Meetings are the first Thursday of the month at 7:00pm in the Preston United Methodist Church Basement
A little bit of Preston history
Preston was founded by John Kaercher in 1853. The location was desirable as the Root River afforded opportunities for Kaercher to establish his flour mills along the river. The area offered abundant supplies of timber, water power, stonework, and railway service. Preston is named after the town’s first postmaster, Luther Preston, a good friend and employee of Mr. Kaercher.
Today Preston, the Fillmore County Seat, is a friendly community of 1,350 located in the Root River Valley. Preston offers a peaceful, small town atmosphere close to many interesting and recreational activities in southeast Minnesota’s Historic Bluff Country.
Located in the “Driftless Region” of the state, the Preston area was untouched by glaciers and is now a mecca of karst geology, hardwood forests, abundant wildlife, and numerous springs, brooks, and streams.
Preston Historical Society Facebook Posts
A Moment in Time
Preston Courier July 6, 1893
The good people of Preston Minnesota know how to celebrate a holiday! The Independence Day celebration in Preston attracted 4,000 people in 1893. The day started with music by the local band, a blessing by a local pastor, speeches by local and regional judges and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The revelers had lunch which was followed by further festivities which included horse races, bicycle races, foot races and classics such as a tug of war and sack races. The evening closed with a dance followed by a “lighting of powder.”
Although we no longer hold a large town celebration for the 4th of July, the good news is that you can still enjoy an Old Fashioned 4th of July with our neighbors at Historic Forestville during their 1899 Independence Day Celebration! Experience Independence Day as it was celebrated in the town of Forestville in 1899. Take part in a grand ceremony, listen to a local glee club and political speeches, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and watch an old-time 1860s baseball game featuring the Rochester Roosters and the Lanesboro Excelsiors. Guests can also enjoy pie- and watermelon-eating contests and sack and three-legged races for the kids. There will be a cash-only concession stand.
21899 Co Rd 118
Preston, MN 55965
Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!
