Our Affiliates
Friends of Phelps Mill
Since its formation in 1993, the Friends of Phelps Mill have been preserving the historical, cultural, and physical fabric of the mill through educational opportunities, interpretive activities, and fund-raising efforts. The Friends joined the Otter Tail County Historical Society in 1995 in order to further expand their preservation and educational efforts.
The Phelps Mill Foundation (FOPM) is currently trying to raise $500,000 to repair the mill's foundation, install bathroom facilities and assist with the historical interpretation of Historic Phelps Mill. Please consider making a contribution to the Phelps Mill Foundation. Phelps Mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Friends of Ft. Juelson
The Friends of Fort Juelson (FOFJ) is a formally organized group that operates in accordance with By-Laws adopted January 12, 2009. The mission of this group is to cooperate with Otter Tail County, the owner of Historic Fort Juelson, to preserve, interpret, and enhance this site.
Approximately twenty-five members belong to this group.
Fort Juelson is located in the SW 1/4th of Section 3, Tordenskjold township about 2 miles east of Underwood, MN. A flag pole may be seen on this site north of Highway 210. This earthen fort was built in July of 1876 in response to rumors that the Indians were on the warpath and had already killed settlers in the Foxhome, French, and Fergus Falls areas. Fear of harm at the hands of Indians resulted in a number of settlers leaving the area to go to Alexandria, Herman, and elsewhere. A storekeeper, Mr. Dolmer, who had a log store near present day Tordenskjold Church suggested the settlers band together and build a defensive fortification under leadership of the Civil War veterans, Hans Juelson and Berge O. Lee.
The remains of the sod barricade are still visible on this site. It is testament to the threats and trials the early settlers faced and their courage and resourcefulness in preparing for their own defense.
Otter Tail County Genealogical Society
Annual membership is $8.00 per calendar year or $10.00 if the newsletter is mailed to you.
Membership benefits include:
• Quarterly Newsletter which contains: a President's Message, Queries related to Otter Tail County, a short review of books in the Historical Society's library, as well as, many other interesting facts and indexes.
• Free admission to the Historical Society's research library, staffed by the Historical Society, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monthy meetings which provide members the opportunity to discuss individual concerns, to learn techniques for locating helpful sources, and to share interesting genealogical information.
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