Willmar in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Judge Qvale Cabin

August 26, 2023

1. Judge Qvale Cabin Marker

Inscription. Owned originally by Judge Gauthe Emil (GE) Qvale, this log cabin was part of the family estate on Eagle Lake. It was built as a children's playhouse and later converted to a guest house.

GE Qvale (1860-1951) was born in Norway and immigrated to America in 1878 with his mother and siblings following the sudden death of his father. At 18, he took on a number of jobs, until by chance, he met his future mentor Willmar attorney John Arctander, and his fate was sealed.

Admitted to the bar in 1882, Judge Qvale's illustrious law career spanned nearly 50 years. He served as a probate judge, county attorney and district judge, retiring in 1946. Qvale was blessed with a photographic memory and his opinions on business and law were widely sought. In 1899, he married Johanna Jorgensen (1868-1938) and they had two children. Their daughter, Florence, gave the cabin to the Kandiyohi County Historical Society in 1970.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 45° 7.617′ N, 95° 2.204′ W. Marker is in Willmar, Minnesota, in Kandiyohi County. It can be reached from Town Highway 71 Service Drive east of Porto Rice

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Street Northeast, on the right when traveling east. Located on the grounds of the Kandiyohi County Historical Society museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 610 Hwy 71 NE, Willmar MN 56201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Minnesota

and specifically in Southwest Minnesota. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The History of Kaffe Fest (a few steps from this marker); District #18 Schoolhouse (a few steps from this marker); Engine 2523 (within shouting distance of this marker); Sperry House (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robbins Island (approx. 0.3 miles away); Geology of the Willmar Region (approx. half a mile away); C.C.C. Worker (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willmar.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Great Northern Railway Engine No. 2523 (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Grandpa's Cabin, Kandiyohi County Historical Society's Qvale Cabin. (Submitted on August 31, 2023.)

August 26, 2023

2. Judge Qvale Cabin & Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2023. This page has been viewed 284 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2023.