Local Group Attends Northfield Preservation Conference
Ortonville was well represented at the 28th Annual
Statewide Historic Preservation Conference held at Carlton College
in Northfield on Sept. 19th and 20th. Seven
persons representing the Ortonville Heritage Preservation
Commission, City Council, and various civic organizations attended.
The theme of the conference, “Preserve
Minnesota: Main Street and Beyond,” provided an opportunity to hear
speakers, view exhibits, and enjoy tours of Northfield’s historic
main street. Contacts made, and ideas generated at the conference,
will be valuable as plans are made for the rehabilitation and
preservation of Ortonville’s main street.
The Keynote Address, ”Saving Cities:
The Role of Historic Places in a Successful Economy,” by Kennedy
Smith, Community Land Use Group, provided attendees a stimulating
introduction to the conference and emphasized the importance of
preservation in a community’s economy.
The Ortonville Heritage Preservation
Commission is presently preparing “Downtown Preservation Design
Guidelines.” One of downtown Ortonville’s greatest resources is its
unique concentration of historic and architecturally interesting
buildings. The manual is designed to encourage restoration and
demonstrate how using guidelines can often uncover and preserve a
building’s hidden historic or architectural value.
While in Northfield, the Ortonville
delegation stayed at Froggy Bottoms River Suites. Operated by David
Hvistendahl, a nephew of Ann Lundberg, the suites provided unique
accommodations overlooking the Cannon River in downtown Northfield.
Persons attending from Ortonville
include: Vicki Oakes, Jan Nordic, Susan Brickweg, Don Sherman,
Craig Randleman, Curt Johnson and Burton Nypen.
