6.0. SR 03-24-2003 RESOLUTION 03-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
A RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR OLIVER KELLY FARM
WHEREAS,
The Oliver Kelly 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 Kelly 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 Kelly 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 Kelly Farm, a relationship that has inspired
national and international visitors to come to the Farm to learn about Oliver Kelly 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 Kelly 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 Kelly Farm is one of the oldest continually operating family farms in
Minnesota, and
WHEREAS,
Elk River and surrounding communities, ISD #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 Kelly 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 Kelly Farm Historic site, past the anticipated closing date of July 1, 2003.
Passed and adopted this 24th day of March 2003.
ATTEST:
Stephanie Kdinzing, Mayor
Sandra A. Peine, City Clerk
S:LADMIN~ResolutionsX2003 Resolutions~kpproved\03-22 RES.doc