Tag: Wayzata Historical Society

Local History Enthusiasts Welcome to Lake Minnetonka Historical Society’s Volunteer Open House

October 3rd, 2023

The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society (LMHS) extends a warm invitation to the public for a special Volunteer Open House on Saturday, October 14, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This event will take place at the Wayzata City Hall Community Room, 600 Rice Street East, Wayzata. If you’re a history buff or simply looking to get involved in preserving the rich heritage of Lake Minnetonka, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

The LMHS is on a mission to enrich the community’s appreciation of Lake Minnetonka’s history, and they need your help. The LMHS recently formed through the consolidation of various historical societies, including the Wayzata Historical Society, Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, Museum of Lake Minnetonka (home of the iconic steamboat Minnehaha), and the Westonka Historical Society, all united on October 1.

This marks the second in a series of Volunteer Open Houses that will be held at different locations around Lake Minnetonka over the coming year.

Visitors to the Open House will have the chance to meet the LMHS board, enjoy light refreshments, and gain insights into the various volunteer opportunities and committees available within this new volunteer-driven organization. Whether you’re interested in a long-term leadership role or want to assist on a short-term, occasional basis, there are roles suitable for everyone. Committees span across areas like Archives/Collections, Development/Fundraising, Marketing/Communications, Merchandise, Museums (including working with the historic streetcar boat “Minnehaha”), and Public Programs. These opportunities cater to a wide range of ages, abilities, interests, schedules, and Lake Minnetonka locations, with virtual options also on the table.

For those unable to attend the Volunteer Open House in person, you can learn more about volunteering and sign up to be contacted at tinyurl.com/m4th7s29.

The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society boasts one of the largest collections of Lake Minnetonka history, both in physical archives and three-dimensional items, accessible in-person and online. By uniting the strengths of the consolidating organizations and with the eventual addition of professional staff, the LMHS plans to expand its mission, telling the story of all of Lake Minnetonka in innovative ways and reaching new audiences. Their focus includes collecting, preserving, and sharing the extensive history of the Lake.

Future endeavors for LMHS include consolidating their archives for best preservation practices and public access, expanding public programs and experiences around the lake, as well as revitalizing the historic 1906 streetcar boat, Minnehaha, for active operation on Lake Minnetonka.

For additional information about this exciting consolidation, you can visit tinyurl.com/33f4umd7.

So, whether you’re a dedicated history aficionado or simply someone looking to get involved in a local cultural gem, the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society’s Volunteer Open House promises a valuable opportunity to contribute to the preservation and appreciation of Lake Minnetonka’s rich heritage.
Historical Society to Host Programs About Transformation in Wayzata

July 15th, 2023

The next two programs for the Wayzata Historical Society will explore the “old” and the “new” Wayzata. During the program, WHS board member Joanie Holst will guide attendees on a virtual “tour” of various sites and places across Wayzata that have changed over the past 170 years.

Contrast between 1888 & 2023 Lake Street in Wayzata. Submitted photos.

The story of Wayzata is rich and deep and cannot be done in one presentation, so this will be a two-part series. Part 1 will be held Thursday, July 27 at 7:00 p.m. and Part 2 will be held Thursday, September 28 at 7:15 p.m. Both programs will be held at the Wayzata Community Room (600 Rice Street, Wayzata, MN 55391).

These programs are free and open to the public, no registration required.

For more information on the Wayzata Historical Society, visit their website at https://www.wayzatahistoricalsociety.org.
Wayzata Historical Society will host program on Steamboat Minnehaha & Yellow Jacket Streetcar Boats

April 15th, 2023

File photo of the Minnehaha. Photograph credit Daniel Gustafson.

The Wayzata Historical Society will host a program entitled “Yellow Jackets: The Story of Lake Minnetonka’s Streetcar Boats” at Wayzata City Hall on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

The event, which is open to the public, will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room.

The program will delve into the history of the “streetcar boats” that were operated by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company between 1906 and 1926.

Pictured are the Harriet and the Minnehaha. Submitted photo.

The boats were designed by Royal Moore, a Wayzata based boat builder and were able to provide transportation on Lake Minnetonka during that era.

The event will also feature a discussion on the history of the streetcar steamboat Minnehaha, which was raised from the bottom of the lake in 1980 and restored back to passenger service in 1996.

Minnehaha, one of the six identical streetcar boats, is an iconic symbol of Lake Minnetonka’s heritage and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places in Minnesota. The Minnehaha has been operated by the Museum of Lake Minnetonka in recent years.

It is the only steam-powered vessel-for-hire based in the state. However, the boat has been stuck in drydock since 2019 when it lost access to the only launch ramp capable of getting it back into the water.

During the program, an update on the current status of Minnehaha will be provided to the audience. The boat is currently being stored in a maintenance facility and continues to receive care while awaiting a new launching home.

The event is free, and no registration is required.
Wayzata Historical Society to present The History of the Wayzata Muni

October 18th, 2022

The Wayzata Bar & Grill at it’s previous location at the Wayzata Bay Center. Photo Dan Gustafson.

The Wayzata Historical Society is inviting the community to attend another fabulous program involving history form the Wayzata area. This time around leaders will present The History of the Wayzata Muni.

Members of the public should plan to attend on Thursday, November 17 at 7:30 pm in the Wayzata Community Room at Wayzata City Hall.

The presentation will be Preceded by the Wayzata Historical Society’s Annual Business Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the same place. Below is information from a release from WHS:

Happy fall from all of us at WHS! We hope you will join us at the Wayzata Community Room (600 Rice Street) Thursday, November 17, for our annual business meeting and a program about the history of the Wayzata Muni, which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year.

The business meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is open to all current WHS members. If you’re not yet a member but are interested or wish to renew, you’ll be able to do that at the meeting or anytime at www.wayzatahistoricalsociety.org.

Topics discussed at the meeting will include a recap of the past year, presentation of the annual budget, and an update on the strategic partnership exploration of the Lake Minnetonka Historical organizations. We will conclude the business meeting with the election of board members.

The history program will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the general public, no registration required! This program will explore the history of the Wayzata Muni through the years and the fascinating story of how it originally came to be. The program will conclude at 8:15 p.m.

The Wayzata Historical Society promotes the history of the greater Wayzata area by operating the Wayzata Depot Museum on weekends, Wednesdays, and holidays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (April through December), publishing a quarterly newsletter called the Telegraph, and hosting special events and programs throughout the year. The Society also preserves Wayzata history by collecting, storing, and conserving items related to local sites and events. The Society’s Archives and History Center are located at the Wayzata Branch of the Hennepin County Library and are open to the public on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Wayzata Historical Society 40th Anniversary Event

August 3rd, 2022
Thursday August 4th from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

The Wayzata Historical Society will celebrate it’s 40th Anniversary with a public event on Thursday, August 4th, 2022.

Attendees can expect history themed bingo and trivia, winners will receive prizes.

A signed Lloyd Borg print will be given away to one lucky guest.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, fruit, and a celebration desert will be available on site with food service provided by the Wayzata Bar & Grill for the nominal fee of $5.

Live music will also be performed by Ipso Facto, a Minneapolis based reggae/funk/jazz band that has played for audiences around the world.

The event will take place at the Wayzata Depot, located at 402 East Lake Street in Downtown Wayzata, and will take place rain or shine.
- Wayzata Depot
Wayzata Historical Society Partners With Other Area Organizations, Exploring Possible Consolidation

June 26th, 2020

In a recent letter to Wayzata Historical Society members, the organization announced it is partnering with other area historical organizations.

Wayzata Depot Museum, Courtesy Wayzata Historical Society

The other groups includes the Deephaven Historical Society, Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, Minnetonka Historical Society, The Museum of Lake Minnetonka, and Westonka Historical Society.

These organizations are conducting a viability study of a possible consolidation and/or strategic alliance.

“Members and key volunteers of all the historical organizations had concerns about the sustainability and efficacy of our mission-supporting activities such as programs, archives, publications, etc.,” said Wayzata Historical Society President Aaron Person.

The Wayzata Historical Society says that the six organizations have collaborated in the past and share similar missions, members, funders, volunteers and audiences.

“We’ve collaborated successfully on three projects in recent years — the book Images of America: Lake Minnetonka, a Lake Minnetonka History Tour, and cross-promotion of programs and events via newsletter insert,” said Person.

The study was made in part through a $52,000 grant funded by money from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

“We are hiring a consultant to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard and that the outcome has only positive benefits for each group and/or Lake Minnetonka history as a whole,” said Person.

The project begins this summer and is expected to be completed by next summer.

The Wayzata Historical Society was founded in 1982.

For many years the Wayzata Historical Society was based entirely within the Wayzata Depot.

In the mid-2000s, the Society’s archives were moved from the basement of the Depot to the new Wayzata Library on Rice Street.
Wayzata Church to Celebrate Historic Building’s Centennial

April 29th, 2016

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka (UUCM) will host a centennial celebration of their historic church building with a special worship service and open house on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 605 Rice Street, Wayzata, Minnesota. The public is invited to the celebratory service at 10:30 am, which will be led by UUCM minister Reverend Kent Hemmen Saleska.

The service will honor the building’s 100 years as a home to three congregations, all still active in Wayzata. The Community Open House will be held from 1:004:00 pm and will feature tours, information and displays about the historic building, highlighting its dramatic interior and commemorative stained glass windows. Refreshments will also be served.

The open house is cosponsored by UUCM, the Wayzata Historical Society and the Wayzata Heritage Preservation Board. These events are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka at office@uucmtka.org, (952) 473-5900 or visit www.uucmtka.org

Designed in 1916 by prominent architect Harry Wild Jones (Butler Building, Lakewood Chapel) for Wayzata Community Church, this is the oldest church building in Wayzata, and is the recipient of the Wayzata Heritage Preservation Board’s 2016 Centennial Building Award.

This building replaced Wayzata Community Church’s second building, also designed by Jones, which had burned in February of 1916 and was almost identical in design. The building has housed the Wayzata Community Church (1916-1949), Wayzata Free Church (1952-1965) and UUCM (1965-present). UUCM is preparing to break ground this year for a new church home in the Holdridge area of Wayzata, and this historic building will be offered for sale this spring.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka (UUCM) was founded in 1960 and has been served by The Rev. Kent Hemmen Saleska since 2007. UUCM holds Sunday worship services and religious education classes at 10:30 am year round. UUCM’s mission is to inspire, educate and serve as a welcoming congregation on a quest for meaning and purpose to create a community of conscience in our neighborhood and the world.

UUCM welcomes and affirms the worth of all people regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, affectional orientation, marital status, or religious beliefs. For more information about UUCM visit www.uucmtka.org, or contact the church at (952) 473-5900, office@uucmtka.org.

Wayzata celebrates 1959 State Championship Basketball Team with podia unveiling

October 20th, 2014

Coaches Jack Thurnblad, Norm Schroeder and members of the 1959 State Champion Wayzata Trojan Basketball gathered at a community event to dedicate a podia on Lake Street commemorating the team on October 19th. The day was a picture perfect October Sunday afternoon, with a crowd of hundreds in attendance to celebrate. The event was championed by the Wayzata Historical Society, the podia was approved by the City Council, and the 1959 trophy was presented by the Wayzata School District.

Click here to view a photo gallery of the Basketball Team at the Ceremony.

Members of the 1959 Wayzata Basketball team. Image courtesy Wayzata Basketball on Twitter.

The 1959 State Championship Trophy.

http://cdn.smugmug.com/ria/ShizamSlides-2013072402.swf

Wayzata.com is your source for news and information in Wayzata, MN, 55391, and the Wayzata School District.

WAYZATA HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Wayzata Basketball Tribute and Podia Unveiling scheduled for October 19

October 13th, 2014

State Champs in 1959. Image courtesy WHS.

The City of Wayzata’s official website Wayzata.org indicates that, “The Wayzata Historical Society is dedicating a pictorial memorial to the 1959 Wayzata High School State Basketball Champs on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3:30 p.m. The unveiling of the memorial podia will take place on the lake side of Lake Street across from Caribou Coffee. Coaches Jack Thurnblad and Norm Schroeder plus members of the 1959 team will be present. The public is invited to help celebrate. A reception at the Depot will follow the dedication.”

Wayzata.com is your source for news and information in Wayzata, MN, 55391, and the Wayzata School District.
WAYZATA HISTORICAL SOCIETY: ‘Let’s Talk Architecture’ scheduled for Oct. 2nd, 2014

September 30th, 2014

WHS October Program
Let’s Talk Architecture
Thursday, October 2, 2014
7:00 p..m.

Wayzata Community Room (next to city hall)

Join the Wayzata Historical Society for the last program of the year. We will look at several different architects that built many of the large homes around Lake Minnetonka, explore the influences of architecture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the impact this had on the building done here in Wayzata and surrounding communities. Some of the architects we will discuss are Cass Gilbert, Harry Wild Jones, William Channing Whitney, Edwin Lundie, and several others.

Belford Estate 1910. Image courtesy Wayzata Historical Society.