Koochiching County Historical Society and Museum/Bronko Nagurski Museum
The Koochiching Historical Museum was built in 1966, and expanded in 1976, as a result of the efforts of the historical society and the Old Settlers Association for the Bicentennial. The Broko Nagurski Museum was added on in 1993, in honor of the Falls' most famous resident. The lot that the museums sit on use to be a baseball field. In 1909, Dr. M.E. Withrow, mayor, asked E.W. Backus to turn over the lot for a baseball field. Backus agreed and so the land was cleared of stumps and a grandstand that could hold 400 people was built. On May 15, 1910, the field was dedicated with Mayor John Berg throwing the first ball and music played by the city band. Admission was 25 cents and a change in schedule of the train made it possible for visiting teams to come in to play and return the same day. Part of the lot was used for a municipal skating rink with an area boarded off for a hockey rink. The west end of the block was filled with huge piles of wood that were needed to heat city buildings. In 1939, the ball park was torn down and in August of 1940 the construction of the bandshell began. In 1945, Mayor Don Hodgdon went to Chicago to obtain ten units of emergency housing for returning veterans and their families. These houses were placed on the east part of the block and when they were no longer needed they were sold and moved to new locations. The lot remained empty until the installation of Smokey Bear and the construction of the museums.The Museums started out as a small idea of a few dedicated descendants of pioneers and slowly grew into a modest exhibit in the basement of the courthouse and is now one of the best local museums in the state. The Museums proudly cover Koochiching's history dating back 10,000 years to modern times, and the life of Bronko Nagurski.Selfie Station: Come take a selfie with Bronko inside the Museum! #koochmuseums #bronkonagurski
Packaging Corporation of America
E.W. Backus was one of the last Minnesota timber barons and was one of the few men daring enough to push into the wilderness around Koochiching Village. Backus saw great potential in the almost untouched woods along Rainy River and most importantly the Koochiching Falls. He had grandiose plans of building an international paper mill, sister mills on either side of the river. Before he could build a mill, he first had to survey the land and determine if it could sustain a mill that was to process 200 tons of paper a day. Working for Backus, teams of men ventured out into the wilderness and reported back on the amount of valuable timber in the surrounding areas. Once Backus was sure he would have a steady supply of quality timber, he set his plans for a paper mill in motion. After word got out about Backus's plans, railroad companies were eager to get lines out to Koochiching, with the first reaching town in 1907. With timber secured and railroad lines in place, Backus started construction on the 35,000 HP dam he needed to power his future mill. Koochiching Village, now International Falls as of 1903, was starting to liven up with all the activity Backus brought with him. The dam was finished in 1909, which meant Backus could finally start building the paper mill of his dreams. Construction of the mill in the Falls started first, to the dismay of the citizens in Fort Frances. On May 30, 1910, the first paper machine was put on line in International Falls; by June 6th is had produced 17.9 tons of paper. Four paper machines were in operation in the Falls mill by October 17 of the same year. At the time, the Falls mill, with a daily capacity of 164 tons of paper, was one of the largest paper mills in the world. The paper mill brought new life into the Falls. It created jobs and brought wealth into the city. It is still the largest employer in the area. The paper mill in Fort Frances finally was finished in May of 1914 but unfortunately closed almost exactly 100 years later in 2014.
Orton's Cenex
Scotty's Standard Service, operated on this spot for many years by J.J. "Scotty" Preece, became Gray's Amoco Station and is now Randy's Tire and Auto.
Northland Sales and Service
Back in 1909, the corner of this lot was sold to Henry Ash who built a small frame building that was the first home of the public library in 1911. The second lot was occupied by John Berg's old store which he moved there in 1910. The Parlor Theatre, which had previously been in the village hall, occupied the building for a while. Other business places that occupied it were J.R. Harmon Feed Store, Gus Swendson Store, Holler Tire and Battery, Falls Plumbing and Heating, George Gedney's Repair Shop, and Falls Creamery. In 1955, Baxter Boe moved Falls Creamery to his new building on Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street. On April 16, 1956, fire damaged the old buildings so badly that they had to be torn down. On January 26, 1968, the Daily Journal began moving into the new building that had been built by Harry Davey of North Star Publishing. The Daily Journal relocated in 1974 and the building has been sold several times and housed numerous businesses.
Coffee Landing
Coffee Landing is in the building that was once Rauscher's Grocery Store. It was the first grocery store in town and deliveries used to be made by hand cart and then eventually a horse-drawn cart. The building was built in 1913 by Emil Olson of Virginia, MN and the first proprietor was Hugo Olson. Joe and Nick Rauscher bought the building in 1917 and operated their grocery store until their death. The offices upstairs have been occupied by a number of professional and business people. Some of these were L.P. Blomholm, Veterans Service, Mental Health Service, and Peter Hemsted--attorney.The small building that had been on the site originally was moved to the back of the lot. It had been occupied by the First National Bank, a confectionery run by O.P. Oberholtzer of Bemidji, and Zimmerman Electric. After it was moved, it was occupied by Doran Plumbing and later used by Rauscher's as storage.
Old Green Mortuary
This building was constructed in 1912 to house the Empress Theatre. It opened on June 1st, showing movies and vaudeville every night. The theatre was managed by W.M. Fancher. Later, F.B. Green operated Green's 5 & 10 store at this location along with a millinery shop ran by Mrs. Green. Green started using the building as a mortuary around 1916. At the same time, Green rented out part of the building to other small businesses, such as Trask and Robb Real Estate and Border Dray and Fuel. In 1965, Grover Green built a new mortuary on 4th Street, but continued to make his home in the old building's upstairs apartments. It was common then to see orders of caskets and hardware supplies being delivered at the same time. Since 1983, the building has changed hands several times.
Empty Lot/Green Hardware
The old Green Hardware store use to occupy this vacant lot. In May 1906, the back part of original building was moved from the old town site and the Green family continued to operate their hardware storein it. Later, it was moved to the back of the lot and a new store was built in the front and eventually a third building was built to join the two already there. Walter Engstrom had a sheet metal shop in the back building and at one time employed six men, as it was a time when decorative tin was being used on the interior of buildings and galvanized sheet metal on the exterior in an attempt to make them more fire resistant. Mr. A.W. Mertens operated the sheet metal shop from 1920 to 1938. The Green family operated the hardware store for many years until they sold it to Krohn and Johnson. Later they bought it back and Jack Green ran it until the business was closed out. Over the years, the building housed several different business like the Falls Federal Savings and Loan and International Vending Machines. The building was eventually demolished.
Reflections Salon
This building sits on two lots whose originally buildings have been demolished. The right side of the lot began as the Gish Jewelry and Music Store. The original building was built on the lot after the fire of 1902 and downtown was moved to Third Street. Over the years, the building housed different barber shops and beauty salons before becoming Nora's Eat Shop, owned by Nora Bendish who retired in 1959. The Gedney Sheet Metal Shop was at the rear of the building for a number of years. The building was eventually sold to John Carlson and later torn down by the city.
Lift
Built by C.W. Stanton, one of the first businesses to occupy this building was the New Flour and Feed Store operated by Johnson and Lundeen. In 1913, a new front was installed and the building remodeled for the New City Meat Market owned by John Rauscher. In 1914, the Falls Press, published by George Watson, moved into the place. In 1928, C.E. Corrin purchased the building from Frank Keyes and moved his pluming shop into the east side and Morrison's Fix-It Shop into the west side, they were there until 1948. After that, other firms who were there were Max Nastansky's Auto Parts, The Melody Shop, Cal Hegstrom Office Supplies, MacKenzie Photo Studio and Vadnas Jewelry Store. In 1979, Jerome Brekke purchased the building and housed the Falls License Bureau for many years before becoming Lift Gym.
State Farm
In June of 1938, Oscar Pearson, owner of Pearson's Bakery and Confectionery, began construction of a modern brick building on this site. The bakery and cafe occupied the first floor and the second floor was made into apartments. Pearson and his family operated the bakery for many years. It has changed owners multiple times since then and has housed several different business including Montgomery Ward.
Masonic Building
On April 6, 1914, Ferguson and Peterson opened the Viking Theatre on this site. It was an impressive looking building of Renaissance architecture with white marble and handmade art glass around the entrance. The upper floors were for offices and apartments. In January 1920, the Masonic Lodge purchased the building for $20,000 and moved their lodge into the rooms on the second floor. They leased the theatre on the first floor to Frank Lang and C.C. Honey, who changed the name to the Orpheum Theatre. At the Orpheum's opening in October 1921, the film "Visions of 1970" was shown and was said to have been "exceedingly funny." They operated the Orpheum for two years. The building was then remodeled into new quarters for the Provision Store which was owned by the Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company (E.W. Backus's company) and managed by C.W. Speelman. In 1934, the Provision Store was closed and the Red Owl Store moved into the location. They operated there until March 1960 when they went out of business following a fire. Later, the building was occupied by Lloyd's Wildlife Museum and Lloyd Walhaug's barber shop. In February 1983, the Masonic Lodge took over the entire building and moved their clubrooms to the ground floor.
On The Rocks
F.G. Nelson bought this lot from Koochiching Realty for $1,800 in April 1909 and ran a jewelry store there until 1924. It was then that the Winter brothers purchased the building and rented it to several different tenants including W.B. Arch International Dress Club, Quick Lunch, Ludwig's Hamburger Shop, Frenchy Beaulieu's Hamburger Shop, and Pushkin Insurance, until 1954 when they tore down the old building and put up the cement block one that is there now. It was occupied by the city as a municipal liquor store number one, then the Polar Bar, and then Frankie's, owned by Frank Vertnik. In 1973, Bob lessard bought the building and established the Viking Bar. In 2019, the Viking Bar was purchased by Terry Woods and Tony Cole, renovated, and reopened as On The Rocks.
Empty Lot/Unique Theater
The building that use to stand here was built in 1910 by W.J. Paulman to house the Unique Theater. Two men, named Mahan and Angell, leased the building and installed fixtures. About a week before the opening, some of the machinery was set up in a room in the International Hotel and a picture shown on a large canvas hung on the side of the International State Bank. A large crowd gathered in the street to watch the show. The Unique was so successful that in 1911 250 opera chairs were installed and an electric-lighted marquee was added. They showed the Dempsey-Tunney fight continuously from 2:00PM to 11:00PM on their Tuesday special. The theater changed owners several times and finally went out of business. Many other tenants have occupied the building such as McBride's Grocery and Bakery, Swedson's Confectionery, the Union Pool Hall, Pearson & Perle Bakery, S & S Auto Parts, Pelto Paint and Wallpaper Store, and the Alano Club.
Empty Lot/Unique Buffet
In 1906, W.J. Paulman moved this building from the old town, added a second story and opened the Unique Buffet. In 1907, he sold to the Marchineaus, but got the business back, remodeled, and called it the Midway Buffet. Still later, it was called the Palm Garden. In 1914, Scheela and Elliott again called it the Unique Buffet. By 1914, C.N. Wirt was operating his confectionery there and continued until about 1923. In October 1925, Minneapolis Brewing Company owned the property and sold it to James Pagedas, proprietor of the Boston Cafe. G.C. Peterson, who was operating the 18K Eat Shop there at the time discontinued his business and moved out. In 1926, the Red Owl Store moved in and were there for many years until they moved to the Masonic building. In 1935, the Tiger Store moved into the space. It later was known as the Gamble Store and managed by Ray Proctor for the number of years. Some of the other business places who occupied it were Scheela's Tavern, Sakrisons, Gift House Stamps, Falls Office Supply, and the Tool Shop. The building was eventually torn down in 1984.
North Border Financial Services
This lot was purchased by John J. Stone in January 1906 from the Koochiching realty Company for $2,400. Stone built a two story building, 85 feet long, on the south end of the property. On the rear end of the lot, he moved the dining room part of the old Hotel International which stood on the north side of Second Street. It was remodeled and opened in September 1906 with R.H. Bennett as manager of the new International Hotel and Buffet. In 1910, F.A.. Neffew took over the hotel and in 1917, John Harrison began managing the hotel and Harrison's Soft Drink Parlor. J.H. Sabin also had an ice cream parlor there. In October of 1919, R.F.C. Iltis purchased the property from Stone Realty Company for $20,000; Stone Realty had been leasing the building to Robert Kirkpatrick, the former chief of police, who ran the Union Pool Hall. Iltis remodeled the building in 1922, putting brick veneer on the outside. He made the front of the building into a drug store to be run by his son Russell and Ed Peters. The second floor housed offices and later apartments, and the rear end of the first floor had many different tenants. The building was demolished in 1983.The Iltis Drugstore was also home to the beloved Iltis Indian, an 11 foot tall, hand carved, solid cedar wood statue weighing 300 pounds, made by Custer Thydean of International Falls. When the drugstore closed, the Iltis Indian was moved, after being stolen by some teenagers in 1970 as a prank (the same teenagers who lit the Smokey Bear statue on fire), to the International Falls Public Library where it still sits on display. .
Building between Old City Hall and Old Oveson Brick Building
In 1906, the B.P. Schutz Bakery and Calwell Confectionery, run by Dan Holler, were moved here from the old townsite. P.H. Wilson leased a lot for his steam laundry and C.H. Nelson bought the Fred Heineman building and moved it onto the property. In later years, these places were occupied by East and Corrin Plumbing, John Fabel Tailor, Bob Johnson Tailor, E. Willies Soft Drink Parlor, and Yale Laundry and Cleaners. By January 1930, a man named J.J. Hadler built a new building covering this space between what was City Hall and the Oveson Brick Building. The Columbia Cafe operated by Frank Synkiew was one of the first tenants. Some of the other businesses here were the Oliver Creamery, Falls Creamery, Jim Reardon's Electric Shop, Pat Lynch Tobacco Shop, Andrew Forsyth Tobacco Shop, Busy Bee Tavern, Montgomery Ward, Sears Roebuck, Charlotte's Hair Styling, Dr. Benjamin Stone, and Steven Nelson Attorney.
TJ's Total Hair Care/Oveson Brick Building
In 1906, G.A. Oveson, the "popman" from Badger, MN, concluded a deal with the townsite company and became owner of 50 feet on Second Street and 92 feet on Fourth Avenue. He later bought two more lots, giving him 100 feet on Second Street. On one of the lots, facing Second Street, he built a small residence and frame building to house the bottling machinery for his pop factory (site 18 on this tour). In 1911, he finished this three-story brick building on the corner and moved his pop factory into the basement. The upper floors were made into apartments and the ground floor housed many businesses throughout the years. Some of these were a cigar factory operated by C.A. Nightingale and O. Polinski, Gordon Brothers Meats, Peoples Meats, Miss McKenzie's Millinery, Shapiro Furniture, Ketola's Furniture, International Travel Service, and Voyageurs National Park. Oveson's bottling works were eventually sold to B.E. Boldus who later sold to Emil Ratelle. In 1919, Mr. Oveson suffered financial losses and in August 1920 sold the brick building and the two frame buildings to the Moose Lodge for $35,000. The Moose Lodge owned it until about 1925 when it was sold to J.J. Hadler, who later still sold it to the Bruggeman brothers.
Empty Lot/Oveson Bottling Building
This empty lot is where G.A. Oveson, the "popman" of Badger, MN, built his resident and frame building in 1906 to house the bottling machinery for his pop factory.
Mill Office
The mill office was built in 1910, and has changed very little over the years. Its unique architecture includes iconic rounded windows on the either side of the building. In its early years, it shared space with hotels and laundry services.
International State Bank Building
The International State Bank received a state charter in 1908 and operated in temporary quarters until 1910 when their building was completed on this lot. Architect J.W. Ross of Grand Forks drew the plans for the State Bank building and the John Berg Store. The lot was purchased for $6,000 and the two-story brick business block was erected at a cost of $15,000. The offices upstairs were rented by professional people, mostly lawyers and physicians. One notable doctor who practiced here was Dr. Mary Ghostley, who often left her office and traversed dangerous roads and lakes to reach her patients without ever asking for payment. The basement was occupied by a barber shop and bath house run by F.J. Dudley, then Charles Bender who stayed for 20 years before selling to Harold Bellows who operated the shop until the bank remodeled the basement for their bookkeeping department. In 1910, the store space on the avenue side of the building was occupied by the Hi-Art Clothing Store, owned by E.B. Freeman of St. Paul. The Post Office, the Public Library, the Daily Reminder, and Mason's Men's Clothing were also housed in the building throughout the years. It is now a baby and kids' clothing store.
Sinner and Saints Tattoo
Architect J.W. Ross, of Grand Forks, drew the plans for the State Bank building and the John Berg store. Mr Berg moved the front section of his former store to his lot on Third Street west of Fifth Avenue and the rear section to the back of the lot. Mr. Berg operated his clothing store here until 1915 when H.M. Babcock moved in and opened his new City Drug Store. In August 1922, Carl Harrison, son of John Harrison, purchased the drug store and continued to operate it for many years. He eventually sold it to C.L. Peterson, who later sold to Ellsworth Anderson. Since Anderson left the building, it has been occupied by a children's clothing shop, a photo studio, and an optometrist. It is now a tattoo parlor and gift shop.
South of the Border Mexican Restaurant
In September 1935, James Pagedas began work on a $10,000 two-story brick building to house Rainy Lake Confectionery on the first floor and offices and apartments on the second floor (the old building that had been there before was moved to the back of the lot; it had been the site of Lundgren and Briggs Confectionery and later Art Carlson and Bo McCormack's Beaux Arts Confectionery). Jim and Frances Pagedas operated Jim's Eat Shoppe, known as Jim's Cafe, until 1950 when it was leased to Mynette Hogdon and Ruth Degrugillier who operated the North Wind Gift Shop and Coffee Shop until 1960 when Margaret Johnson and Lowell Johnson became the proprietors. About 1966, the Pagedas family again took over the operation. A grandson, Jim Davis, remodeled the back part of the building into an old fashioned buffet called "Swede Charlie's Pub" (a continuation of the old bar of the same name). The last business to occupy the building was South of the Border Mexican Restaurant, but the building now sits empty.
Empty Lot/City Hotel/Swede Charlie's Bar
Carl Kahle moved this building from the old town site in about 1907. He had lost his first hotel in the fire that destroyed the town in 1902. The City Hotel changed hands several times throughout the years. Arrowhead Fuel had offices in the building and several different barber shops occupied a portion of the building. In January 1940, Charles Erickson, better known as "Swede Charlie," purchased the building from Vic Johnson and operated Swede Charlie's Bar for many years. Swede Charlie was a fixture of International Falls, he was well known for never saying no. After Charlie's retirement, Jim McReynolds operated Mac's Bar there and later sold to Jim Davis. Davis turned the property over to the city to demolish the building and have the land for public use; it was demolished in 1973.
Border Boost
Built by Duluth Brewing and Malting Company, this two-story brick building was sold by John Harrison to brothers James and Christ Sedaris, Greek immigrants, to house their Chicago Cafe in 1925. It has been occupied by Roger Mercier's Saloon, Ed Bancraft's Club Cafe, Bancraft Bowling Alley, Oliver Pool Hall run by Herman Koeneke, and Greengard Clothing. Jim Sedaris and his wife operated the popular cafe Home of the Unsurpassed Coffee for many years here. In 1939, Mr. Sedaris tried to retire and sold the cafe to Ralph Smith, but Sedaris took it back in 1940. In 1946, he sold to Lowell Johnson who operated it until 1965. After that, Mike Robertson ran the Cafe and had pool tables in the basement for a youth center. Later the building was occupied by the Bernina Sewing Center, Bev's Statuary Shop, Sakrison's Craft Supply, Western Union, Crafts Etcetera. The building was most recently Border Boost, but is now waiting for a new venture.
The Hideaway
In 1907, Roger Mercier bought this property and built a saloon which he operated for a number of years. It was occupied by a pool hall and smoke shop until 1927 when the Sedaris brothers bought it from Barney Burton to have for rental. In 1928, Dr. Dworsky and the Winter brothers purchased the building for their bowling alley. It was later occupied by Robert Cole for a bar and Harry Kowblyk who had a portion of it for a barber shop. In 1935, the Dove store moved into the building following a loss of their store from fire in the Charles Klabundy building. The Dove operated here until 1968 when the building burned. B.J. Music was the first tenant in the new building.
Borderland Jewelry
In 1917, A.L. Bernard Clothing occupied this building followed by the Consumer Shoe Company managed by R. Latz. In 1930, Al Schneider had the Guarantee Shoe Store until 1940 when he sold to Jerry and John Lang of St. Cloud. The next owner was R.C. Voigtlander who had several different managers. Don Pelowski owned and operated the store at the time it burned in March 1968. Sears Roebuck order office occupied the new building after it was built.
Pick Me Flowers
In 1907, John A. Holler purchased this lot and built a 24x60 foot building for a confectionery store. The Holler family operated the Holler Confectionery until 1922 when Bo McCormick took over the building for his Quality Shop. At that time, Dr. Thompson, dentist, had offices upstairs. In 1927, W.B. Arch leased the building for a dry cleaning establishment. Robert Johnson had a tailor shop and J.M. Gish a jewelry store here also. In 1928, "The Press," published by John Parsons, moved into the building and later William Scheela operated a tavern there. After that, Don Holler and his son Frances used the space for an auto parts store. The Woodlands division of the M & O Paper Company occupied the space for a short time, followed by Stevenson's, a women's clothing store. In 1948, Harry Johnson opened Johnson's Clothing store for men and operated it until the building was destroyed by fire in March 1968. After a new building was erected, The Bootery occupied the space for a long time until it was eventually sold in the 2000s.
City Drug
The space now covered by City Drug was the site of numerous businesses throughout the years. On the east side had been the Dumas Candy Kitchen and the Boston Lunch, operated by Louis Tipple and later by James Pagedas. In 1936, Gus Spath opened his well-known Boston Cafe. After Mr. Spath's retirement, the restaurant was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Albert St. Pierre. Later, Pat Wolfe and Lowell Johnson operated the Huddle, a soft drink parlor for teenagers. Christenson Jewelry then occupied the building until the City Drug store was built. On the west side of the property, J.R. Harmon had a meat and grocery store which he sold to F.E. Cruikshank. Later occupants were Winter Brother's Auto Supply, Economy Meat Market, Vic's Provision Store owned by Lloyd Christenson, and the Totem Pole. The Totem pole was the last business to occupy the space before the building was torn down and City Drug built in 1972.
Small Town Tech
The building that was here originally was built by J.J. Stone in 1908. Jake Greengard, formerly a clerk at Burton's store, and his brother Sam had their clothing store here for several years. In 1917, they sold to Markowitz and Sumerfield who also operated a clothing store. Bob Johnson, tailor, had his shop in the store and Martin Blomberg had a tin shop at the rear of the building. After Markowitz moved to the Klabundy building, Jack English had a pool hall here until he sold out to Nick Hnatiuk and Jack Franzen. In 1927, Hnatiuk became the sole owner and in 1933 established Nick's Hotel and Tavern which operated until 1940 when he sold to Frank Kuchen. The next occupant was a ladies dress shop called the Roselyn Shop owned by Maurice Banen. The building was also occupied by Stevenson's store and is now Small Town Tech.
Centennial Park
M.F. Murphy purchased this lot from J.J. Stone in 1909 for $1,200. Geo. Clark's saloon from the old town site was moved onto the property. In 1914, it was the George Elliott Saloon and in 1917 it was called the Elliott Hotel. In March 1919, Thomas Carroll of the Commercial Hotel purchased the property. The Carroll family operated the Carroll Hotel, which had a restaurant and bar, for many years. The building was sold in 1946 to Maurice Banen who remodeled the front part into shops. The upstairs into apartments, and added a one-story addition to the rear of the building. Fire destroyed the building on July 27, 1976 with the loss of eight lives: Tammy Lyon, 5; Robert Major, 49; Jacqualyn Wesho Tourtillott, 20; Nonna Lee Ness, 12; Steven William Ness, 10; Kevin Earl Ness, 6; Mabel Osterlund, 74; Clayton Herried, 47.
Borderland Insurance
Borderland Insurance was once the Pure Oil gas station owned by Bronko Nagurski from 1960-1969. Bronko, who has a museum in his honor at the Koochiching County Historical Society, was a larger than life figure in International Falls, both figuratively and literally. He played for the Chicago Bears for nine seasons while also excelling in professional wrestling. He was never one to soak up the limelight; sports were simply jobs to him. He enjoyed living a quiet life with his family in the Falls, but his fame followed him regardless. This gas station became a tourist attraction, as visitors stopped to fill up hoping to meet the legend. It was said that if you filled up at Pure Oil station you never went anywhere else, because no one else could take the gas cap off after Bronko put it on.
Chamber of Commerce
The lot where the Chamber of Commerce now stands was once the location of the train depot. In 1906, the Big Fork and International Falls Railroad Company (with the same officers as Minnesota and International (M & I) railroad), with its origin in Brainerd, was completed to International Falls and the first train arrived the same year. The Minnesota, Dakota and Western (M. D. & W.) Railroad took over the depot established by M & I here so they could lay connecting lines to the M & I Railroad and the Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railroad, all to benefit E.W. Backus's timber and paper business. This depot was the last passenger depot built in Minnesota. What made this depot unique, was that trains had to back into the depot.If you need more ideas of what to do while in Koochiching County, stop in the Chamber of Commerce building for great information and brochures.
Elks Club
This building use to house the Falls Theatre, one of the last operating theatres in the Falls.
Sammy's Pizza
The lot that is now partially occupied by Sammy's Pizza is where the magnificent Rex Hotel once stood. Originally, the Duluth Brewing Company built the Rex in 1911 with a grand public opening on New Year's Day of 1912. At the time it was the best hotel in International Falls, but by 1913 it was found to be inadequate for the amount of business it was bringing in so plans were made to remodel and expand the hotel. The renovations were completed in November of 1914 and there was a grand reopening ceremony and banquet on November 23, 1914. After the renovations, the main dining room could accommodate 100 people, and had 85 guest rooms each with telephones and baths. The Rex was completely destroyed by fire in July 1982, sadly eliminating one of International Falls' most iconic structures.
Ronning's
This was once Woolworth's and later the 5&10 store. People who remember these old businesses think fondly on its soda fountain and snack bar which were in the back of the building.
Shannon Square
The J.C. Penney department store was located in this building. A fire ravaged J.C Penney and the offices and apartments above it in 1966; thankfully no one was killed. Wolf Hardware and Don Franklin's store also occupied this lot.
Hometown Hobby and Crafts
Burton's Clothing, a very well-known clothing store in the early days occupied the old building that use to be on this lot. Burton's had operated at a location near City Dock before the business district and main street were moved to Third Street
The Salty Jester
The Salty Jester, formally the Dressy Moose Emporium, is a lounge and dinner theatre.
Mason's on Main
Mason's on Main is a clothing store catering to both men and women.
The Sports Shop
The Iltis building, prior to the brick one that stands today, was one of the three original buildings brought across from the old Rainy Lake City. The brick Iltis building, which still has "Iltis" engraved on the top, was where the First National Bank was originally housed. It also use to be home to the Elk's Club.
Empty Lot on corner of 3rd and 4th
This lot was once was the home of the Koochiching Hotel and the ACE Hardware store. The Koochiching Hotel (or Hotel Koochiching) was opened in October of 1909. Before the Koochiching Hotel was built, the town lacked a comfortable and modern hotel which led to many travelers staying across the river in Fort Frances. The new hotel was financed by Messrs. Olson & Peterson, Greeley, E. Carr, W.W. Gregory of Minneapolis, and J.C. Chamberlin. Many wealthy people, such as E.W. Backus spent much of their time at this state of the art hotel. ACE Hardware was in business here from the late 1940s until 2002. The building unfortunately burned down not long after ACE Hardware closed.
Wells Fargo Bank
The First National Bank was located in this building for a period of time after moving out of the Iltis building. E.E. Peterson & Co. Store and Quality was also located here.
Falls Credit Bureau
This building use to be the location of Rexall Drug.
Empty Lot
The Border Theater use to stand here until it was demolished in the 2000s
Union Hall
This building was built to be a theater and was originally called the Grand Theatre. It opened in 1918 and was one of the most innovative theaters in town and managed to survive by bringing in acts like the "Frisco Frolics," featuring four male comedians and ten chorus girls. Each week they held an amateur vaudeville night. In July 1936, the Grand was destroyed by fire. Within a couple months of the fire, Frank Keyes announced that he would build a new, modern Grand Theatre that would hold 850 people. The new brick building even included a cry room for mothers with children. By 1940, the Grand was one of the three theaters left in town: the Grand, the Border, and the Falls.
Smokey Bear
Smokey Bear was constructed in 1954. The 26 foot tall, 82 ton statue was designed by Norman Anderson and was commissioned by the "Keep Minnesota Green Committee." In September of 1970 Smokey Bear was the victim of vandalism when his rear was set on fire. The fire caused over $100 in damages, but fortunately for Smokey he was easily repaired and looks better than ever. Smokey remains one of the most popular sites in the Falls.Stop! Let's take a Selfie! Take a selfie with Smokey and use our hashtags #koochmuseums #smilewithsmokey
