Just as much thought went into the design of The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum building to express Morrison County’s history, so, too, did this thought go into the museum grounds.
In front of the museum sits a large granite boulder, a favorite climbing platform for children. This piece of granite came from a quarry in Belle Prairie Township. There were several granite quarries in operation in Morrison County in the past.
The following undated letter was written by Stella LeBlanc, chair of the museum’s Design Committee, during the planning stages:
Mr. Merle Hanson
Rochert, Minnesota
Dear Sir:
As chairman of the Morrison County Historical Society Museum Design Committee, I would like to know if scrap granite at the black granite quarry in S.E. 1/4 of Sec. 23, T41, R.31 is available, and under what conditions.
Our structure is still in the planning stage. As of now, the building will be mostly wooden. However, quarrying is part of our county history and we could bring granite into our plans, either as a pedestal for a large outdoor display or retaining wall, etc. in landscaping.
We are a non-profit organization with limited funds, but perhaps it could be arranged to have some truckers help us.
If construction is to begin in the spring, plans must be finished soon. An early reply would be greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Wilfred LeBlanc
The reply was handwritten on the back. It is dated February 27, 1971.
Dear Mrs. La Blanc, [sic]
It is all right with me if you use rock for the purpose of the museum. However I would like a signed statement to free me from liability or injury on the property.
Merle Hanson
It all comes down to legal liability, doesn’t it? Mr. Hanson would be happy to know that we’ve never had anyone complain of suffering an injury from the rock.
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Celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum.