wchs news

TOS APP

We would like to share some exciting news with you. The Washington County Historical Society has set out on a monumental adventure to preserve our community's place in history. We have an opportunity to dream the dream by expanding our mission statement to serve the greater community with a new Washington County Heritage Center.

The Heritage Center will be an exciting place to come visit, learn and discover our heritage through many creative avenues of visual, technical, interactive and educational means. Not only will we be able to house important items from our own local history, but we will be able to bring to you traveling exhibits from important museums all over the country.

Please take a moment to review the link below, make a pledge and become a part of history with us!

 

 

 

 

looking for adventure

 
wchs news

HMXORG EXCHANGES

The Washington County Historical Society was recently presented with a special donation from the Peck Family formerly of Woodbury. The donation was of a school desk that was used at the Gille School, also known as the Woodbury School, District #27 in Woodbury.

The school, located on old Afton Road, was constructed in 1873. There was no pump for water in the school and according to the Peck family; the students went across the road to get milk cans of water for use at the school.

According to former Gille School teacher, Elfrieda Zibell Brustman, “one year I organized a harmonic band; all pupils who had mouth organs or who could buy or borrow one were invited to take part. They progressed enough that they were able to play ‘Sweet Hour of Prayer’ at a Woodbury church service.” Brunstman taught at the school from 1931 through 1935 and mentioned that the Christmas program was one of the highlights of the school year.

Other teachers that taught at the school included Annie McHattie, Laura Mahle Kernkamp, Gertrude Austin Bielenberg and Jeanette Garbe Schilling. In August, 1952 the school became a part of District 102, which is now School District 833.

Although the school now has become a residence, the memories of the school bells, milk cans of water, and Christmas programs lives in the stories and the artifacts at the Washington County Historical Society and the desk will find a special place for display at the Hay Lake School museum in Scandia.

 

Woodbury-Gille School

Woodbury-Gille School, 1952

 

Desk at Woodbury School

Desk at Woodbury-Gille School

 

CCT EXCHANGES

The Washington County Historical Society is excited to announce it’s partnership with marketamerica, the world’s largest online shopping destination!

Market America features over 50 million products and services! GET PAID TO SHOP while you support the Washington County Historical Society.

It’s FREE and EASY to use! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way:

  • Register as a preferred customer at www.marketamerica.com/wchsmn by clicking the "sign up now" button.
  • Sign in each time you shop
  • Get 2-35% cash back

With every purchase you make, a percentage of your total shopping order will be donated to the Washington County Historical Society. Help support your local historical society by shopping online!

Shop at stores like these:

Click on the link below to get started.

More: Market America >>>

POSW COIN

Washington County Historical Society collects, preserves, and disseminates the history of the county and state of Minnesota.