Historic Contexts Study and Phase II Inventory (Downtown Elk River) 2022

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Elk River's production likely followed the trend of the county, where the yield of potatoes rose from 14,290 bushels in 1860 to 963,073 in 1910. In 1910, Sherburne County was a part of the potato belt, but was surpassed by counties such as Anoka (1,255, 880 bushels), Chisago (1,874,597) as well as Hennepin (2,438,132), and Isanti (2,150,573).21 The period between about 1906 and 1910 was a boom period for potatoes, with three new warehouses erected in Elk River in 1908, and a second starch factory built in 1910. Photographs from this period show the Elk River depot area packed with farmers atop potato -laden wagons, ready to load on railcars. The highway system serving Elk River since 1920 has also supported produce distribution by truck. This structure on Highway 10 is among possible survivors of potato and produce warehousing. Photo 2002. Dairying By 1900, many Elk River farmers were operating dairy businesses. The gambrel -roofed barn and complex of silos synonymous with such operations were erected by across the township. By 1900, there were 5,908 dairy cattle in Sherburne County, a number that increased to 7,258 in 1910.22 (By comparison, Stearnes County boasted 36,272) dairy cattle.)' The Houlton and Nickerson families led the local dairy business. Henry Nickerson built a farm in 1878 at 436 3`d Street N.W. Henry was a brother of J.Q.A.Nickerson, who owned much of what was platted as the village of Elk River in 1862. (The Crystal Springs Stock Farm in Section 36? ) By 1908, W.H. Houltori s 3,000-acre farm at Houlton Siding included "400 head shorthorn of registered stock and sixty angora goats for clearing brush".24 Henry C. Hastings, who was also County Treasurer, owned a cattle business. He operated the Elk River Cattle Company, which had 600 head of cattle, on his 600-acre farm.' Elk River Historic Contexts Study Draft 4/2002 ., 10