Heritage Group North membership drive under way

PINE RIVER - Heritage Group North, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 qualified community organization dedicated to historic preservation in central Minnesota has launched a new membership drive.

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The Heritage Group North organization was formed eight years ago with the primary goal of preserving and restoring the Pine River Railway Depot. Initial efforts over the eight years have included: Research as to history, original design and historical significance done by Doug Birk, senior archaeologist/historian of the Institute for Minnesota Archaeology, and a native of Pine River, whose efforts resulted in obtaining a determination that the Pine River Depot is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Only seven other structures in Cass County have received this designation. The Pine River Depot is the last restorable one of its kind on the old M and I line. The Pine River Depot will be listed as soon as it is moved to its new location on the west side of the Paul Bunyan Trail.

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HGN member Alan Johnson authored a grant with assistance from Doug Birk, which resulted in a $250,000 grant award. With the addition of $112,000 in mitigation money from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Heritage Group North has acquired $362,000 to move and restore the Pine River Depot. Work is almost complete on the new foundation and the depot is scheduled to move in late July.

MnDOT and grant funds will cover the cost of the move onto the new basement foundation, restoration of the 250-foot brick platform, restoration of the exterior siding, rebuilding the canopy, installation of a new wood shingle roof, replacement of two brick chimneys and painting the exterior in the original boxcar red color.

With this success, Heritage Group North is now ready to expand its membership. The long-range goal for the depot is to restore the original office and waiting room and convert the freight room into a History Interpretive Center with displays explaining the rich heritage of the area.

The Heritage Group North membership drive has as its goal to form a network of supporters who enroll with their membership. Members will not be required to attend meetings of HGN, although they will be welcome.

Members will be kept informed of events and progress by a newsletter. Interested, enthusiastic people who have a desire to provide creative ideas, financial support and/or volunteer time at community events, etc., are asked to join, complete and send in the membership form. HGN wants a membership base that can help guide the programs and uses associated with the depot as the project moves forward.

The introductory cost is $10 per member per year. Membership funds will be used to publish a newsletter, pay administrative costs, mailing, etc. Membership applications can be obtained and questions answered by writing or calling Heritage Group North, P.O. Box 266 Pine River, MN 56474 or call (218) 587-4000. Forms are available this week at the booth at the Cass County Fair in Pine River.