John Dwan Office Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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John Dwan Office Building
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The John Dwan Office Building from the southeast
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Two Harbors, Minnesota |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1898 |
| NRHP reference No. | 92000700 |
| Added to NRHP | June 11, 1992 |
The John Dwan Office Building, located at 201 Waterfront Drive in Two Harbors, Minnesota, in the United States, was the location where John Dwan, a Two Harbors attorney drew up the incorporation papers for the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (now 3M) in 1902. The new company's vision was to mine and process corundum that the founders believed was plentiful on Lake Superior's north shore. The company nearly went bankrupt, because the mineral they were mining was useless as an abrasive and the high humidity at Lake Superior wreaked havoc with their adhesive process. Nevertheless, the company survived by receiving financial support from Lucius Pond Ordway, moving to Saint Paul, and changing its focus to manufacturing of abrasives with imported materials.
3M Museum
The attorney's office building remains as the 3M Museum, run by the Lake County Historical Society. Exhibits include the recreated law office, company artifacts and documents, a lab display typical of 3M research and development work, and a hands-on program of technology applications.
