Dunnell cherishes history, celebrates 125 years
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DUNNELL -- On the southwestern side of Martin County sits the small city of Dunnell, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary with special events today, July 18.
"You know, Dunnell's been through a lot in the last 20 or 30 years. Things have changed a lot. But it's good that we're still here. It's a really good thing. There are a lot of really nice people in this town, and they deserve something, to be recognized," said Mayor Mark Breyfogle.
According to the Martin County Historical Society, the Minneapolis and St. Louis (M.&St.L) Railway traveled through the land in 1899. A group consisting of Swedish, German and
Yankee people wanted a town in Lake Fremont Township, while others wanted a town by the water tanks that the railroad left, and others noted that the location could only be reached by railroad.
Initially, the land was to be called De Sota/De Soto, but was abandoned after discussion with railroad officials. Tanks and railroad were moved two miles south, where two roads ran through town, and 20 acres of land were donated by Hans Peterson Senior, John Ostergreen, John Nelson and Ole Olson.
The post office, located two miles from the location and operated by postmaster August Wenberg, was named Dunnell, leading to the naming of the location as Dunnell, after Mark H. Dunnell, a House representative from Owatonna. H.C. Outcolt of Iowa and Minnesota surveyed the donated 20 acres of land, and neighboring farmers and other residents bargained for lots. On Nov. 15, 1901, Dunnell became a full-fledged village. Today, Dunnell has approximately 130 residents on the 96-acre land.
"We seem to hang in and what I've noticed about Dunnell is that, no matter what happens, we adapt and we get by. So, I think it's a good time to celebrate. We're still working on making the place a better place to live. It’s just a really good time to be proud of that," said Breyfogle.
Dunnell will be buzzing with activity all day today, Saturday, July 18, to commemorate this city milestone. Events include food trucks and vendors available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kids Fun Run at 9 a.m. at City Park, three-on-three basketball tournament at 10 a.m. at City Park, Family Scavenger Hunt at 11 a.m. at City Park, free bingo at noon at City Hall, food pantry tours from 2 to 6 p.m., Dunnell historic display and resident's exhibit from 2 to 6 p.m. at City Hall, car show at 3 p.m. at City Park, free-will donation dinner at 5 p.m., program at 6 p.m. at City Hall, family movie at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall and street dance and Brad Morgan performance by The Still bar and grill from 8 to 11 p.m. on Main Street.
"It's important to recognize all the people who’ve come before, and part of the program will be recognizing people who have been there and part of Dunnell's living history. That'll be a really important part so that people can talk about what's happened in the past in Dunnell. I've only been here 14 years, so it’ll be good to talk about where we've been and where we're going," Breyfogle said.
He expressed excitement for the festivities today and encouraged everyone to visit Dunnell and celebrate its history and community.
"With all the things that go on in the wild, it's a nice time to take a look at what we've actually accomplished as a city and what this town has meant to different people over the years. I'd like to thank [coordinators of the 125th anniversary festival] for all the hard work they've done," Breyfogle said. "I hope people will come. I know people will come. I hope they come for a nice day of remembrance. I'm looking forward to it."
Looking ahead, Breyfogle explained he would like to see Dunnell continue to flourish in the forthcoming years.