PINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

ASKOV, MN

Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota The Historic Pit During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Credit: rocbolt

The Pine County Historical Society is a non-profit organization located in Askov, Minnesota, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Pine County. The society was founded in 1937 and has since then collected a vast array of artifacts, documents, and photographs that illustrate the county’s past.

The main building of the Pine County Historical Society is the old Askov train depot, which was built in 1907 and moved to its current location in 1980. The depot houses the society’s extensive collection of historical items, including Native American artifacts, logging tools, and clothing from different eras. The society also has a research library that contains books, maps, and genealogical records related to Pine County.

In addition to preserving history, the Pine County Historical Society also promotes it through educational programs and events. The society hosts seasonal exhibits, lectures, and tours that showcase different aspects of Pine County’s past. They also offer educational programs for school groups and community organizations.

The Pine County Historical Society is staffed by volunteers and is funded through donations and membership fees. The society’s mission is to ensure that the history of Pine County remains alive and relevant for future generations.

PINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY is a Historical Societies, Historic Preservation in ASKOV MN. US MID #8402700650

The museum is classed as HSC (Historical Societies, Historic Preservation). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin).

Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota The Historic Pit During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
The Hinckley Fire Historic Marker Hinckley, Minnesota THE HINCKLEY FIRE Between three and five o'clock on the afternoon of September 1, 1894, a raging forest fire driven by strong southwest winds swept over the town of Hinckley, killing 248 residents. The conflagration burned over 480 square miles in parts of five counties, also consuming the surrounding towns of Brook Park, Mission Creek, Miller, Partridge, and Sandstone. At least 418 people died in the disaster. Trains of the St. Paul and Duluth railroad and the Eastern Minnesota Railroad carried nearly 500 people to safety through the burning countryside. More than 1,500 individuals lost their homes and possessions, with fire relief efforts receiving donations from as far away as London and even Turkey as news of the tragedy spread. The mass graves of the Hinckley townspeople who died in the fire are marked by state monument in Lutheran Memorial Cemetery. The Hinckley fire was among the worst of many that followed the end of large scale pine logging operations in northern Minnesota. As the virgin red and white pine was removed, a tinder-dry refuse of stumps, slashings, and brush provided ready fuel for several other disastrous fires, including those at Baudette In 1910 and at Cloquet in 1918. Constructed by National Youth Administration cooperating with Minnesota Department of Highways 1939
The Hinckley Fire Historic Marker Hinckley, Minnesota THE HINCKLEY FIRE Between three and five o'clock on the afternoon of September 1, 1894, a raging forest fire driven by strong southwest winds swept over the town of Hinckley, killing 248 residents. The conflagration burned over 480 square miles in parts of five counties, also consuming the surrounding towns of Brook Park, Mission Creek, Miller, Partridge, and Sandstone. At least 418 people died in the disaster. Trains of the St. Paul and Duluth railroad and the Eastern Minnesota Railroad carried nearly 500 people to safety through the burning countryside. More than 1,500 individuals lost their homes and possessions, with fire relief efforts receiving donations from as far away as London and even Turkey as news of the tragedy spread. The mass graves of the Hinckley townspeople who died in the fire are marked by state monument in Lutheran Memorial Cemetery. The Hinckley fire was among the worst of many that followed the end of large scale pine logging operations in northern Minnesota. As the virgin red and white pine was removed, a tinder-dry refuse of stumps, slashings, and brush provided ready fuel for several other disastrous fires, including those at Baudette In 1910 and at Cloquet in 1918. Constructed by National Youth Administration cooperating with Minnesota Department of Highways 1939
Former First Lutheran Church Graveyard Hinckley, Minnesota IN MEMORY OF THOSE PIONEERS INTERRED IN THIS CHURCHYARD BEFORE THE GREAT HINCKLEY FIRE OF 1894 Per Andrews Baby Boy Andrews Anna Marie Anderson Ingrid Hokanson Jennie Leaf Emma Hokanson Baby Girl Nelson Nels Nelson Girl Stockholm Girl Stockholm John Turnell First Lutheran Church has its roots among Swedish Immigrants who came to the Hinckley area in the late 19th century. The congregation was chartered as the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hinckley in 1883. Three years later the congregation moved into its first building which measured 18 by 30 feet. Eight years later, The Great Hinckley Fire destroyed the first church building along with most of the community on September 1. Undaunted, the congregation moved into a newly erected building by Christmas of that same year. The modern First Lutheran was built in 1990 and is located across the street from this site.
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota The Historic Pit During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota The Historic Pit During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota The Historic Pit During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota The Historic Pit During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
The Hinckley Fire Historic Marker Hinckley, Minnesota THE HINCKLEY FIRE Between three and five o'clock on the afternoon of September 1, 1894, a raging forest fire driven by strong southwest winds swept over the town of Hinckley, killing 248 residents. The conflagration burned over 480 square miles in parts of five counties, also consuming the surrounding towns of Brook Park, Mission Creek, Miller, Partridge, and Sandstone. At least 418 people died in the disaster. Trains of the St. Paul and Duluth railroad and the Eastern Minnesota Railroad carried nearly 500 people to safety through the burning countryside. More than 1,500 individuals lost their homes and possessions, with fire relief efforts receiving donations from as far away as London and even Turkey as news of the tragedy spread. The mass graves of the Hinckley townspeople who died in the fire are marked by state monument in Lutheran Memorial Cemetery. The Hinckley fire was among the worst of many that followed the end of large scale pine logging operations in northern Minnesota. As the virgin red and white pine was removed, a tinder-dry refuse of stumps, slashings, and brush provided ready fuel for several other disastrous fires, including those at Baudette In 1910 and at Cloquet in 1918. Constructed by National Youth Administration cooperating with Minnesota Department of Highways 1939
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota The Historic Pit During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota The Historic Pit During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota The Historic Pit During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.

Contact PINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PO BOX 123
ASKOV
MN
55704

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PINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Information

MID # 8402700650
Name PINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Alternate Name PINE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Classification Historical Societies, Historic Preservation, , Midwest
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 416048580
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201206
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 46.201301, -92.767718
CODES FIPS State Code: 27
FIPS County Code: 115
US Census Tract: 950300
US Census Block: 2011