Homer’s Heartbeat: The Fight To Save A Historic Minnesota Gem
Learn about a community’s heartfelt mission to preserve a historic Minnesota treasure, the Homer Town Hall and Schoolhouse. 🏛️ #SaveHomerTownHall #PreserveOurPast #HomerMNHeritage
Homer, Minnesota – A story of passion and preservation is unfolding along the Mississippi River. Homer, a place in southern Minnesota where history whispers through the trees, is home to a treasured landmark that has stood for over a century: the Homer Town Hall and Schoolhouse.
This beloved building, once a bustling one-room schoolhouse, has been a cornerstone of the community for 104 years. So, when plans to demolish it surfaced, the people of Homer were taken aback. JoAn Moham, a Homer native who walked its halls as a student, couldn’t fathom losing this piece of history to a modern steel structure. According to her, it’s not just a building; it’s a treasure.
Determined to protect their heritage, residents formed a group called the ‘Friends of the Homer Town Hall.’ Their mission is clear: save the town hall. They rallied support, gathering over 250 signatures to preserve the building.
But saving history comes with a price. Renovations are needed, and the cost is daunting, exceeding $300,000. Yet, the community’s resolve is strong. Jim Driscoll, a local advocate for the town hall, mentioned that they don’t need a Taj Mahal; they just need to give this old friend some love.
The Friends have even offered to roll up their sleeves and help with the renovations, but so far, their offers have been declined by the Homer Township Board. Despite this, their spirits remain undaunted. Driscoll confidently stated that the building is safe and can serve for another 120 years.
The fate of the Homer Town Hall will be decided on March 12, 2024, when voters gather at the Witoka Tavern. It’s a choice between preserving a piece of Homer’s soul or embracing a new chapter. For the Friends of the Homer Town Hall, the decision is clear: save the heart of their community.
Homer, Minnesota, is a picturesque unincorporated community nestled on the south bank of the mighty Mississippi River, within Homer Township in Winona County. As of the 2010 census, it boasts a small population of 181 residents.
The area is steeped in history, having been established in 1855 and named after Homer, New York. Visitors to Homer can explore the Willard Bunnell House, a historic house museum built in the 1850s by the town’s founder, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the river and the rich heritage of the Midwest, Homer offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the past.
🗣 Have you ever visited the tiny town of Homer, Minnesota? Have a historic treasure in your hometown we should know about? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below! ⬇️
