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Special events were held at the Oliver Kelley Farm and HPC members led a historic walking tour <br /> along the river (see Exhibit E). Staff worked with Salk Middle School and Community Ed to <br /> increase the amount of local history in the classroom and the community. <br /> Bailey Point Nature Preserve <br /> The City of Elk River purchased the 23-acre <br /> parcel in 2012 with assistance from the DNR <br /> and the Minnesota Land Trust. Known locally <br /> as Bailey Point, it is intended as a passive public <br /> park. <br /> Officially named Baily Point Nature Preserve, <br /> groundbreaking was held on August 14, 2013, <br /> following the establishment of passive walking <br /> trails and a gravel parking lot (see Exhibit F). <br /> The site is historically significant as it was site of <br /> the first Sherburne County Fair, the first high <br /> school football field, a golf course, and is also <br /> recognized as a battle site between the Dakota <br /> and Ojibwa Indians. In accordance with state <br /> grant requirements, public archaeological digs <br /> on the property were initiated in 2013. <br /> Archaeological Survey and Dig <br /> During the weekends of June 14-16 and June 21-23, 2013, the public participated in an <br /> archaeological survey at the Bailey Point Nature Preserve Park, located at the confluence of the Elk <br /> and Mississippi Rivers (see Exhibit G). <br /> Dr. Richard Rothaus along with a team of archaeologists worked with the volunteers over the two <br /> weekends. The team of archaeologists included Joe McFarlane, Jim Cummings, Bob Burgess, and <br /> Dave Ranford. <br /> Eight volunteers work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with public tours at 3 p.m. daily. The volunteers spent <br /> approximately 200 hours at the event. <br /> During the second weekend a nice concentration of early 20th century/late 19th century artifacts <br /> near the camp "kitchen" were found. It is believed they might predate the kitchen and Dr. Rothaus <br /> is looking into the timelines more closely. <br /> The city was fortunate to receive donations from local businesses and posted informational flyers in <br /> their establishments. Donations were received from the Bank of Elk River, Target, Cub Foods, Elk <br /> River Rotary, The Fraternal Order of the Eagles, the City of Elk River, Diamond City Bread, <br /> Midwest Asphalt,and Westbound Liquor. <br /> 4 <br />