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Gem of Minnesota.

PARK RAPIDS is the name of a thriving new town situated in Hubbard County, NORTHERN MINNESOTA, on the Fish Hook River, centrally located on the

BEAUTIFUL SHELL PRAIRIES.

These prairies are slightly rolling forming part of a high plateau. The soil is made of a rich fertile loam of a carboniferous character with a fine subsoil, capable of raising the very finest of quality grains with as large an average as the countries prairies can boast.

Park Rapids

is situated on the right bank of the Fish Hook River. A clear, swift running stream, fed as it is by the waters of a beautiful chain of lakes, which form a natural reservoir inexhaustible in its very nature, the stream keeps at about the same level throughout the year.

A Superior Water Power

Is located here.  A dam has been thrown across the river, and a Saw and Flouring mill erected.  Good judges "men who have traveled" say of the water power "it is one of the best in the state."'

HUBBARD COUNTY lies on the western edge of the "GREAT PINE BELT" and the lumber industry is a feature of no small importance and must with the entrance of a Railroad prove a valuable factor in the Development of the country.

Excellent Water Abounds.

The Alkali so noticeable in Dakota, being entirely absent.  Wells only have to be dug from 20 to 30 foot in depth. 

Lumber can be bought at very low prices for building purposes, and merchandise of all kinds is sold at reasonable prices.  Fuel costs but little.

HUBBARD COUNTY comprises an industrious, clear headed and energetic people who are animated by the praiseworthy desire of "getting on the world" and helping others to do the same.

Good Schools and Churches

Will soon be the pride of the county and every elevating and helpful moral and social interest will be encouraged and sustained as rapidly as possible.

Taken from excerpts of the Park Rapids Enterprise, 1882

 

In addition to their collections and archives, photos, and several other resources,

the museum has an extensive library of

Genealogy, Military and Minnesota History available for research.

 

Here are some materials we have in our collection:

  • Birth records

  • Cemeteries

  • Censuses (1885, 1895, 1900, 1905, 1910, 1920)

  • Death records

  • Deeds (homestead, land purchases/sales)

  • Funeral Home Records, Erickson- Nevis

  • Marriages

  • Military - WWII Newspaper Scrapbooks

  • Naturalization Records

  • Newspapers

  • Obituaries

  • Photographs

  • Platbooks and Maps

  • School Records (Graduate lists and Yearbooks)

  • Scrap Books

 

 

To submit a research request to the Historical Society:

EMAIL:  hchs@localnet.com

MAIL: PO Box 327, Park Rapids, MN 56470

PHONE: (218)732-5237 (museum)  (218)732-0143 (off season)

 

 

OTHER REPOSITORY'S WITH HUBBARD COUNTY INFORMATION:

Vital Records of Hubbard County, Minnesota

The Hubbard County Courthouse is located next to the museum in Park Rapids. 

This site includes a description of the records that you will find and be able to use in your research,

as well as some records that you will not be able to access.

 

Park Rapids Area Library

 

 

 

Hubbard County Minnesota GenWeb Project

This website hosts an impressive amount of online information including:

  • Akeley History

  • Akeley High School Graduates

  • Biographical Sketches of Early Residents

  • Births

  • Cemeteries

  • Census  Minnesota 1885, 1895, 1905 (Includes some for Becker, Wadena and Cass Counties)

  • Deaths

  • Enterprise Newspaper 1882-1890

  • Family Histories

  • Funeral Home records (Index)

  • Hubbard County Plat Book 1922

  • Land Records

  • Marriages (Index)

  • Naturalization (Index)

  • Obituaries

  • Townships Map

  • Vital Records - Researching in Hubbard County

  • WWII Scrapbooks (Indexes)

 
 

 

The Minnesota Historical Society has a large collection of area information available:

 

Featured photos from the community:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hosted by RootsWeb

To Contact the HCHS

EMAIL:  hchs@localnet.com

MAIL: PO Box 327, Park Rapids, MN 56470

PHONE: (218)732-5237 (museum)  (218)732-0143 (off season)