Along the Portage

BY MIKE HEASER
Editor

The old Balsam #3 schoolhouse has had a fluid history. Originally a schoolhouse, it has been moved several times and was later transformed to become a post office as well as a home to several people and families.

Now, 98 years after it was built, it is on the move again. Dan Guida owns the property the building is on currently but plans to build a new home in the spot where it sits.

Dan is working to get the building back to the State Park where it originally sat, but some complications hamper the process.

Savanna Portage State Park Director Marty Torgeson explains that once the park gets involved, the expense of moving and restoring the building would greatly increase as well as the time it would take to get it done.

“We would have to have architects come in from the preservation society,” Torgeson said. “We would also have to make sure it is restored well enough for the public to enter the building.”

All of these factors, Torgeson explains, would make the move much more complicated.

Dan, however, isn’t giving up on his vision.

“My dream would be to have it put in the exact same position that it was originally and returned to its original condition, but that is a difficult task,” he said.

One alternative that might play out but which Dan isn’t keen on is having it moved next to the Balsam Town Hall.

“If we put it over in Balsam at the Town Hall, it’s going to see about ten people a year,” he said. “If we put it up at the park, it’s going to see about 50,000 people a year.”

The building was built with numbers marked on each log in reference to the order it was assembled. This would allow the building to be completely disassembled and put together again at a later date in a different location.

This scenario is ...

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Minnesotans can make a free visit to any state park or recreation area June 1 during the annual State Parks Open House, which is being called a "Great Minnesota Picnic" this year.

"Each year the public is invited to visit state parks for free on the first Sunday in June," said Courtland Nelson, director of the Parks and Recreation Division for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

"This year, to commemorate the state's sesquicentennial, we are highlighting one of the activities that historically has been a park favorite over the years - the family picnic," Nelson said. "On June 1, we invite everyone to bring a picnic lunch and come to any state park or recreation area to enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun."

Nelson also encourages visitors to discover the multiple charms of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas created for public access and enjoyment.

"We hope that visitors will take this opportunity to visit a different park, try a new activity, hike a special trail or find out something new about their favorite park," said Nelson. "Thanks to the visionaries throughout Minnesota's history who worked to save these beautiful places for public use, we have this legacy to enjoy now and for future generations."

Many of the parks host special events, programs and refreshments during open house. More event news and details will be posted in mid May on the DNR's state parks Web site at www.mnstateparks.info.

Although no vehicle permit is necessary during the State Parks Open House, fees will be charged for tours of Mystery Cave at Forestville, Soudan Underground Mine, and Hill Annex Mine. The usual camping, lodging and watercraft fees apply during the open house.

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