In the early 1970s, a handful of Crosslake area residents met monthly in the basement of the Crosslake Lutheran Church. Their intent was to learn about Crosslake’s history and find ways to preserve it. Informed speakers were invited, and programs were held with good participation. On November 20, 1975, the group was incorporated as the Crosslake Area Historical Society.
In 1977, Walt Hermerding, one of the board members and Park Director of the Corps of Engineers Recreational Campground, arranged for the newly formed organization to obtain a long-term lease on the property across from the dam and campground. Then the society began in earnest to undertake the task to create what grew to become the Historic Log Village.
The first building moved to the site was the Watertown Township Town Hall in 1979 and dedicated in 1981 after some repairs and restoration. The Town Hall stood alone on the property for several years and contained the first of the donated gifts and artifacts to the Historical Society. From that point on, more buildings were brought to the site and three replicas were built by the society to represent Crosslake’s past. All the buildings are furnished with artifacts pertinent to the identity of the building.
The society receives no funding from city, county, state, or federal level of government. It maintains and functions on donations, memberships, and fundraisers. No admission is charged to visit except for special programs.
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“Understanding and sharing the local area history with the next generation is most important for our community and its future. Experiencing the Crosslake Log Village and what it provides is a good first step toward this continued learning process. Please consider supporting this organization.“ Kent – Crosslake, Minnesota