56-546: Owatonna is both a city and a township in Steele County, Minnesota, in the United States: Owatonna, Minnesota Owatonna Township, Steele County, Minnesota Topics referred to by the same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Owatonna . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change
112-527: A 35-acre (14 ha) lake. The Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children was built in 1886. The school took in orphans from around the state and taught them "the value of drill, discipline, and labor." The children who died in the institution were interred in the Children's Cemetery behind the school. In 1945, the orphanage closed and in 1947 the State Public School
168-553: A Republican. District 24 includes portions of Steele, Rice and Waseca and Dodge counties in the southeastern part of the state. Owatonna is in House District 24A, represented by State Representative John Petersburg , a Republican, since 2012. Owatonna is in Minnesota's 1st congressional district , represented by Brad Finstad , a Republican. Public education is provided by Independent School District No. 761 In Owatonna
224-447: A community effort, each grave now has a named marker. A memorial boardwalk also leads to the cemetery. Guests may explore the campus by following the six-station Outdoor Audio Tour. The tour stations lead to historic sites, such as the restored Boys' Cottage 11, the Children's Cemetery, Root Cellar, Flag Pole Plaza, Rock Garden, and 1898 School Monument. The audio stations are active from May 1 through November 1. The Children Remember
280-445: A household in the city was $ 45,660, and the median income for a family was $ 54,883. Males had a median income of $ 37,691 versus $ 25,511 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 20,513. About 4.3% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 7.9% of those under 18 and 6.9% of those 65 or over. Owatonna is an economic center of Southern Minnesota, with diverse industries. Federated Insurance
336-705: A lineman (technician) with Owatonna Public Utilities (OPU), Harvey and his wife Maxine began their effort to remember the children. In 1992, the first step was taken to get permission from the Owatonna City Council to have a statue representing the "State School Kids" erected in front of the former Main Building, which was used as the City Administration Building. For more than twenty years, the Rongliens' work expanded to create
392-517: A mural, Mother Goose , created by the WPA artist Miriam Ibling . The museum exists in large part because a former State Schooler, named Harvey Ronglien, believed that the memory of the children who lived at the State School and the way they were treated should not be forgotten. Harvey spent 11 years at the State School, arriving when he was just 5 years old in 1932. After retiring from a career as
448-568: A pharmacy, Owatonna quickly prospered and grew to 1,500 inhabitants in five years. Kaplan wrote about the Owatonna area in letters donated to the Minnesota Historical Society. In them, he described often seeing the indigenous people with "tough constitutions...brown skin and good dispositions", adding: "When you read about battles between whites and Indians, it is the whites who are to blame." In 1866, Kaplan helped organize
504-408: A result, the school district received $ 77.9 million to repair all buildings, replace out-of-date equipment, update security in all seven public school buildings, switch the use for two school buildings, and reconfigure grades from K-5, 6, 7-8, 9-12 to K-5, 6-8, 9-12. All facility changes and projects were completed by September 2018. On November 5, 2019, Owatonna voters approved a referendum, allowing
560-630: A senior activity center, the Owatonna Arts Center, two nonprofit daycare centers, a chemical dependency halfway house, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, among others. In July 2008, a Raytheon Hawker 800 corporate jet crashed near Owatonna, resulting in eight deaths. On November 3, 2015, the Owatonna Public School District passed a bond referendum to fund school facilities improvements focusing on deferred maintenance, safety, and Elementary school crowding. As
616-608: A similar name and logo, this team is unrelated to the former Southern Minnesota Express , which relocated to Michigan to become the Motor City Machine . The Express began play in the 2008-2009 season, and completed its final season in March 2011. Owatonna is governed by a mayor and city council. City Council of Owatonna, MN City council The city is in Minnesota's 24th Senate District, represented by John Jasinski ,
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#1732776526082672-487: A town on August 9, 1858, and as a city on February 23, 1865. In 1856, Josef Karel Kaplan emigrated from the village of Dlouhá Třebová, southeast of Prague, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), and selected a quarter section [160 acres (65 ha)] of land near the town of Owatonna. Kaplan described Owatonna as having just 50 small homes, but predicted 100 within a year, along with a railroad. With just four stores and
728-609: A twelve-person board of directors. Following Harvey Ronglien's death in 2021, the museum announced a merger with the Steele County Historical Society. The primary museum is located in the central hall of the Owatonna City Administration Building. This u-shaped hall hosts display cabinets with materials both sorted chronologically and by subject. Visitors may also watch two videos and see photos and artifacts that tell
784-675: Is a city and the county seat of Steele County , Minnesota , United States. The population was 26,420 at the 2020 census . Owatonna is home to the Steele County Fairgrounds, which hosts the Steele County Free Fair in August. Interstate 35 and U.S. Highways 14 and 218 are three of the main routes in the city. Owatonna was first settled in 1853 around the Straight River . The community
840-566: Is a national landmark on the National Register of Historic Places and functions as a branch of Wells Fargo Bank. The State School Museum is at West Hills on the grounds of the former Minnesota State School for Dependent and Neglected Children . The Steele County Blades is a junior hockey team that plays at Four Seasons Center and is a member of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League. Although having
896-578: Is an 87-minute film that brings together a revealing and stirring collection of oral history spoken by thirteen candid survivors of life in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s at the Minnesota State School for Dependent and Neglected Children. It was completed in 2002, after a two-year production process. The film was the winner of the Bill Snyder Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2003 Fargo Film Festival Fargo Film Festival and
952-584: Is located on the former State School grounds, which are now owned by the City of Owatonna. Visitors can learn about the history of the school and the children, watch a 1930s film taken of the children, walk through a restored boys' cottage, and stroll the grounds. The campus is one of the most intact examples of a state cottage school standing in the United States and is significant on a national level. The 1934 school building, now known as Merrill Hall, contains
1008-548: Is the largest employer, with 1,521 employees, followed by an expanding Viracon, which has 1,434 employees. Both have their corporate headquarters in Owatonna. Other large employers in the community are Bosch , Jostens , Gopher Sport, Brunswick Corporation ( Cybex International ), Daikin Industries , Climate by Design (CDI), AmesburyTruth, ISD 761, Wenger Corporation, Owatonna Clinic - Mayo Health System , and Owatonna Hospital - Allina Hospitals & Clinics . In 1974,
1064-554: The Michigan State Public School in Coldwater , Michigan, which was created as an alternative to the linear orphanage system. The cottage plan was to offer the children a family-like group atmosphere with about 20-25 to a cottage. Each cottage was managed by a matron who lived in the cottage full-time. Eventually, there were 16 cottages on the grounds in Owatonna. By the 1930s, up to 500 children were housed at
1120-657: The Catholic cemetery, and a year later, the Bohemian National Cemetery of Owatonna. Kaplan's Woods is part of the land originally owned by Josef Kaplan, and later Victor and Anna Kaplan. The State of Minnesota created Kaplan's Wood State Park, which was later transferred to the City of Owatonna. The Kaplan's Woods Parkway contains over 6 miles (10 km) of hiking and cross country skiing trails, and nearly 2 miles (3 km) of hard-surfaced, handicapped-accessible trail. The parkway includes Lake Kohlmier,
1176-463: The Children's Cemetery located in the southwest corner of the campus. The cemetery is open for public viewing, weather permitting. It has been restored by the Museum Board and local friends. The first 47 children were buried with a tombstone. However, the practice was then changed. The next 151 children who died were buried simply with their identification number etched on a slab of cement. Through
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#17327765260821232-453: The City of Owatonna purchased the campus of the former Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children , which had been in operation from 1886 until 1945. The site was renamed West Hills, and now serves as an administrative center for the City of Owatonna, as well as housing several nonprofit organizations in the various historic buildings, including the Owatonna Arts Center. Little Theatre of Owatonna has called Merrill Hall in
1288-400: The State School at any time. Children were constantly being placed out, and new and unfamiliar children being placed in. These were orphaned, dependent, neglected and abused Minnesota children who had been made wards of the state by the probate courts . The State School was to be a temporary home, preparing the children for adoption or placement in new, "good" homes. While the intent was to keep
1344-573: The State School, where they would reside in a home-like setting, receive an education, and eventually be placed with suitable farm families. Over 60 years of operation, the State School was home to a total of 10,635 children. The facility closed in 1945 as adoption and foster care came to be preferred over institutionalization. The State School complex became the Owatonna State School (OSS) for children with developmental disabilities. The OSS closed in 1970. After four years of vacancy,
1400-725: The West hills their home since 1966 The ongoing practical joke Pesky Pants took place in Owatonna between 1965 and 1989 In the middle of Owatonna's downtown is the National Farmer's Bank , widely recognized as one of the premier examples of the Prairie School of architecture in America. Designed by Louis Sullivan , the building was finished in 1908 and features gold leaf arches, stained-glass windows, and nouveau Baroque art designs, all still in pristine condition. It
1456-428: The age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.1% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.05. The median age in
1512-490: The campus was purchased by the city of Owatonna to serve as its new seat of government . The complex was renamed West Hills . The Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum on the grounds interprets the history of the site. The main Administration Building of the State School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The larger complex of 19 surviving buildings, including
1568-406: The children only for a few months, some stayed on for years and suffered the effects of institutionalization. The State School was often referred to as the "city on the hill" or as a "city within a city." At the height of its existence in the 1930s, the school housed 500 children in 16 cottages. Other buildings included a nursery, hospital, school, gymnasium, laundry, and residences for employees and
1624-557: The city was 37.2 years. 26.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.5% were from 45 to 64; and 13.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female. As of the census of 2000, 22,434 people, 8,704 households, and 5,936 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,779.9 inhabitants per square mile (687.2/km ). There were 8,940 housing units at an average density of 709.3 per square mile (273.9/km ). The racial makeup of
1680-564: The city was 94.09% White , 1.56% African American , 0.13% Native American , 0.99% Asian , 0.03% Pacific Islander , 1.92% from other races , and 1.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.31% of the population. There were 8,704 households, of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who
1736-479: The city. The population density was 1,761.8 inhabitants per square mile (680.2/km ). There were 10,724 housing units at an average density of 738.1 per square mile (285.0/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 91.2% White , 3.8% African American , 0.3% Native American , 0.9% Asian , 2.2% from other races , and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.3% of the population. There were 10,068 households, of which 34.1% had children under
Owatonna - Misplaced Pages Continue
1792-528: The county's stories, and connects people with history in meaningful ways, for today and for tomorrow." Established in 1949 to preserve the history of Steele County, it has become one of the largest and most prestigious historical societies in the state. In 1962, the Society permanently leased part of the southeast section of the fairgrounds to begin a pioneer village, the Village of Yesteryear , which has grown in
1848-408: The eastern bank of the Straight River , extending towards the south from Maple Creek . The city has grown in all directions, and now lies on both sides of the river, as well as above the ridge north of Maple Creek. Significant growth in recent years has occurred to the northeast, where homes have been built along the ravine of Maple Creek as well as alongside Brooktree Golf Course, to the north, and to
1904-441: The film has received 10 awards at over eight film festivals on the international circuit. Memorabilia from the film is set to be on display in the high school museum. Local bus service in Owatonna is provided by SMART . SMART operates one deviated fixed route and paratransit service. Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children The Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children
1960-442: The grounds grew to 329 acres by 1937, with 42 acres for campus and 287 acres for cultivation to feed all the livestock, and fruit/vegetables for its inhabitants. In addition to grains, the State School farm produced potatoes, carrots, beans, squash, strawberries, raspberries, apples, etc. The wards were expected to act as the primary labor force, especially during harvest. Many foods were canned and stored for use in winter. A greenhouse
2016-479: The link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Owatonna&oldid=1087975483 " Categories : Disambiguation pages Place name disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Owatonna, Minnesota Owatonna ( / ˌ oʊ w ə ˈ t ɒ n ə / OH -wə- TON -ə )
2072-513: The museum that exists today. In 2011, Maxine Ronglien was honored with an Advocacy Award by the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. Over the years, the Rongliens also gave a presentation to hundreds of group tours and school groups about Harvey Ronglien's experiences at the State School, the effects of institutional living, and the importance of family. The museum became a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 1999, and operated with
2128-539: The orphanage era and learn the story of the boys who lived there. The restoration process included removing walls, sanding floors, scraping paint, adding new furnaces and air-conditioning units, construction projects, painting, finishing floors, finding artifacts, and installing audio systems. Museum founder, Harvey Ronglien, lived in Cottage 11 for eight years and tells his story in the book A Boy from C-11, Case #9164 . In all, 198 State School children have been buried in
2184-639: The plumber" Pribyl; Jane Jacobson, Owatonna classmate and friend; Helen Patterson, Sunday School teacher, 1936-1941; R.W. "Buzz" Kaplan, high school classmate and friend. Individuals involved in the production were: Kathleen Laughlin/producer, director, editor; Maxine Ronglien/executive producer; Michael Maas/project director; Harvey Ronglien/historian; Kevin Kling/narrator; Mike Hazard/writer; Ed Matney/camera; Ted Golbuff/sound; Robert Hughes/composer. Several former residents or their family members have written memoirs of their lives, including their time at
2240-545: The previously listed Administration Building, were added to the National Register as a historic district in 2010. The Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children was created by an act of the 1885 State Legislature, which was championed by Governor Lucius F. Hubbard and Reverend Hastings H. Hart, Secretary of the Minnesota Board of Corrections and Charities. Before this facility
2296-500: The ridge north of Maple Creek that marks the boundary between the oldest parts of the city and more recent developments. Record rainfall events from September 22 to 24, 2010, caused flooding of the Straight River and Maple Creek in and near Owatonna, with developments in the floodplains of both streams completely inundated. As of the census of 2010, there were 25,599 people, 10,068 households, and 6,737 families resided in
Owatonna - Misplaced Pages Continue
2352-481: The school district 104 million dollars in bond authority to build a new Owatonna High School . A smaller bond was also approved for the redevelopment of the old OHS site. The new high school, a 317,000 square foot building, located in south eastern Owatonna, broke ground on May 6, 2021, and opened to students on September 5, 2023. A public grand opening ceremony was held on September 23, 2023. The Steele County Historical Society "preserves Steele County's past, shares
2408-474: The southeast. Geographical landmarks of note include Kaplan's Woods, a hardwood nature preserve on the southern border of the city; Cinder Hill, a steep 60-foot hill on Linn Avenue overlooking downtown that local athletes use for training; the Straight River dam, originally used to power a mill and now reconstructed to include a fish ladder; and the Forest Hill Cemetery, an old wooded cemetery on
2464-425: The stories of the children who lived this history. Constructed in 1923 by architect Clarence H. Johnston Sr. , Cottage 11 was originally designed to house 25 boys, but eventually housed 30-35 boys from ages 6–13. In 2009, the restored cottage opened for tourists. Highlights include the original terrazzo flooring, bathroom fixtures and woodwork; a gift shop; and the opportunity to walk through an original cottage from
2520-474: The superintendent. The school had its own power plant, greenhouse, ice house, cemetery, and complete farm with cows, horses, swine, and chickens, making it close to being self-sufficient. The State School had electricity before the City of Owatonna did. Many crafts were conducted right on campus. In a normal day a person could visit a functional bakery, cobbler shop, laundry, barber shop, sewing rooms, butcher shop, and carpenter shop. Originally housed on 160 acres,
2576-479: The years since through the additional move of historic structures, as well as museum buildings built on site. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has an area of 14.62 square miles (37.87 km ); 14.53 square miles (37.63 km ) is land and 0.09 square miles (0.23 km ) is water. The oldest part of the city (including the downtown area) is on a low-lying area on
2632-443: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.08. In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.5 males. The median income for
2688-461: Was a residential and educational facility for wards of the state from 1886 to 1945, located in Owatonna, Minnesota , United States. The State School was created by an act of the Minnesota legislature in 1885 as an effort to provide safe, transitional housing for the state's orphaned , abandoned, and abused children . The goal was to remove at-risk children from harmful situations and place them in
2744-404: Was created, orphaned, dependent, abused, and neglected children in Minnesota were placed in country poor farms with adult derelicts, petty criminals, alcoholics, and the mentally ill. This school was created to be a haven where these children could be saved from a life of poverty or crime, and transformed into productive members of society. Minnesota chose to follow the cottage system developed by
2800-543: Was funding, the north and south wings were added in 1889. It came to house the library, chapel, offices, employee and children's dining rooms, industrial departments, and living quarters for small boys and employees. By 1945, state public welfare officials came to believe that early foster care or adoption was preferable to institutionalization, so admissions ceased. In 1947, the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children (SPS)
2856-551: Was named after the Straight River, which in the Dakota language is Wakpá Owóthaŋna . A popular, but apocryphal, story is that the town is named after "Princess Owatonna", the daughter of local Native American Chief Wabena who was supposedly healed by a nearby spring's magic waters, which were said to be rich in iron and sulfur. The earliest the Owatonna area was settled was in 1854. It was platted in September 1855, incorporated as
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#17327765260822912-549: Was officially abolished and all its lands, buildings, property, and funds were transferred to the newly established Owatonna State School (OSS), which provided academic and vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities. The OSS closed in 1970. After standing empty for four years, the City of Owatonna purchased the campus area from the State of Minnesota in 1974 to house administrative offices and related facilities. The Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum
2968-476: Was officially abolished and all its lands, buildings, property, and funds were transferred to the newly established Owatonna State School, which provided academic and vocational training for the developmentally disabled. The Owatonna State School was closed June 30, 1970. In 1974, the City purchased the compound for its office space. Renamed "West Hills," it continues to serve as the City's administration complex and home to many nonprofit civic organizations including
3024-667: Was selected as one of the Best of Fest at the 2003 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival . Former State School residents in the film include: Oscar and Harvey Ronglien, Eva Carlson Jensen, Lester Felien, Eugene Bliss, Ruth Lowry Fizer, Richard Webber, Violet Grothe Conlin, Wilbur Hollister, Helen Hoover Bowers, Iris Avis Segelstrom Wright, Vivian Swan Manthe, Robert Charnell; State School family member: Arlene P. Nelson; State School staff: Grace Larson White, Luella Wardien Keller; community interviewees: Bernadine Haberman, daughter of "Joe
3080-648: Was the Owatonna Art Education Project . Parts of the 1995 movie Angus were filmed in and around Owatonna, including Owatonna Senior High School , its football team, and marching band. Much of the 2014 silent film The Root of Evil was shot on location in Owatonna, most notably at the Owatonna Senior High School and the Gainey Center. Produced by a cast and crew of over 60 Owatonna High School students,
3136-435: Was used to start the vegetables, fruits, and flowers each spring and two root cellars stored the harvested crops over the winter months. The iconic Main Building served as the school nerve center. It was built in five phases, beginning in 1886 at a cost of $ 50,000 appropriated by the Minnesota legislature. Architect Warren Barnes Dunnell designed the first three sections. The Main Building was completed in 1887 and, when there
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