.org to help break stigma through shared experiences. Volunteer Opportunities: Help repack donated supplies during community service events on May 29-30 at the History Center.

Only by working together to ensure access to essential period products can the community truly create health equity and allow all women to participate fully in education, work and civic life without barriers, explained the release.

Free books for community education

Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Carnegie Library, 50 copies of each of the three featured books are being distributed free to community members at both the Beltrami County History Center and Bemidji Public Library, while supplies last.

"When people can't access basic menstrual supplies, they're effectively excluded from full participation in society," Emily Thabes, executive director of the Beltrami County Historical Society, said in the release. "This isn't just a women's issue — it's a community issue that affects educational outcomes, economic productivity and human dignity."

For complete information, registration, a full schedule of events, period product donation guidelines and the Period Dignity Pledge form, visit beltramihistory.org/period.

]]>

Beltrami County Historical Society offering Shaynowishkung essay contest

Pioneer Staff Report — Wed, 14 May 2025 19:31:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society and the Shaynowishkung Statue Committee are proud to announce a student essay contest in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Shaynowishkung statue in Library Park.

High school juniors and seniors (or equivalent), and college freshmen and sophomores — including students in tribal schools, public and private schools, and homeschool settings — are welcome to enter.

The contest centers on the legacy of Shaynowishkung (also known as Chief Bemidji), an Anishinaabe leader whose life and words offer powerful lessons about peace, leadership, and resilience, a release said.

"Shaynowishkung’s life and words offer valuable lessons about peace, leadership and resilience," added the release. "The statue honoring him is accompanied by plaques that carefully tell his story and provide historical context."

However, in the past, many public statues provided little or no information about the people they portrayed, or they presented only part of the story — sometimes omitting difficult or uncomfortable truths.

In the essay, students should reflect on the importance of truth in how we remember historical figures:

Why is it important to not only create monuments but also ensure they tell an accurate and complete story? What responsibilities do communities have when honoring historical figures? How does Shaynowishkung’s story challenge or expand your understanding of history? How does his story connect to your own experiences, identity, or understanding of truth in history?

First Place will receive $250 and the opportunity to present the essay at the 10th anniversary event on Saturday, June 7, (attendance is optional). The Beltrami County Historical Society will publish the winning essay.

Two alternate winners will receive $50 each.

Essays should be 500-750 words (excluding any title or reference pages), written in size 12, sans serif font (Aptos, Times New Roman or Calibri), and double-spaced. Sources are not required, but must be cited if used (in any style).

To enter, students should submit their essay in PDF form to depot@beltramihistory.org with the subject line "Shaynowishkung Essay Contest."

The deadline to submit entries is midnight on Saturday, May 25.

For more information on submission guidelines and evaluation criteria, visit beltramihistory.org or email depot@beltramihistory.org.

]]>

Beltrami County Historical Society joins 2025 Blue Star Museums program

Pioneer Staff Report — Fri, 09 May 2025 15:23:00 GMT

BEMIDJI —The Beltrami County Historical Society recently announced that it has joined the 2025 Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and families this summer.

The program will start on Armed Forces Day on May 17 and end on Labor Day on Sept. 1.

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums nationwide. The program honors the service and sacrifice of active-duty military families by providing meaningful opportunities to connect with cultural institutions during the summer, a release said.

Although federal funding for the NEA has been discontinued, the Beltrami County Historical Society Board of Directors voted unanimously to continue forward with the program. Their decision reflects a strong local commitment to accessibility, cultural enrichment and honoring military families.

"As the stewards of Beltrami County’s stories, we are honored to welcome military families to explore the region’s history through our exhibits and collections," Emily Thabes, executive director of the Beltrami County Historical Society, said in the release. "Our participation in the Blue Star Museums program is one way we can express our gratitude to those who serve and their families.”

To receive free admission, active-duty military personnel and up to five family members should present a valid military ID upon entry. Eligibility includes those currently serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard, Reserves, the U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and the NOAA Commissioned Corps.

For more information and a complete list of participating museums, visit bluestarfam.org/family-life/blue-star-museums.

Located in the historic 1912 Great Northern Depot in downtown Bemidji, the Beltrami County History Museum features exhibits spanning the area’s history from its earliest natural and cultural beginnings to the present day.

For local museum hours, current exhibits, and upcoming events, visit beltramihistory.org or call (218) 444-3376.

]]>

Beltrami County Historical Society to host 'Women of Law and Order' program

Pioneer Staff Report — Thu, 08 May 2025 15:00:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society will host a public panel titled, "Beltrami County Women of Law and Order," at noon on Thursday, May 15, at the Beltrami County History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW.

As part of an ongoing series recognizing the significant impact of women in shaping Beltrami County, this panel will feature distinguished women who serve in various roles within the region’s law enforcement and public safety sectors, a release said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from local female leaders in law enforcement and public safety, engage in discussions, and gain a deeper appreciation for their work.

Panelists include:

Calandra Allen, Beltrami County Jail Administrator, who oversees the operations of the Beltrami County Jail, managing inmate care and facility improvements. With years of experience in corrections, she has played a key role in addressing capacity challenges and policy changes in the county’s correctional system. Tabitha Carrigan, Bemidji Police Officer, a dedicated member of the Bemidji Police Department. Known for her outstanding community service and engagement, she has been recognized with the Melissa Schmidt Community Service Award and is actively involved in initiatives like "Coffee with a Cop" and "Heroes and Helpers." Katie Nolting, Bemidji City Attorney, who provides legal counsel to the City of Bemidji and oversees municipal legal matters. She has been instrumental in addressing issues like rising misdemeanor cases and city planning concerns while ensuring compliance with legal frameworks. Amanda Pedersen, Beltrami County Telecommunications Team Leader, who has been working in 911 dispatching for over 10 years. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the communication center and has been focused on public outreach and education of the 911 system.

Panelists will share insights into their careers, experiences, challenges, and the evolving role of women in maintaining law and order in our community.

"We are honored to highlight the achievements of the women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe," Emily Thabes, executive director of the historical society, said in the release. "Their stories provide an important historical perspective while inspiring future generations to serve."

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information about this event, visit beltramihistory.org or contact the Historical Society at (218) 444-3376 or via email at depot@beltramihistory.org.

]]>

History unveiled as Bemidji uncovers building foundation beneath parking lot

TJ Rhodes — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 18:20:09 GMT

BEMIDJI — Earlier this week, the Bemidji Public Works department was notified of a potential sinkhole at parking lot 7 in downtown Bemidji, at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Fourth Street NW, adjacent to Raphael's Bakery and Brigid's Pub.

Upon arrival, the department was thrown off guard by what it unearthed.

The foundation of a building that previously stood in the lot's place lay intact underneath the lot. The unexpected discovery created more work for the department, but for now, the lot was temporarily closed for the potential sink hole to be filled.

Bemidji City Manager Richard Spiczka explained in a letter to city councilors that the lot would need to be resolved in the future. This likely means excavation to remove pavement and debris while filling the cavity to ensure the lot is safe to use again.

Until that time, the lot will stay closed.

The lot is used regularly. Thus, accommodations to prevent ticketing have been made between regulars and the Bemidji Police Department, facilitated by the city. This should remain until the lot is safe to reopen.

History of the lot

The question remains, to which building did the foundation belong?

Cecelia McKeig, Ashton Loebs and Lois Jenkins, Beltrami County Historical Society members, began researching the lot's history immediately following the news. Though the trio did not find an absolute truth, they did discover some interesting tidbits about the area that could unveil the foundation's true origin.

The trio determined that the lot was likely paved and tarred in 1971. Thus, they formed a timeline for the properties of 314-318 Minnesota Avenue, which likely began breaking ground between 1898 and 1906 with a smattering of hardware stores that continued to change hands throughout the years.

A definitive answer is tough to find, however, the potential origin of the cavity is a leftover basement of a building torn down and forgotten by time.

The historians offered four likely candidates that previously operated in the vicinity. These prime suspects include The Deep General Store, which was listed on a 1914 map; Given Hardware, which operated at multiple lots in the area around 1918; C.A. Peterson Motor Co., which likely operated from 1937 to 1938; and Saar Motor Co., which operated from around 1946 to 1970.

Saar Motor Co. in particular stuck out to the trio.

It operated the longest, as nearby businesses began to consolidate with it. Therefore, the basement could have belonged to Saar Motor Co. and was paved over without much thought a year or so after the business closed, not to be seen again for over five decades.

Or Saar Motor Co. simply acquired the basement along with the building. It is hard to tell if demolition and reconstruction were a theme throughout the early 1900s.

Of course, the research is not conclusive. The trio used historical maps and newspaper articles to pinpoint the ownership and business timeline, but there is a chance that some details were missed or completely lost due to time.

Thus, the basement could be part of a different project that never made it off the ground or part of an extended basement that touched other buildings that no longer stand in the area.

Perhaps the city will learn more about the cavity when it begins filling it.

]]>