History Story
Alexandria’s Famous “Molly the Cow” Is Traveling Again, As “Flat Molly”
In 1909, mischievous Alexandria high school students carried out a series of Halloween pranks after school hours, which included leading Molly the Cow into the school and up the steps to a second floor classroom. A sign around Molly’s neck said, “Milk Her, Miss French.” Several students were expelled, but thus began the legend of…
Read MoreRev. Bennett A. Benson and family, First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN in 1915
This 1915 photo card features the Norwegian Lutheran Church building that was built in 1907. This replaced an earlier pioneer church founded in 1872 by Norwegian immigrant families in Alexandria, Minnesota. Services were held in Norwegian. Each immigrant group in Douglas County, MN had their own churches of varying denominations and languages, except for the…
Read MoreAlexandria Residential Historic District – The Silk Stocking Neighborhood
Like many towns in Minnesota, early Alexandria settlers who prospered had the wherewithal to build lovely homes in a variety of architectural styles. Skilled carpenters and craftsmen were found among the community, and constructing these homes provided steady employment. The Alexandria Residential Historic District is on the National Register of Historic places, whose website describes…
Read MoreA Letter to Albin – October 30th, 1918 – Somewhere in France
One of the upstairs rooms at the Douglas County Historical Society in Alexandria is dedicated to those men and women from Douglas County who served in the Military. One of the displays tells the story of Carl Albin Michaelson, who served in France during World War I. On display is a copy of a letter…
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