Swede Prairie Progressive Farmers' Club facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Swede Prairie Progressive Farmers' Club
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Yellow Medicine County Highway 9 near Clarkfield, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1915 |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001331 |
| Designated | June 13, 1986 |
The Swede Prairie Progressive Farmers' Club, also known as Roberg Hall, was a special building built in 1915. It was a meeting place for farmers in Swede Prairie Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. This club helped farmers work together and share ideas. Later, the building became the official hall for the township, which is like a local government office.
The building is important because it reminds us of how farmers worked together long ago. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history.
Contents
What Was the Farmers' Club?
In the early 1900s, farming was a tough job. Farmers often faced many challenges, like bad weather or low prices for their crops. To help each other, they formed groups called farmers' clubs. The Swede Prairie Progressive Farmers' Club was one such group.
Why Did Farmers Form Clubs?
Farmers' clubs were very helpful. They allowed farmers to:
- Share new ideas about farming.
- Learn better ways to grow crops and raise animals.
- Discuss problems they faced.
- Work together to get fair prices for their products.
- Support each other and their families.
These clubs were a way for farmers to have a stronger voice. They helped farmers improve their lives and their communities.
Roberg Hall: A Community Hub
The building itself, Roberg Hall, was more than just a meeting place. It was a center for the community. People would gather there for meetings, social events, and to make plans for their township. It was a place where neighbors could connect and work towards common goals.
From Club to Township Hall
Over time, the Swede Prairie Progressive Farmers' Club building took on another important role. It became the township hall. A township hall is where local government meetings happen. It's where decisions are made about things like roads, schools, and other services for the community. This shows how important the building was to the people of Swede Prairie.
Why Is Roberg Hall Historic?
Roberg Hall is special because it's one of the few buildings left that shows us what these early farmers' clubs were like. It helps us understand the "grassroots agricultural movements" of the past. "Grassroots" means that the ideas and actions came from ordinary people, like farmers, rather than from big leaders or governments.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes places that are important to the history of the country. When a building or site is on this list, it means it has special historical value. It helps protect these places so future generations can learn from them. Roberg Hall was added to this list in 1986.
Protecting Our Past
Being on the National Register helps make sure that historic places like Roberg Hall are cared for. It reminds us of the hard work and community spirit of the farmers who built and used this hall. It's a way to remember an important part of Minnesota's history and the story of farming in America.
