Maine Township near Underwood in Otter Tail County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Saving History

October 24, 2024

1. Saving History Marker

Inscription. In September 2002, a water turbine was found by members of the Friends of Phelps Mill in the rubble of the 1876 Parkdale Mill in Tumuli Township. Built as a flour and grist mill, Parkdale was one of many mills in the late 19th century that made Otter Tail County one of the most productive flour milling regions in Minnesota.
The turbine is placed in honor of the Ole Viger family who left Norway for America in 1881. Upon their arrival in Parkdale Viger opened a blacksmith shop while his wife, a trained nurse, was a midwife and cared for the area's sick. Viger purchased Parkdale Mill and did custom milling for many years. His grandson, Richard B. Viger, donated the turbine to the Otter Tail County Historical Society to preserve as a historical artifact.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical month for this entry is September 2002.

Location. 46° 22.817′ N, 95° 49.267′ W. Marker is near Underwood, Minnesota, in Otter Tail County. It is in Maine Township. It can be reached from County Highway 45 half a mile west of 288th Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker

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is at or near this postal address: 29029 Co Hwy 45, Underwood MN 56586, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Water Power (here, next to this marker); Phelps Mill (a few steps from this marker); Phelps Mill National Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); The Story of Phelps Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); William O. Douglas (within shouting distance of this marker); Barnhard School (approx. 2.1 miles away); Maine (approx. 2.2 miles away); Friberg Swedish Baptist Church (approx. 5½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Underwood.

Saving History Marker (left) and Parkdale Mill Turbine image. Click for full size.

October 24, 2024

2. Saving History Marker (left) and Parkdale Mill Turbine

Parkdale Mill Turbine and Markers image. Click for full size.

October 24, 2024

3. Parkdale Mill Turbine and Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2024. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2024.