Meetings are the first Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.
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.
Become a part of Preston history today! Purchase a custom engraved brick to help support the new Depot Museum and Riverfront Center. These also make a wonderful Christmas Gift!
Use the link below to print the order form, or email prestonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com to request one be mailed to you.
Preston Historical Society
PO Box 138
Preston, MN 55965
www.prestonmnhistory.com
prestonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Recent News and History
News Release from the Preston Historical Society
August 16, 2024 – For Immediate Release
For more information contact: Sheila Craig, 507.273.1481 or smeercraig@gmail.com
Preston Historical Society Announces 2024 Raffle Winners
The Preston Historical Society conducted the drawing for the winners of the recent raffle fundraiser at their August Society meeting. Proceeds from the raffle will be used for Historical Society projects.
The Society would again like to thank F & M Community Bank for providing matching funds of $1500 (a dollar for each ticket sold). Preston businesses and individuals, listed below were also gracious to provide the many prizes.
Golf Bag – Greg & Bonnie Davids (value $200) – John Hall, Preston
Golf Driver – Greg & Bonnie Davids (value $200) – Tim Maust, Prior Lake
Log Cabin quilt – Ann Sparks (value $125) – Mark Maust, Prior Lake
Gift Certificate – 4 Daughters – Dick & Linda Wolfe ($100 value) – Bettie Gulbranson, Harmony
Gift Certificate – Branding Iron – Rick & Sue Grooters (value $100) – Angie Huntington, Lanesboro
Gift Certificate – Branding Iron – Gary & Joyce Hellickson (value $100) – Bonnie Johnson, Preston
Golf Putter – Greg & Bonnie Davids (value $100) – Rachel Welsh – Spring Valley
Oil Change Gift Certificate – Preston Service Plus (value $65) – John Goutcher, Preston
2 boxes Golf Balls – Greg & Bonnie Davids (value $60) – Anna Maust, Prior Lake
2 Gift Certificates – Preston Motor Mart (each $50 value) – Matt Bradt, Chatfield and Mark Maust, Prior Lake
Framed (12×12) drawing of the PHS elevator. – Tom Hogue (value $50) – James Maust, Prior Lake
Gift Certificate to Urban Artifacts – Jon & Christine DeVries (value $50) – Rick Stockman, Preston
2 Pork Gift Certificates good at Harmony, Preston or Rushford Foods – Gulbranson Farms (each $50 value) – Pam Ristau, Preston and John Hall, Preston
Preston Bucks – Jim Kuene & Mary Jane Glaser ($50 value) – Bonnie Davids, Preston
Purse from Helen’s Daughters – Steve & Joanne Hall ($48 value) – Marcia Johnson, Preston
Purse – Helen’s Daughters – Mariella Terbeest-Schladweiler ($48 value) – Greg Davids, Preston
Garden Hod – John Carlin – (value $30) – Ed Higgins, Rochester
Gift certificate to Sweet Stop & Sandwich Shoppe – Diane & Keith Johnson (value $25) – Greg Davids, Preston
Gift certificate to Preston Floral – Diane & Keith Johnson (value $25) – Autumn Collett, Preston
Wool mittens from recycled wool sweater – Barb Mielke – (value $25) – Greg Davids, Preston
Gift Certificate to Preston Floral – Alison & Bradley Leathers – (value $25) – Michelle Quanrud, Harmony
Gift Certificate to Driftless Fly Fishing Co. – Alison & Bradley Leathers (value $25) – Kelly Shirah, Northfield
