BEMIDJI — One hundred years might not seem a very long time in the grand scheme of human history. But volunteer members of Bemidji’s Heritage Preservation Commission like Lois Jenkins are dedicated to telling the stories of the town’s oldest structures.
“Beltrami County is one of the youngest counties settled," Jenkins explained during a recognition ceremony on Wednesday, June 11.
"And so, our history isn't as long, but it's rich with good people who were merchants, who were public-minded and built our organizations, our streets and our buildings.”
Beginning at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, commission member Linda Lemmer led the ceremonies to recognize four brick structures on Third Street that have stood the test of time for over a century.
Jenkins said the 100-year-old Bemidji structures project began last year, and its first applicants were all on the same block.
“The [Lake Bemidji] waterfront was our mode of transportation way before we had roads or trains. And so it was just a natural thing that Third Street was built," she said.
"Now, these aren't the first buildings that were on Third Street. Because then we had to get a brick factory. Once you start making your own bricks, then you build substantial buildings that are lasting more than 100 years.”
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation, the Hanger thrift shop and the Yellow Umbrella boutique are currently housed in what were once known as the Miles, Barker or the O'Leary-Bowser blocks, so named for the entrepreneurs who built them all those years ago.
The Bemidji Heritage Preservation Commission accepts applications from businesses in historic structures or even residents in century homes to be included in this local historic registry.
The committee, after completing its research, will present the owner with a commemorative decal, with more information on the city’s website.
"That is our role," Jenkins said. "It's not just the structure, the buildings, it's social and cultural history."
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