09-06-2016 Park Commission Packet

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Minnetonka was originally a sand and gravel bottomed lake but soil erosion following land clearing gave it is present character. Big Island and the area off of Noerenberg Park still have nice sand areas. As channels were made and homes were built there was a significant amount of dredging of Lake Minnetonka, which resulted in its present contour. 1920's —The Lake had many cottages and resorts but few were used year round. Post WWII — Many of the lake cottages were winterized to provide homes for returning soldiers. This changed the character of the lake. One result was the replacement of local septic systems by MUSA. Today (2000 era) many of the remaining cottages are being converted to mansions. There are only three original houses remaining on the west side of Maxwell. Comments about individual parks: French Creek Natural Area • Was originally a fruit farm owned by Julius Hendel (Fruitland Farms (?)) Hendel, of Russian Jewish origin, was a renowned scientist at Cargill who analyzed the protein content of wheat. Lowry Woods A 14 Acre remnant of Big Woods that was donated by the Lowry's to the Nature Conservancy around 1967 and subsequently donated by the Nature Conservancy to Orono in 1994. Susan Lurton Nature Area • Susan Lurton was originally a Harvey and lived across Lake Classen from the present park property. She and her second husband, Bill Lurton purchased the farm that contains the park area when it appeared that it might be developed because they enjoyed looking at it and appreciated the nature and open space. • The farm was originally homesteaded by Charles Gorden in the 19th century and later purchased by Frank Butterfield, who replaced the original barn with a new one around 1910-1920. The barn was considered for National Historic Landmark status but was not saved due to its condition and the fact that it really was not the original large -timbered structure. • Frank Butterfield's wife was from the well-known Stubbs family. • The Lake Classen area is also known as a site with Native American artifacts. Seven Nations Natural Area • From the Native American perspective, the Seven Nations site is important because of its location on Watertown Road, which was the main trail west from St. Anthony to Watertown. • There is no conclusive evidence of other Native American use of this area though it can't be ruled out. Most gathering places were at sites with wide vistas or sources of water. • Native American artifacts have been found at a number of sites in Orono but especially on the Eisinger development site and in the Union Cemetery area between Orono and Long Lake. • Seven Nations would be an excellent park in which to feature Orono's famous "Gentlemen's Farms". It was part of the Mid -Meadows Farm, owned by the Heffelfingers of Bracket's point. The farm was organized in the late teens or early 1920s and existed into the 1950's. Much documentation and many photos would be available.