Federal Fish Hatchery

Federal Fish Hatchery. . , 1938 A thorough study of a hundred acre location was carried out by the U.S. Commission of Surveys. Dam and mill site were purchased for $14,000. Land for fish ponds extended a mile downstream. Citizens contributed $1,300, and some easements were donated. , 1939 The New London Mill was dismantled making room for hatchery buildings. A W.P.A. transient camp for 140 workmen was built on the land for future hatchery residences. , 1940 Herbert Toppel was appointed foreman; A.M. McIntire became superintendent of construction. Temporary office was in the Farmers' Store. "New London was a beehive of activity." As massive earth-moving was begun on ponds and dikes. Leslie Bennett, a fish culturist, became hatchery superintendent. The Hatchery was constructed by WPA workers. , 1941 By the middle of April the hatchery was in operation with 10,000,000 northern pike eggs incubating the first week. All eight ponds were used the first year for walleyed pike, largemouth bass, crappies and bluegill sunfish. A good will banquet was held for 125 people, some distinguished like Henrik Shipstead, U.S. Senator, once a native of the town. It was mainly in appreciation for all who had given generously of time and money. The brick office on the street level was ready for occupation. Later, a long-awaited aquarium was opened to the public. , 1942 For the first time in history, 30,000 northern pike were raised to fingerling size and planted in Minnesota lakes. , 1945 With the end of World War II, the local lzaak Walton League campaigned to complete the hatchery as planned and promised. , 1949 It was proved for the first time to doubters that fish could be raised in water from the Mill Pond. , 1950 Federal funds of $150,000 were appropriated for construction of ten more ponds and another employee residence. , 1954 Production figures were 2,300,000 fingerlings of assorted game fish and about 15,000,000 were hatched. , 1966 Federal funding of $121,000 was approved by the U.S. Senate. , 1968 A new building near the ponds opened for additional hatching and lab facilities. , 1979 A two-third mile pipeline from a well near pond eight was to be laid and a well house built. , 1982 There was a rumor that a hatchery would close due to lack of federal funding. , 1996 Ownership of the hatchery and land was conferred by an act of congress, from the USFWS to the Minnesota DNR. , 2004 The wooden part of the hatchery building, below street level, was demolished. , 2006 Brick office and aquarium building razed. . This historical marker was erected in 2013. It is in New London in Kandiyohi County Minnesota