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Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Zach Anderson - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Wednesday, 20 July 2011 12:43
Minnewaska Lutheran Home to celebrate 50th Anniversary Sunday

mlh_front-bell_300On July 23, 1961, 5,500 people showed up to tour and see the dedication of the new Minnewaska Home in Starbuck. Governor Elmer L. Andersen gave the address that day and praised Starbuck for "its outstanding and significant achievement."

Reverend G. O. Forde, Pastor of St. John's, Immanuel and Indherred Lutheran churches officiated at the dedication rites ceremony.

On February 19, 1957, a group of 100 people met at Fron Lutheran Church and voted unanimously to undertake the project. A board of directors representing the eight churches in the area was formed to oversee the construction of the nursing home.

No outside funding was used to build the original $300,000 facility. $150,000 of the cost was raised by voluntary contributions up front, with the rest raised and paid off after the nursing home opened.

Over the years it has gone through many changes with additions to the building. The original Home offered space for 38 residents. It was expanded in 1970, 1972, 1974 and 1989 to a facility presently giving care to 64 residents.

The Minnewaska Lutheran Home occupies a full square block near downtown Starbuck. It was built with the intention of providing happiness and comfort in a homey atmosphere, with a definite Christian environment for their senior citizens.

MLH has eight double rooms and three split doubles with the remaining 50 rooms being private rooms. Minnewaska Lutheran Home is affiliated with eight local Lutheran Churches in the community who elect one person each to serve on the Board of Directors with one member elected at-large.

Current Directors are Kayo Aslagson, Lauris Johnshoy, Arne Stoen, Lonnie Anderson, Pat Dinsmore, John Samuelson, Warren Hagestuen, Mark Schumann and Keith Naig.

To celebrate the MLH 50th Anniversary there will be a program in the Commons at 1:30 p.m. on July 24. The program will consist of music and speakers, followed by the dedication of the Memorial Garden by the gazebo. There will also be an ice cream social inside and outside.

If anyone knows who has the original film of the dedication ceremony at MLH in 1961 please contact Helen Stafsholt at 239-7152.