New Book Celebrates Otter Tail County’s 150th Anniversary

We Chose Otter Tail County, new book published by Otter Tail County Historical Society just in time for the county’s sesquicentennial celebration. The book is available exclusively at the Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 Lincoln Ave W, Fergus Falls, MN or online through their website, www.otchs.org. The book retails for $9.95.

We Chose Otter Tail County takes the reader on the journey pioneers took as they settled Otter Tail County. All sixty-two townships and the major villages and cities are represented. Readers will quickly see that Otter Tail was settled by people who left the Scandinavian and European countries we normally associate with migration, as well as, by those who were born elsewhere in the United States. While this book is about those that settled Otter Tail County and their unique stories, it also contains the universal story of all immigrants. They came for a better, more prosperous life.

This book has been ten years in the making. Based on the 2008 exhibit with the same title, this book is dedicated in memory of Mercedes Paulson, who was a long-time supporter and volunteer at the Otter Tail County Historical Society. The book is illustrated with maps and arrows to indicate the movement patterns of settlers. It contains sixty-two photographs from the historical society’s collection and several more from credited sources as well as organizational dates of each township and an index to all the names.

“This nicely produced publication would be of interest to anyone with ties to Otter Tail County, those interested in settlement patterns, especially in Minnesota, and anyone who enjoys finding out more about the place they live” said Kathy Evavold, OTCHS Curator. “The book was researched and designed by the historical society staff with resources available in our research library and archives. Dissemination of Otter Tail County’s history is one of our missions and we would never be able to see these projects through without the support of members and volunteers. This book is sure to make a wonderful gift for each and every history buff you know and a hot item this holiday season.”

Contact:  LeAnn Neuleib, Office and Gift Shop Manager, Otter Tail County Historical Society, 1110 Lincoln Ave W, Fergus Falls, MN  56537
Tel: 218-736-6038
Email:  [email protected]
Website: www.otchs.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTCHS