Northfield in Rice County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Sesquicentennial Legacy Plaza
2008
Photographed By Keith L, July 22, 2011
1. Sesquicentennial Legacy Plaza Marker
This Sesquicentennial Legacy Plaza, with the sculpture "Harvest" as its centerpiece, commemorates with an enduring presence Northfield's sesquicentennial year 2005.
In 1855, John Wesley North founded the town of Northfield and built a dam and lumber mill on the Cannon River. Upon leaving Northfield he sold the mill to Charles A. Wheaton, who operated it until 1865 when it was purchased by Jesse Ames.
In 1869, Jesse Ames & Sons built a new mill on the west side of the river that produced 150 barrels of wheat a day. At the 1876 International Exhibition in Philadelphia, the Ames & Sons Flour Company captured top honors in the "Straight Flour" category. In 1879, steam power was introduced and a new floor added to the mill, making it five stories tall.
In 1927, John Campbell took over the Ames Mill, producing Malt-O-Meal hot cereal for the Campbell Cereal Company. As the milling industry thrived in Northfield, so did the town, growing from a small farming community to a culturally vibrant, business-friendly college town.
The sculpture "Harvest" was conceived thematically to form symbolic linkage with
this page online
The Malt-O-Meal Company, continuing its long-standing commitment to Northfield, sponsored the casting of Harvest. The Northfield Area Foundation contributed the monolith with additional funding provided by the 2005 Sesquicentennial Committee and from generous individuals in the community. The City of Northfield and the Northfield Historical Society served as co-sponsors of the Sesquicentennial Legacy Project.
"Harvest" sculptor: Raymond I. Jacobson
Erected 2008.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 2005.
Location. 44° 27.332′ N, 93° 9.716′ W. Marker is in Northfield, Minnesota, in Rice County. Marker can be reached from South Water Street north of Fifth Street West (Minnesota Highway 19), on the left when traveling north. Marker is at the Sesquicentennial Legacy Plaza along Northfield's Riverwalk, overlooking the Cannon River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Northfield MN 55057, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Civil War Monument (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Flour Milling Revolution (approx. 6.3
Photographed By Keith L, July 22, 2011
2. Harvest Sculpture and Marker
More about this marker. Since February 21, 2012, the Malt-O-Meal Company is now known as MOM Brands.
Also see . . . Northfield, Minnesota. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on May 8, 2012.)
Photographed By Keith L, July 22, 2011
3. Nearby Malt-O-Meal Plant
Photographed By Keith L, July 22, 2011
4. Malt-O-Meal Plant
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2012, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 650 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 8, 2012, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
