03-022 RES RESOLUTION 03-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR OLIVER KELLEY FARM
WHEREAS,
The Oliver Kelley Farm has such historic significance that it was designated a National
Historic Landmark by the US Department of Interior's National Register of Historic
Places, and
WHEREAS,
On average, more than 14,000 school age children annually visit the Oliver Kelley Farm
to learn through inter-action with staff and livestock how farming was conducted in
1850, and
WHEREAS,
On average, an additional 13,000 adults visit the Kelley Farm annually, contributing to
the local economy and enhancing Elk River's reputation as a destination, and
WHEREAS,
The National Grange has maintained an ongoing relationship with the Minnesota
Historical Society for 40 years regarding the Kelley Farm, a relationship that has inspired
national and international visitors to come to the Farm to learn about Oliver Kelley and
his family, the start-up of the national Grange Movement, and the origins of agriculture
in Minnesota, and
WHEREAS,
In the interests of authenticity, the Oliver Kelley Farm has incorporated a unique
historic livestock breeding and crop and garden seeds program that will be severely
damaged once the site ceases to operate as a living history farm, and
WHEREAS,
The Oliver Kelley Farm is one of the oldest continually operating family farms in
Minnesota, and
WHEREAS,
Elk River and surrounding communities, lSD #728, local school children, and local
members of the Minnesota Historical Society, will lose access to a locally and nationally
significant community resource, should the Minnesota Historical Society close - even
on a temporary basis - the Oliver Kelley Farm.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Elk River Mayor and Council strongly encourage the
Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Legislature to aggressively search for ways to continue to
fund the operations of the Oliver Kelley Farm Historic site, past the anticipated closing date of July 1, 2003.
Passed and adopted this 24th day of March 2003.
ATTEST:
Stephanie K2inzing, Mayor
Sandra A. Peine, City Clerk
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