15 Arcola MHS Legacy Grant

4/10/2015 MNHS
https://mnhs.fluxx.io/portal_grant_requests/20169303?printable=1 1/7
R‐MHCG‐1504‐06519
Arcola Mills Historic Foundation
R‐MHCG‐1504‐06519 | $5,784 | MN Historical and Cultural
Arcola Mills Artist Colony Survey, Inventory and Evaluation

Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage Grant Request
The three bold fields with an * (Mailing Address, Brief Project Summary, and Amount
Requested) must be completed in order to save your application for the first time. The save
button is at the bottom of the application. Be sure to complete the entire application before
submitting. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Submissions to the Grants Office may be subject to Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
(Statute 13). All user‐written material may be modified by the Minnesota Historical Society for
clarity and promotional purposes.
Applicant Information
Applicant: Arcola Mills Historic Foundation
Applicant County: Washington
Applicant Organization Type: Non‐Profit Business/Entity
Governance/Board Members:
Ray Marshall, Alexis Fighley, Jane Casto, Wynn Martin,
Is this a sponsored project? Select
Yes or No.:
No

Project Information
Small request: $10,000 and less: Yes
Mid/large request: greater than
$10,000:
No
Project Title (Be descriptive and
succinct):
Arcola Mills Artist Colony Survey, Inventory and Evaluation
* Brief Project Summary:
A MHCHF Grant to hire a qualified consultant to conduct an intensive survey of the structures and

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history of the Arcola Mills Artist Colony to determine eligibility for inclusion on the NRHP.
Does this project fall under the
"Historic Properties" category? Select
Yes or No.:
Yes
Historic Property (if applicable)
Property Name: John and Martin Mower House and Arcola Mill SIte
Address: 12905 Arcola Trail N
City: Stillwater, MN 55082
Property Location County: Washington
This property is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places:
Yes
This property is eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places:
No

Could any items related to this
application be considered "culturally
sensitive objects"? These objects
could be items used in a spiritual
ceremony or other ritual, or
funerary objects or human remains.
They can be of any cultural origin.
Select Yes or No:
No
If unsure select Yes.

Geographic Focus of Project: Washington

Budget Details
BUDGET LINE ITEMS
Budget Item
Grant Amt
Requested
Match:
Cash
Match:
In‐Kind
Total
Match
Student Research Assistant $300 $0
Project Coordinator Budget $400 $0
Mileage for Research Assistant $84 $0
Travel Mileage for Site Project
Coordinator
$42 $42
Public Presentation Materials,
Publicity, & Misc. Expenses
$150 $150

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Consultation with SHPO, Presentation
of the Project to Board and/or Public
$1,000 $0
Completion of Project Report $1,000 $0
Evaluation of the Artist Colony $3,000 $0
Total: $5,784 $192 $0 $192
* Amount Requested (Use total from
above):
$5,784.00
Match Offered (Use total from
above):
$192.00
How were above figures determined?
The budget expenditures will cover the costs of personnel and related research provided to the
Arcola Mills Historic Foundation by an historic preservation consultant contracted through a
competitive RFP process, and research assistants. This amount was determined by contacting and
receiving a quote by two historic preservation consultants.
Proposed budget allocates 20 hours at an hourly wage of $20 for Project Manager and 20 hours at an
hourly wage of $15 for Research Assistant.
Mileage was determined using the 2015 IRS Standard Mileage Rate of $0.14 for Charitable Non‐
Profit. Budget would allocate 30 miles of travel for 10 site visits for two Research Assistants.

Application Narratives
Project Description:
This historic survey will be an intensive level of documentation to record the four structures that
were used as artist cabins from circa mid 1920s‐1979 located along the St. Croix River on the Arcola
Mills property (see attached map).
The purpose of the evaluation is to learn whether the cabins (and houseboat) hold historic
significance and integrity for National Register of Historic Places eligibility. The buildings were
identified but not included in the 1977 National Register Nomination Form. The cabin adjacent to
the historic mill was described in the form. It was not evaluated, nor was it included in the site
nomination.
This project will complete the missing gap of information regarding additional structures at the
overall site, including capturing the era of the site when Dr. Henry Van Meier and his wife Katharine
provided a place where artists, writers, family, friends and students came to create, learn, reflect,
and have fun. Historical research will be undertaken to assist in completing a site history of the
Artist Colony and their relation to the Van Meiers and their impact they had in the St. Croix Valley,
and the significance of this artist colony in terms of other art colonies in greater Minnesota. This
relationship will assist in determining the historical significance of the cabins.
The product of this grant will be a survey of the structures to identify important resources so that if

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significant, they may be preserved and protected as a potential part of the Arcola Mills Historic
Foundation’s strategic plans. This project will provide the Arcola Mills Historic Foundation with a
valuable preservation planning resource and will help meet Goal #3 in the State Preservation Plan to
educate by incorporating research data gathered to educate citizens through the updating of the
foundation’s website and the future creation of a new interpretative panel to be displayed inside the
John, Gracia, and Martin Mower House. If the artist colony is indeed of historic significance to the
story of Arcola, a separate project will be conducted to update NRHP listing.

Please select the need and rationale that best fits your project from one of the following:
Need and Rationale (select one): This project will complement existing knowledge by filling
an identified gap.
Need and Rationale:
Arcola Mills Historic Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to preserving and
interpreting the history of Arcola Mills. The Foundation has a proven track record of restoring and
preserving the John, Gracia, and Martin Mower House. This lumber‐era Greek revival mansion was
built in 1847 by brothers John and Martin Mower, founders of the settlement and Mill of Arcola. It is
the third oldest and largest timber frame house in Minnesota has been greatly restored to most of its
original character with modern improvements included by the foundation. The original lumber mill
remains and artist cabins situated along the riverfront are the foundation’s next priority for future
rehabilitation.
Currently, information is lacking in the history and significance of the artist colony to the greater
story being told of Arcola Mills and the history of the St. Croix Valley. A disconnect exists between
the two periods of significance at Arcola: The first being the Mower era (early 1840s‐early 1900s),
and the second being the artist colony during the Van Meier era (1920s‐1979). This historic survey is
the essential first step the Arcola Mills Historic Foundation needs in order to determine the next
steps to take for the potential rehabilitation of the four artist cabins and to ensure the end results
will have enduring value.

Work Plan and Timetable:
Final schedule will be determined based on award date of grant. Fieldwork should be conducted
when conditions permit.
We will be requesting the historic consultant provide the following deliverables to the Arcola Mills
Historic Foundation upon awarding of grant.
Task 1. Evaluation of the Arcola Artist Colony (3 months)
Historical research will be undertaken to assist in completing a site history of the Artists Colony and
their relation to the Dr. Van Meier and Mower families. This relationship will assist in determining
historical significance of the cabins. Site visits to each cabin to document any unique features or
architectural elements which may help with evaluation. Photographs will be taken of the interior
and exterior of each cabin. Research will be conducted onsite and online.
Task 2. Completion of Project Report (1 month)
Write, compile, and edit a report on the results of the evaluation regarding the Arcola Artist Colony
to determine sufficient integrity and historical significance and its eligible for inclusion in the
National Register.
Consultant will complete a professional quality report which includes the following:
a. A title sheet identifying the project, contract number, and name and address of the Company;
b. The names and titles/responsibilities of the project manager and persons working on the
project, including any subcontractors;
c. The budget for the project; and
d. A written narrative summary of the project and its outcome including an outline of the
methodology used, evaluation of the project results, and a summary of what worked and what
should be done differently. Two copies the final summary report will be submitted to the Arcola
board

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(including one (1) printed and one (1) electronic version.
Task 3: Review of Project Report (1.5 months)
a. Delivery of project report to the Arcola Mills Historic Foundation.
b. Review of document by Board of Directors
c. Presentation and discussion to the board of the history gained from report and its implications.
d. Public presentation of the history uncovered from the project.

Project Personnel:
The Arcola Board will use the following minimum qualifications for selecting a historical consultant:
(1.) Meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for a historian,
architectural historian, and/or architect, and Standards for Identification (2.) Meeting the Secretary
of the Interior's 36 CFR 61 standards, and (3.) Past experience working with Minnesota Historical and
Cultural Heritage Fund grants. The Arcola Mills Board will ensure that all of the historic consultant’s
work is in accordance with the National Register Bulletin, How to Complete the National Register
Registration Form, or the National Register Photo Policy Factsheet; and the SHPO’s Requirements for
National Register Nominations.
Research Assistants. One with background in Historic Preservation and history. The second, a college
student with studies in history or research.
Provide estimates for the following. If none, enter "0":
Estimate the number of project
hours worked by newly hired staff to
be paid for with grant funds:
110
Estimate the number of project
hours worked by existing part‐time
staff to be paid for with grant funds:
0
Estimate the number of
vendors/consultants/ contractors
who will work on the project (non
staff):
3

Enduring Value:
The Arcola Mills site is among the most significant preserved natural and historic site on the St.
Croix River. Its known history covers at least three eras: 1) Native settlement covering at least the
Woodland Period; 2) the European‐American frontier and settlement and the lumbering period
(including Territorial and early statehood); 3) the 1902’s through the close of the last century – and
for Arcola the end of the mill use, new ownership and repurposing, decline and then restoration.
Currently the organization is able to use the Mower mansion and natural environment as tangible
vehicles to impart the history of the area. Determining historic value could led to the salvaging of
the cabins, which will broaden the tangible vehicles through which the full range of the eras of
history represented here will be transmitted. This will broaden the experience and legacy for the
Valley area and of Minnesota. This can greatly enhance incentives for stewardship and appreciation
of history for this invaluable historic treasure and the eras it spans.
The history of artist colonies in Minnesota will surveyed, connection of artists of national note having
had residence at Arcola will be researched, and the contribution of the Van Meier era will be
documented and incorporated into fabric of the history of the St. Croix Valley.

Sustainability:
Once the report is completed, results will be used to determine next steps for the future of the artist
colony site. If the site is in fact eligible, future application will be submitted for the site’s NHRP
designation. This can be a valuable historic preservation and planning asset to the Arcola Mills

4/10/2015 MNHS
Added by Fitzie Heimdahl at 1:47 PM on April 10, 2015
Historic Foundation. For the greater public, it will provide increased knowledge of the Van Meier era
at Arcola and broaden the range of historic legacy represented in the St. Croix Valley.

Evaluation
Complete the Evaluation Metrics Table below. Choose the green “+” in the upper right corner to add
each evaluation metric. Begin with short term goals, followed by medium and long term. To be an
impact there must be a change in knowledge, status, or behavior. To be measurable, establish
meaningful indicators to show when change has occurred.
Evaluation Metrics
Timeframe Expected Impact Progress Indicator
Short‐Term The report will be used at organizational
and local level to determine whether a
historic designation is appropriate.
Report detailing whether or not the
Arcola artist colony is eligible for
inclusion on NRHP will created.
Intermediate Documentation and narrative of the
colony. Develop new educational and
interpretative material to expand upon
the Van Meier era of significance at
Arcola Mills and the Valley.
Documentation and public
presentations and material
development. Website will be
updated and additional interpretative
material added.
Long‐Term Determination of historic significance
will be central to the board’s decision
for future use plans and feasibility
studies for restoration of the Arcola
artist colony cabins.
The Foundation's Strategic three,
five, and ten year plan will be
updated. If restored, the cabins could
be used as temporary artist residency
and public education.

REQUEST DOCUMENTS
Cabin Two.JPG
Cabin Three.JPG
Cabin Three (2).JPG
Cabin One.JPG
Cabin Four‐Houseboat.JPG

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Mill Ruins.JPG
Cabin One.JPG
Arcola District Map.jpg
NRHP Sample Nomination Form.pdf
Architectural History Inventory Form.pdf

15 Arcola MHS Legacy Grant

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