The Arcola Mills Historic Foundation was recently awarded a Minnesota Historical Heritage Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society to document and record the history of the Van Meier era at Arcola and the artist colony that was active between the mid 1920s and 1979.
The project is currently seeking contact with individuals, particularly from the Valley area, who may have information or documents from the 1920s through 1990 regarding then owners of the property Katherine and Dr. Henry Van Meier of Stillwater and about the structures and their uses during that period.
In a presentation to the Board of Directors, Steven Blondo, principle of Blondo Consulting and Project Director, gave an update on the project to study the potential historic and architectural status of a set of buildings on the Arcola Mills property.
Arcola Mills is an important preserved historic and natural site on the St. Croix River. Its 1847 Greek Revival mansion and mill site have been designated as historically notable by being placed on the National Register of Historically Significant Places. The study is intended to review and document the history and importance of the remaining structures on the 55-acre site.
Individuals with information should contact Arcola Mills at 651.351.7506, or Steven Blondo at steven@blondoconsulting.com.