Rotary leadership programs.
The 2020-2120-2 offi cers are: Sue Wood d, pre esident; and Cathy
Thisiu us, treasurer.
For more information on Rot otary, including how to becom
me
a member, mb
visit the website at www.cokatw.cok
todasselrotary.org;
org;
emai ail cdrotaryclub@gmail il.com; or fi nd us them
Facebook.
Cokato Finnish-American Historical Society
The Cokato Finnish-Am merican Historical Soc
ciety
(CFAHS)
was found ded d in 1896, to preserv
ve historical buildings and ar-
tifacts located at Temperance Corner r. The
corner is located
north of Cokato on Co o. Rd d. 3. The society’s mission is to edu-
cate the public, and to provid de historical information. on.
CFAHS has more than 200 members and meets quarterly
at Temperance Hall. The annual meeting takes place in Jan-
uary, and a program and lunch fol ollow ow the meeting.
The society has two festivals annually;
th he fi rst is the Sat-
urday before Memorial Day, and the second is in
October.
During thesee events, en all buildings are open with historical
displays, and lunch is served. There is also a bake sale and
raffl fle, plus a historical program at noon. Midsummer is cel-
ebrated in June with a historical ica program and an evening
ng
dessert potluck, followed by a bonfi re.
Pikkujoulu (Little Christmas) s) is celebrated the fi rst Saturday
in December with candle-lighting at the cemetery in late af-
ternoon, followed by a potluck supper.
All l events are open to the public. Memberships are $10 for
individuals, and $15 for couples. Donations help the society
with its preservation and educational efforts. The society offers
scholarships to a Finnish language camp.
Anyone interested in joining, or with questions, may contact
Harvey Barberg, president, at 320-286-5823, or email
[email protected].
Cokato Historical Society
The Cokato Historical Society board of trustees meets the
third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Centennial Room
of the library/museum building (except where noted).
The historical society raises funds to support the operation
of the award-winning Cokato Museum and Gust Akerlund
Photography Studio, a National Register Historic site. They
host regular programs and events, publish a quarterly newsletter,
“In the Midst Of,” and provide research services for genealogists
or persons interested in local history.
Questions about the historical society, museum, or Akerlund
Studio may be directed to the Cokato Museum at 320-
286-2427, email; [email protected]; Youtube: Cokato
Museum & Akerlund Studio; or visit the website: www.cokatomuseum.org;
Facebook: Cokato Museum & Akerlund Photo
Studio; and Twitter: @CokatoMuseum.
Darwin Community Club
The major function of the Darwin Community Club is the
Darwin Museum and Souvenir Gift Shop. It is also a supporter
of Twine Ball Day, which takes place the second Saturday in
August in Darwin.
The Darwin Community Club is always looking for new
members interested in the welfare of the Darwin area to join
its team. Anyone interested in joining may contact any of the
offi cers.
Darwin Lions Club
The Darwin Lions Club has approximately 40 members.
The club meets the fi rst Monday of every month at the Darwin
Rod and Gun Club. Throughout out the year, the club sup-
ports International Lions Club projects, as well as local projects.
The Darwin Twine Ball Celebration is the club’s major
fundraiser. r. The club awards a scholarships hips for Dassel-Cokato
seniors and Litchfi eld seniors each year.
The club’s offi cers are Cra raig Dullinger, president; ent Jay
Mischke, vice president; Pat Raiber, secretary; ry; and Ryan Sev-
erance, treasurer.
Anyone ne interested in joining or learning more about the
organization n can contact Josh Johnson at 320-275-3004.
Darwin Rod and Gun Club
The club, one mile east of Darwin on Highway 12, meets
the second Wednesday es of the month at 8 p.m. .
The Darwin Rod and Gun Club is community-minded, with
emphasis on hunting, fi shing, and conservation. It hosts trap-
shooting leagues in the
summer, and provides a shooting
range for members year-round. Several events take place
for members and the public each year. Annual dues are $20,
or $200 for a lifetime e membership.
The club is available for event rentals. Contact Katie at
Darwin Municipal Liquor, or call 320-693-2586.
Dassel Friends of the Library
Dassel Friends of the Library is a group of individuals whose
goal is to support, enhance, and promote the many benefi ts
of the library system.
New members are welcome For more information, contact
the Dassel Library at 320-275-3756.
Dassel Area Historical Society
Known as the cultural, arts, and historical center of the
Dassel area, the Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum offers
an array of events and exhibits throughout the year.
Located at 901 First St. N. in Dassel, the history center is
home to the Dassel Area Historical Society (DAHS), an organization
with a mission to bring the past, present, and future
together in a way in which all generations can learn and
enjoy.
The museum is housed in the Universal Laboratories building,
which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2006, it was named one of the 25 top preservation projects
in the state of Minnesota by the Minnesota Preservation Alliance.
Its main exhibit, Ergot: From Blight to Blessing, showcases
what the building was primarily used for – processing ergot.
From the early 1940s to the mid-1970s, Universal Laboratories
provided raw ergot from the grain fi elds of the western US
and Canada to pharmaceutical companies. Critical drugs
were produced from the ergot, saving countless military and
civilian lives.
Another exhibit, Seed Corn: from Maize to Amazing, highlights
Dassel’s rich seed corn story and how it became known
as the Seed Capital of the World.
The history center offers other permanent exhibits, including
a Peterson Pharmacy exhibit, featuring donated historical
pharmaceutical artifacts; and Magnus Johnson: from
Swedish Immigrant Farmer to US Senator, showcasing the
political career of the late senator from the Kingston area.
In addition, the museum features an assortment of temporary
exhibits throughout the year providing artifacts, photos,
historical information, and art.
The Dassel Event Center is located on site, where special
30 | Dassel-Cokato Visitors Guide 2020-21