Sherburne History Center Blog

"Welcome to Elk River" greeting opened welcoming arms to many a traveler along Highway 10 going east or west. As many different visitors, there have been a multitude of signs greeting travelers.  These are just a few of the more recent signs welcoming motorists to Elk River.  The oldest dates from 1970, the most recent sign was put in place in 2019. December 1970 1986

The first snow of each year generates discussion about the multitude of blizzards and snowstorms in Minnesota History.   We have the Armistice Day blizzard in 1940, the Easter blizzard in 1968, the Halloween blizzard of 1991.   And now we have the Super Bowl blizzard on 1975.   The wet snow of January contributed to the challenges of the Supper Bowl blizzard of 1975 Beginning January 9, and continuing for three days, rain, then freezing rain, then snow blanketed Minnesota.   Minnesota football fans christened the storm the Super Bowl Blizzard.   As the three-day deluge began to subside the Minnesota Vikings faced off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl IX.   Locally, the Vikings loss went unmentioned as local reporters documented the snow storm.   Elk River reported a total of 13 inches of snow and wind up to 40 miles an hour after the three-day storm.   “The first indications of real trouble came when heavy sleet and ice ...

1910 through 1930 was a transition period for Sherburne County as can be seen with both automobiles and horse drawn wagons in this photograph.  Only very gradually did pavement replace dirt and gravel on the roads of the county. With road construction season arriving, I wonder about the times of road construction before the big trucks and monstrous land movers.  I wonder about the construction of Highway 10 through Sherburne County.  Why did it happen?  How did it happen? When we explore the actual construction the true impact of Highway 10 becomes apparent. Construction of Highway 10 in Elk River used “one of the biggest and latest improved concrete mixers and pavers in the state and it has the capacity of paving 600 feet a day,” the Sherburne County Star News reported.  Although small compared to modern equipment, the newspaper claimed the machines inspired crowds to gather each day and observe the work.  Credit for Highway 10 and the benefi...

Mercantile of W. L Babcock and Sons, circa 1900.  SHC photo collection 1995.017.004 Highways, roads, streets and avenues play pivotal roles in daily life.   Smooth, comfortable transportation proved important to development of business and commerce in the state.   For Sherburne County, one individual stands out as vital to the growth and development of the county and the highway system running through the state: Charles Babcock.     Born in Orrock in 1871 to Willard and Serepeta Babcock, Charles Babcock grew up on a farm, later worked in his father’s mercantile store and still later became President on the Bank of Elk River.   In his early life no hint was made of his eventual success, or his importance, as Highway Commissioner of Minnesota.      After childhood years in public education, Charlie Babcock attended the University of Minnesota.   The economic crisis of 1893 caused him to drop out and return to work in the ...

I received this challenging question several times while discussing post World War Two Sherburne County.  Answering the question is important because Highway 10 provides perspective on events around the county.  The Highway also remains an emotional scar on the psyche of Sherburne County. The direct answer about construction of Highway 10:  the project began in 1929 and expanded in 1952.  At first glance the road seemed a great gift, connecting two major cities with small Sherburne County towns.  Yet, expansion in 1950 caused major upset.  Charles Babcock promoted Highway 10 during his tenure as Highway Commissioner.  The two lane highway through Sherburne County opened in 1929.  Some of the road was paved, other sections were dirt or gravel.  It stretched from Anoka through Sherburne County to North Dakota.   The greatest impact to Sherburne County and the road came in 1950.  The Highway Department announced the wideni...