Quick Summary
The Minnesota Digital Library is pleased to announce an exciting oral history addition to Minnesota Reflections. The Crow Wing County Historical Society has made available in Minnesota Reflections an extensive series of interviews conducted during 1936-1939 by the Works Progress Administration. These interviews are type-written pages and number more than 1,200. Together they are made up of more than 3,400 transcribed pages. The content of theses interviews reflect the lives, experiences, and genealogy of people who lived in Crow Wing County.
The Minnesota Digital Library is pleased to announce an exciting oral history addition to Minnesota Reflections. The Crow Wing County Historical Society has made available in Minnesota Reflections an extensive series of interviews conducted during 1936-1939 by the Works Progress Administration. These interviews are type-written pages and number more than 1,200. Together they are made up of more than 3,400 transcribed pages. The content of theses interviews reflect the lives, experiences, and genealogy of people who lived in Crow Wing County. In the words of Brian Marsh, director of Crow Wing County Historical Society, "These interviews open a window to a historic perspective of the county, going back to the early days of the county in the 1800’s."
Users can peruse the collection and learn about prominent citizens and local characters. The following list is just a sample of what can be found in this collection:
- Wilfred H. Fawcett - A colorful local character and affectionately known as "Captain Billy," Fawcett was a nationally prominent publisher and former Olympic athlete. He started the Breezy Point Lodge resort on Pelican Lake.
- Freeman Thorp - A nationally renowned artist, Thorp painted the only life portrait of Abraham Lincoln (which hangs in the U.S. Capitol). He also painted portraits of Presidents Grant, Garfield, McKinley, and Cleveland.
- R.F.B. (Brownie) Cote - An important figure in the important resort industry of Crow Wing County, he started the Camp Lincoln for Boys and Camp Lake Hubert for Girls near Nisswa, Minnesota. He was also an owner of the renowned resorts of Grandview Lodge (on Gull Lake) and Breezy Point Resort (on Pelican Lake).
- Cornelius O'Brien - Known to everyone as "Con", he was a prominent businessman, civic leader, and property owner in Brainerd, starting in 1900. He served two terms as mayor and was also a city alderman.
- George H. Crosby - He founded the town of Crosby, was involved in real estate, business, and mining. He did much to develop the famous Cuyuna iron ore range.
