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The Dunnell House
This Italianate-style home was built by Mark Hill Dunnell in 1868 and 1869 and was originally located at 357 E. Main Street in Owatonna. The house was sold to Pillsbury Military Academy in 1940 and was used as a cadet’s dorm, infirmary, piano classroom and residence. When the house was scheduled to be demolished for a parking lot, a group of citizens saved it, which led to its preservation and restoration by the Steele County Historical Society. The house was moved to its present location in January 1969 in two sections.
The Blacksmith Shop
Given in 1991 by the Styndl family, the Blacksmith Shop operated by Frank Styndl, was located east of Bixby and built in 1896. Bench vice, drill press, forge, by Frank, are exhibited, as well as examples of plow shares and horseshoes. There is often a working exhibit here during special events.
The Town Hall
The Town Hall first served as the Owatonna Town Hall in the late 1850s, according to the last two residents and an early assessor. It was originally located in downtown Owatonna. The building houses artifacts that relate to the county civic development, townships, government and business.
The Saco Church
The Church of St. Wenceslaus of Moravia was the first building moved to the Village site in 1962. The church was built seven miles southwest of Owatonna in 1891 to serve the Czech community of Moravia, later, after the arrival of the railroad, called Saco. After the church closed in 1952, it was given to the Society and moved with all its furnishings, altar and the 14 Stations of the Cross. The church is available to rent for small weddings. Personalized tours of the 15 buildings are available at 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, May 1 through Sept. 30. Visitors should allow an hour and a half for the tour. Call the office at 451-1420 for current tour pricing. Special rates and times are available for groups by appointment. The Steele County Historical Society offices are located in the History Center at 1700 Austin Road. The accessible center features exhibits and offers historically related programs throughout the year. The History Center is open: • Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information please email, laura.resler@ steelehistorymuseum.org or visit our website at www. steelehistorymuseum.org. You can also follow the historical society on Facebook
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Owatonna Guide