Stephen’s Old Home Town Museum, located adjacent to Stephen/Argyle Central High School on Fifth Street, has been in operation since July of 1991 when a group of visionaries recognized the value of acknowledging yesterday today.
The OHT is the converted former residence of Cutsy and Francis Swanson (Editors and Publishers of the Messenger from 1925-1965) which was built in 1916. Among the items found wall to wall in the museum are antique furniture, “a neat old fashioned kitchen”, a beautiful sideboard, old kitchen cupboards filled with unique dishes, pots and pans, an old ice box, 2 old organs, a fainting couch, a collection of 142 dolls dressed in hand crocheted costumes…the list goes on and on. Upstairs you will find a neat old fashioned teacher’s desk made by using square nails, an old rural student’s school desk and other antique furniture. There is also a nice display of old fashioned clothes from the early 20th century.
A 30’X60’ building is filled with many items from the pioneer days including a 1912 Bull Tractor, early farm machinery, horse drawn machinery, a large old wrench collection as well as other tools, a collection of miniature tractors, a hundred-year-old lawn swing and others too numerous to mention. A large, colorful collection of birds is located throughout the building- some mounted in 1912 by area’s local taxidermist.
A replica of the stage coach that traveled between Stephen and Roseau is exhibited in the new addition. Articles from Nyland’s Harness & Shoe Store are displayed for your reading pleasure. Nyland’s was one of Stephen’s earlier businesses- established in 1895.
Come and see “Tamarac Mac” – a carved figure, named in honor of Stephen’s first settler. The figure was carved by a chain saw artist on a spruce tree standing on the property. Many more unique old fashioned items can be seen in the museum.
The O.H.T. Museum is open every Sunday afternoon, 1:00 P.M.- 5:00 P.M., during the months of June, July and August. Interested parties can view the displays by appointment by calling #218-478-3562. You can also contact our City Historian at #218-689-0576.
Each year the museum holds their Annual Luncheon with a Pie and Ice Cream Social on Stephen’s Summerfest Day.
