Pequot Lakes Historical Society

The Pequot Lakes Historical Society was formed in 1997 with about 30 charter memberships. The group was organized for the purpose of collecting, preserving and sharing knowledge about the Pequot Lakes, Minnesota area. Since the beginning, the group has worked hard to create a community presence through the support of local events, establishment of a museum and a designation of historically significant buildings.

The PLAHS Museum is located in the lower level of the Cole Memorial Building. That part of the building has been neglected for decades. Through years of hard work, sweat and frustration, a core group of members rescued it from years of disuse, clutter and decay. The museum is now a pleasant place to connect with the distant and not-so-distant past.

The museum primarily covers the area of the 1930's to 1940's. Area families have either donated or loaned items to be displayed in the museum. There is a military section, school room, kitchen, bedroom, general store, and, of course, a theater area displaying equipment and seating from the Lakes Theater, which occupied the Cole Memorial Building for many years. There is a collection of scrapbooks and photos that hold an extensive history of families in the area.

Photos from Pequot Lakes' history and the inside of the museum




Before	Now: Twin Pines Trading Post	Before Now
Before - Methodist Church	Now: Northern Treasure Antique & Art	Now: Stone House Jewelers A.J. Amelia's Salon & Spa

2008 Officers:

Karen Bye	President	218-568-4808
Wayne Olson	Vice-President	218-568-5708
John Brunes	Treasurer
Don Tepfer	Secretary
Jane Ness	Membership Contact	218-568-5480

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In 2007 the upstairs area of the Cole Memorial Building received a facelift with the hardwood floors being redone, walls pained and the kitchen area spruced up. new windows were installed as well as an elevator that serves both floors. This was a joint project with the Historical Society, the City of Pequot Lakes, and was funded with the aid of grant monies from the State of Minnesota Historical Society.

Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month (except February) and the public is invited to attend.

The Cole Memorial Building was built by the WPA in 1937. It is named for Al Cole, a prominent businessman in Pequot Lakes and the surrounding towns in the 1900s. The building served as a civic center, with meeting rooms use by various local organizations. For many years, the grounds were the site of patriotic celebrations and community get-togethers.

In 1941, the upper level of the building was converted to a movie theater and did business as the Lakes Theater until 1967. From then until the present it has been the home of the Senior Citizen's Center.

The Cole Memorial Building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has recently undergone extensive upgrades and renovations in keeping with its historic significance. Click here to read more about the history of Pequot Lakes.