Hanska celebrates its centennial

Historical

marker

dedicated

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

HANSKA -- Hanska, a Dakota Indian word meaning long or tall that was used to describe the lake in Lake Hanska and Albin Townships, got its centennial underway Friday afternoon.

A historical marker summarizing Hanska history was dedicated Friday afternoon in front of the Hanska Community Center.

The Hanska and Linden Coop Creamery was established in the early 1890s in the Blessum Addition in what was called South Town, according to the marker erected by the Brown County Historical Society and Village of Hanska.

Hanska village history began in 1899 when the Iowa and Minnesota Land & Townsite Company circulated a petition to locate a railroad station in Lake Hanska Township.

The petition was signed by 77 people. The village was platted in Section 24 by Harry and Anna Jenkins, paving the way for a Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad station.

The J.W. Thompson Hardware store opened in 1899. Hanska was incorporated in 1901 with a population of 178.

A fire destroyed many business places in 1904. Residents survived the fire and rebuilt the village.

Most early immigrants were Norwegian. Many Norwegian traditions are still followed including showing pride in their heritage.

"History here is important, I know that to be a fact," Brown County Historical Society Director Bob Burgess said.

It has more BCHS members per capita, than any other community, according to Burgess.

He admitted he isn't a poet, but Burgess wrote one -- "Hanska, you know it's built to last" for the marker dedication.

"Along the shores of of a lake named Hanska, Norwegians came to work and dansa. From the wood they carved hand tools and pails, even used opapues for nails. Built their homes from logs of pine to stand the test of time.

"Through a war with native forces, they chopped their wheat with teams of horses. Along the way they moved the town, built union hall and kept the kids around. Over time, the city grew, building in all directions, old with new. Through the years, kept the treasures, lost a few, homes and churches too.

"Now tourists come to see he past, stone buildings and this new marker cast. Today, Norwegians still working and dancing, attract visitors seeking Old World fun. When you're here, there are hikes to take, fall-colored trees and a fishing lake.

"As time goes by we learn and fast, that Hanska and that Stabbur were built to last."

Yvonne Blomquist told dedication attendees to enjoy the centennial's open display centers, reminisce and enjoy the three-day event.

Blomquist said the centennial is a big undertaking with 22 committees. She felt her experience gained in working at the 1998 tornado command center in Eastern Brown County prepared her for the task.

Hanska Mayor Ron Frederickson told onlookers to enjoy the centennial but take it easy in the heat and humidity.

Saturday centennial events are:

* guided historical tour from 8:30 a.m. to noon with Joel Botten. Participants should meet at the community center.

* flea market and craft show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the community school. Music by Harold and Vonnie Anderson 11 a.m. to noon and the Ramnes Accordian Band 2-3 p.m.

* open display centers 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

* ball games and food stands at Hanlin Field starting at 10 a.m.

* food stands and a beer garden in the city park starting at 11 a.m.

* music in the community center 2-5 p.m. and in the big tent from noon to 7 p.m.

* children's activities noon to 4 p.m. in the City Park.

* postal stamp cancellation, 2-5 p.m. at the Memorabilia Center.

* threshing demonstration at 2 p.m. at the west end of town

* Terry Steinbach will be at Hanlin Field, 3-4 p.m.

* kid's pedal pull, ages 4-11, 4:30 p.m. on Broadway.

* Hanlin Field grandstand dedication, 4 p.m.

* old-timer's baseball reunion at Hanlin Field, 5 p.m.

* Rapid Rick's Road Show Street Dance, 8 p.m.