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

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creamery, with about 350 members in the vicinity. The split-level, brick and tile building was innovative, with gravity systems rather than pumps to move milk and cream. The plant also processed cheese and powdered milk." The creamery closed about 1957, when milk was hauled directly to the Twin Cities for processing. The building was used for city hall and police offices, as well as a tavern and was torn down in 1991. (Cargill Farm: 1958? 2.5 miles s.e. in Section 13 ) Through the twentieth century, Elk River's agricultural land has gradually been transformed into residential and commercial use. Its proximity to the metropolitan highway system, particularly Interstate 94 and upgraded highways 10 and 101 have put it on the outer reaches of the twin cities bedroom communities. Cropland acreage, which fell from 116, 259 in 1967 to 85,600 in 1982, continues to shrink, and the number of historic farmsteads and other agricultural properties has also been greatly reduced. 29 Christmas trees and nursery plants have been an important new addition to agricultural production. Preservation'Planning Summary: Agriculture Inventoried Resources Several farmsteads were inventoried in Elk River Township in previous windshield surveys. Within the Elk River, the few properties associated with agriculture have been lost to fire or demolition, including the T.C.M.P. creamery (1921), potato warehouses, and related structures. The Oliver H. Kelley Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Recommendation(s) 1. Inventory of remaining farmsteads is warranted. It is not known if early farmhouses (ca. 1850-1880) remain. Of particular interest are properties related to potato cultivation, particularly sheds and sorting facilities. The number of remaining dairy -related properties with good integrity is not known. Elk River Historic Contexts Study Draft 412002 12