Sherburne History Center Blog

October 27, 1891—An accident occurred on the Minneapolis and Pacific Railroad when a train ran into the caboose of a leading train, killing five men.   Four of the fatalities were from a Monticello threshing crew.   The lead train was apparently stopped when the second locomotive came upon them.   The collision was so violent one man was thrown through the roof of the caboose and landed on top of an adjoining freight car.             On November 1, the conductor of the moving train was arrested and charged with criminal negligence for the deaths of the men  

Okay, before we begin, let me acknowledge that my standing in the Elk River Preservation discussion is limited.  I do not live in Elk River.  However, as Executive Director of the Sherburne County Hsitorical Society, I do have some interest in this discussion. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Elk River is committing an injustice against the people of Elk River . Recent news reports in the Star News state the HRA has voted to evict the Elk River Arts Alliance from its building at 720 Main Street. This will begin the process to tear down 716 and 720 Main .   Their justification for this action is the fear the roof may collapse under a heavy snow in the coming winter.  I have been assured this chance is minor. Well, the suggestion has been made that the HRA is not serving the people of Elk River in a completely unbiased manner. What the HRA is not saying is that repairs to the building would cost a minimum $75,000.   Tearing down the building would...