The Kandiyohi County Historical Society is located on the North edge of Willmar, Minnesota and across from Willmar Lake and Robbins Island
The Kandiyohi County Historical Society partnered with the Willmar Stingers to begin a West Central Baseball Hall of Fame. More information
- Brian Hovey (Atwater, MN) Brian Hovey has had a long and successful baseball career. In 1976, his Babe Ruth team finished as state tournament runner-ups. He played five years of Legion baseball and went to the state tournament twice. Brian graduated from Atwater High School in 1979, where he played varsity baseball for four years, lettering each year and earning all-conference honors. He then played two years at Willmar Junior College and was named team MVP in 1981. Brian founded the Atwater Chuckers amateur team and served as a player, coach, and leader for many years. His jersey and number were retired on June 14, 2024.
- Steve Rambow (Spicer, MN) Steve Rambow has spent his whole life involved in baseball. He began playing in Raymond, Minnesota, at Raymond High School from 1967 to 1970 and later played town ball with the Raymond Rockets. He continued his career at Willmar State Junior College and the University of Minnesota Morris. Steve played for several amateur teams, including the NL/S Twins and the Paynesville Pirates. Beyond playing, he became a strong leader in the community. He helped lead major ballpark renovation projects in Willmar and Spicer and supported many other fields in central Minnesota. Steve even recorded base hits in games across six different decades, showing his lifelong love of baseball.
- David Solbrack (Litchfield, MN) David Sobrack has spent his life helping kids, teams, and his community through sports. He was born in Atwater, Minnesota, in 1931 and played baseball, basketball, and football starting in high school. He was a strong pitcher and hitter and played high school, Legion, and amateur baseball for many teams. David also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and played baseball while stationed in Europe. After college, he became a teacher and coach, spending many years coaching youth and school sports in Milan and Litchfield. He helped start the Litchfield Blues amateur team and stayed active in sports and community service his entire life.
| Hours: |
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
Saturday 10am-2pm (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
Sperry House open Saturday 10am-2pm (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
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| Admission: |
$5.00 / 12 & under free
Kandiyohi County Historical Society Members Free |
| Location: MAP |
610 NE Hwy 71
Willmar, MN 56201 |
| Contact Us |
320-235-1881
kandhist@msn.com
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| General Inquires |
kandhist@msn.com |
| Research Questions |
research@kandiyohicountyhistory.com |
The MinnWest Podcast: 🎙 Ep. 4 The History Of MinnWest & Willmar!
Jill Wohnoutka and Joanna sat down to recap the long history of the campus which started as a farm
🚜 owned by Leon Willmar..ya know, the guy our lovely town is named after!
If you’re a fan of history you N E E D to listen to this one!
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2Qdc8hB
Google Play: http://bit.ly/MNWestPodGoogle
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/MNWestPodStitch
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2ElgsZI
Special thanks to the
Kandiyohi County Historical Society
The Kandiyohi County Historical Society is a non-profit 501 (c)3 dedicated to "discovering, preserving, and sharing the story of Kandiyohi County and its people.
Photo by Greg Harp
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| Current News |
Friendly reminder! KCHS will be closed on June 19th, Wednesday for the Juneteenth Holiday. Don't worry, we'll be back with our regular hours on Thursday, June 20th!
Help support the Kandiyohi County Historical Society and keep your heritage alive by becoming a member!
Benefits include free admission to entire facility, subscription to quarterly newsletter, reduced rates to KCHS programs!
Connect With Us
  
Share your photos and posts related to the history of Kandiyohi County on social media with the hashtag #kandiyohihistory
Thank you for providing support for preservation of our heritage! These supportive levels provide support beyond the basic membership dues. This support enables the KCHS to maintain professional level standards for preservation, exhibits, programs and other services
KCHS Supporting Membership
9/1/2022-8/31/2023
Harley & Evelyn Aalfs
Mary Schnell
Loren Knott
Gerri Ekblad
Carole Heimdahl
Larry Lohn
Dick & Sheila Bosch
Wayne Emberland
Doug Hazel
Louise Thoma
Roland & Judy Boll
Lavonne Johnson
Dr. Peggy Johnson
Susan Mattson
Carol & Lee Roisum
Sam & Barbara Modderman
Emilie & Terry Mikes
Arlet Roelofs
Gayle & Linda Larson
Robert & Pauline Halvorson
Karen Hernandez
Robert Bliss
Dan Ahlquist
Dale & Judy Johnson
Patti Anderson
Orial Vern & Mildred Buer
Lyle Stai
Greg & Sally Bergos
Jeff Johnson
Breanda McNichols
Tim Mulder
Nancy & Jerry Welch
Linda Bjornberg
Pete & Carla Fostervold
Andrew Pakalns
Mark & Lylas Peterson
Tom Venaas
Janet Dokken
Linda Swlain
Dean & Diane Shuck
Craig & Renee Johnson
Sheila Sjerven
Barbara Everson
Jan Helin
Mike & Sarah Leshuk
Yvonne Natvig
Cal & Diane Miner
Gretchen Jacobs Nelson
Stan & Sallie Green
Steven Rambow
Thomas Schroer
Mike & Linda Mickelson
Suzanne Nelsen
David & Dara Lynn Horner
Rolf & Joyce Standfuss
Don & Phyllis Shaw
Richard & Challis Ronning
James Leary
Kim Schroeder
Gordon & Betty Behm
Richard Lindahl
Lois Fosterovld & Tom Renstrom
Peter & Emilie Poss
Todd Erickson
Gail Nygaard Anderson
Beth Fischer
Richard & Joquel Molenaar
Janelle & Paul Higdem
Bob & Dona Haines
Stan & Sue Malecek
Krista Cleary
Carol Olson
Sue Morris
Mary & Doug Sawatzky
Bea Ourada
Loren & Smitty Luschen
Jan Beyerl
Jan Crackel
Daniel Downs
Carol Hable
Doris Hennen
Diane & Larry Macht
George “Corky” & Ramona Berg
Marilyn Johnson
Scott Nelson
The War Memorial Auditorium in Willmar was featured on Postcards. Watch it here.
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