Ellendale Historical Society addresses Brown's Park name recognition

The Ellendale Area Heritage Society meeting, which took place at the Ellendale Community Center on Saturday, September 6, was called to order by President Barbara Mrotz. Around ten members were present, including Dan Nelson and his black lab. The heritage society has been in operation since 1989.  

 

Barbara Mrotz expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire society: “Much appreciation and thanks to Cindy Nelson for her skill and labor in the garden. There is an issue with the restaurant down spout from the restaurant. This will need to be addressed by the city council. It is in danger of disrupting Sonic’s cement pouring and patio for the garden.” 

 

Since 1914, the city park has been referred to as Ellendale Park or Central Park, but it should be called, “Thomas E. Brown Park,” or “Brown Park” after the town founder. The city council is aware of this issue, but has not addressed it. The pillars at Ertel Field need to be repaired, have become aged and degraded. Wayne Doberstein or Sonic Concrete will evaluate.

 

Jo Lerberg, historical society member, raised concerns about the new Minnesota state flag. Said Lerberg, “There were 2,600 different designs submitted and open to public comment for over a year. This has been the official flag for 15 months. This is disrespectful to fly the old flag and not the new one when Minnesota decided to change it.” Jo Lerberg asked Andy Lerberg if the Ellendale Legion has had any discussions on changing their old flag to the new flag and no one knew. Since this is a big veteran issue, she was asked if she’s had this discussion with any vets on the matter and she replied, “I don’t think it’s open for discussion. It’s been approved, the time for discussion was before the 13-member panel made the decision 15 months ago. They took a year of debate on it. If people didn’t like the American flag change, did they fly the old flags? The issue is that this is on city property, and they are being disrespectful.” She was reminded that the Legion is run by vets and that they can do what they want.

 

The remaining $3,775 will be paid to Jesse Ralph for services rendered, since the society currently has the money and he has been very patient. It will come from the Mural fund in the form of a cashier's check. The Southern Minnesota Foundation Grant for $9,000 has been submitted. For funds in checking, $435.82, for the mural fund $4,270.36, in the brick sales account, $6,570. For sales, specialty bricks are 73- 4x8s and 53- 8x8s. Waylan Bushl was also present and used the rest of the meeting to receive proper brick ordering instructions to cut down on confusion.