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Chisholm Comprehensive Plan Cul tu ra l Resources 2.1

ChisholmCultural

Resources

Chisholm Comprehensive Plan Cul tu ra l Resources

2.2

Cultural Resources

Community Goals 2.3

Information and Assessment 2.5 - 2.13

Recommendations 2.15 - 2.17

Implementation 2.19 - 2.20


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Community Goals

Goal 1: Preserve and rehabilitate Chisholm’s commercial core, residentialareas and unique sites.

Goal 2: Maximize tourism potential of key cultural sites, properties and districts.


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1. Museum of Mining/Memorial Park

2. Downtown, includingLibrary and City Hall

3. Longyear Lake andLakewalk

4. Bridge of Peace

5. Bruce Mine Headframe

6. Iron Man Statue

7. Ironworld Discovery Center

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Information and Assessment

Previously Identified SitesThe Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) database of previously recorded history/architecture and archaeological siteslocated within one mile from urban Hibbing, Chisholm and theHighway 169 corridor between the two cities (project area) wasreviewed. One-hundred-ninety-eight architectural/historical propertiesand one archaeological site have been previously recorded and filedwith the SHPO. Of these, 30 architectural/historical properties are inChisholm.

Two architectural/historical properties in or near Chisholm are listedon the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These are SaintsPeter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church at 530 Central Avenueand the Bruce Mine Headframe off Highway 169.

Several reports have been written concerning historic resources in theproject area. In 1987, Norene and Joe Roberts produced A NationalRegister Reconnaissance Survey of Northern St. Louis County for theSHPO. The purpose of the report was to identify properties potentiallyeligible for the NRHP. 435 sites were documented and, after evaluation,nineteen properties were considered to be potentially eligible for theNRHP and five properties were nominated to the NRHP.

A Preservation Management and Marketing Plan was prepared forthe Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRA) and theNorthern Lights Tourism Alliance (NLTA) by Charlene K. Roise in1997. The report covers the entire region under the purview of theTaconite Tax Relief Area (TTRA), which includes all of Cook and Lakecounties and parts of St. Louis, Koochiching, Itasca, Aitkin, and CrowWing counties. Heritage sites were then fitted into the themes andsub-themes. Ironworld USA was identified as an "anchor facility" intwo themes, "Those Who Call This Home" and "Making A Living." Thestudy region was also divided geographically, and the top sites ineach sub-region were identified. Five of the top sites are located inthe Hibbing–Chisholm–Highway 169 corridor:

1. Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine Overlook 2. Greyhound Bus Origin Center3. Hibbing High School4. Ironworld USA5. North Hibbing. Ironworld USA is located near Chisholm.


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Major Visitor Sites in and near ChisholmThe Chisholm area offers several attractions that feature the community’shistory and culture.

Ironworld Discovery Center is located in Chisholm, just off of Highway169 on the edge of the Glen Mine. The multi-faceted site featurescostumed guides interpreting life on the Iron Range circa 1915, the2.5-mile Mesabi Railway trolley, a re-created Finnish Sami camp, aturn-of-the-century Northern Minnesota homestead and a trapper’scabin and Indian camp. An interpretive center explores such topics as mining, logging, labor immigration and geology. Ironworld is alsothe home of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) History Center,interpreting the history of the Depression-era projects in Minnesota.In addition to its own song and dance group that performs to traditionalethnic music, Ironworld is also host to several annual summer festivals,such as the International Polka Festival, the International Button BoxFestival, Minnesota Ethnic Days, the Iron Range Folk Life Festival andmany more. The Iron Range Research Library is also located on thesite where researchers can utilize materials such as census, naturalization,passenger records, maps, photographs, oral histories, newspapersand genealogical resources.

Minnesota Museum of Mining is located in Chisholm and conveys the story of iron mining in northern Minnesota. It features a 1907locomotive, a 125-ton dump truck, a geological rock display and areconstruction of an old mining town.

Local Preservation ActivityThe City of Chisholm does not have a Heritage PreservationCommission (HPC) ordinance to oversee its local historic resources.The city has made certain efforts to enhance its historic associations,such as the placement of historic lighting fixtures in an older part oftown. The city does not have a legal mechanism to designate andreview properties of local historical significance.

Previous Studies of Tourism PotentialExtensive work has already been completed on the identification of the heritage tourism potential of the Iron Range and NortheasternMinnesota. The result has been a detailed Preservation Managementand Marketing Plan (Roise 1997) and a coordinated heritage tourismprogram called "The Wild North." Both projects were sponsored bythe NLTA and the IRRRA.


Abbe and Kuester ReportIn 1995, a report prepared by Abbe and Kuester DevelopmentAssociates was submitted to the IRRRA Regional Tourism Program andthe NLTA titled The Case for a Heritage Tourism Community Networkin Northeastern Minnesota. The report examined the potential for,and attitudes toward, heritage preservation in the entire NortheasternMinnesota region. The area was divided into six sub-regions, with theHibbing-Chisholm Corridor falling into sub-region three. Sixteencommunity meetings, involving 138 people, were held to gauge:

1. The visibility of heritage resources within a given community or sub-region.

2. The degree of community support for preserving and protecting heritage resources.

3. The willingness of communities to receive ‘guests’.

4. The degree to which communities within sub-regions are willing to cooperate in the promotion of heritage tourism (Abbe and Kuester, page 11).

The information gave insight into the ways that the NLTA and theIRRRA could assist in the development of a heritage preservation strategy. The report made the following conclusions:

1. A case can be made that there is a basis for heritage tourism in Northeastern Minnesota.

2. The communities of Northeastern Minnesota are interested in pursuing heritage tourism as a locally driven form of economic and community development.

3. Heritage and tourism players within the region are willing to work together to design and implement a long-range heritage tourism strategy.

4. There is an appropriate role which each sub-region can play over the next 3-5 years to assist with the building of a Heritage Tourism Community Network.

5. There is an important, appropriate and realistic role for the IRRRA to play of the next 3-5 years.


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Recommendations were made for an aggressive strategy for developingheritage tourism in Northeastern Minnesota over a five-year period.

1. Give the Heritage Tourism Steering Committee permanent status inthe NLTA committee structure.

2. Produce a presentation video that can be shown by city councils, local chambers of commerce, and other groups to make the case for heritage tourism.

3. Establish a small grants pool that will make small grants to enable communities to celebrate local heritage.

4. Hold a Heritage Tourism Community Network Conference in early Spring of 1996 that will convene players from each sub-regionfor the purpose of building a sub-regional heritage tourism program.

5. Establish an NLTA sub-committee that will identify partnership opportunities which link public trail initiatives with the Heritage Tourism Community Network.

6. Contract for appropriate consultant services to conduct a Regional Preservation Management Plan that will accomplish the following: • Identify gaps in existing historical data. • Identify priority local and regional authentic heritage

resources.• Identify heritage themes which link sub-regions including

maps which link specific sites within and between subregions.• Assess which sites are ready to receive visitors and which

require nurturing, and identify the key sites by sub-region in need of preservation and protection.

7. Examine current IRRRA policy per the demolition of buildings for the goal of encouraging potential users of the Demolition Program to aggressively examine alternatives to the proposed demolition of structures which have demonstrated heritage value.

8. Produce a brochure which features local and regional ethnic foods.

9. Establish a Heritage Resort and Hotel Association which features hotel, motel and resort facilities that have been in continuous operation for 60 years or more.


Wild North Heritage Tourism ProgramThe Wild North Heritage Tourism program was formed in 1994 bythe IRRRA and the NLTB to strengthen and diversify the economy ofNortheastern Minnesota by developing and promoting heritagetourism. According to their draft report, the goals established by thiscoalition are to:

1. Build political support for heritage tourism within northeastern Minnesota.

2. Support working coalitions of heritage, tourism, community and political players within each sub-region.

3. Strengthen the heritage infrastructure within northeastern Minnesota.4. Market northeastern Minnesota’s heritage to external markets.

To help the program meet its goals, Wild North Heritage Tourism hasenlisted the help of partners "at all levels who are willing to defineand participate in joint efforts which can further the development ofheritage tourism in northeastern Minnesota."

Partnering with the IRRRA and NLTA can offer assistance to communitiesin a number of ways. It can offer localities certain financial and technicalassistance for specific projects. Local heritage tourism initiatives canbenefit from a coordinated, regional marketing plan. Other potentialpartners with common objectives can be identified to help make financialand human resources stretch further. Partnerships can provide financialinstitutions with investment opportunities within the guidelines of theCommunity Reinvestment Act.

The Wild North Heritage Program was comprised of several components.The first was to develop a Preservation Management and MarketingPlan. This plan was produced by Charlene Roise in 1997 and identifieshistoric properties and opportunities for tourism development in eachof the six sub-regions. The next component was to create a list of historic sites that are eligible to participate in the Wild North HeritageTourism Program. Qualifying properties would be eligible for technicaland financial assistance, benefit from a marketing campaign, receivea Wild North sign and be eligible for other benefits. Consistent WildNorth signage to provide a strong image of the area as a travel destination was also considered to be a component. A heritagetourism video, speakers bureau, workshops and sub-regional meetingswere included as part of the outreach program component. Marketinghistoric sites within the framework of existing travel marketingschemes was also part of the plan. Other components included arecognition award and a review board.


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Preservation Management and Marketing PlanThe Preservation Management and Marketing Plan was prepared forthe IRRRA and the NLTA by Charlene K. Roise in 1997 (Roise 1997). The report covers the entire region under the purview of the TTRA.The report established four themes for the area:• Those Who Call This Home • Making A Living• Resorts/Tourism • Getting Around

The report found that "Northeastern Minnesota has a number of attributesthat make it well-suited to heritage tourism" (page 4). The report alsoprovided recommendations for historic preservation and heritagetourism in the area. The recommendations were guided by the following principles:

1. First and foremost, historic preservation programs should be designed to meet the needs of the local community. If a communityrequires improved housing stock, preservation efforts should be aimed at residential areas. A community hoping to revitalize its economy should focus on restoring commercial buildings or a downtown business district. Each community must determine its own needs and priorities.

2. Similarly, heritage tourism should only be encouraged if it benefits the local community; on-going heritage tourism efforts must be monitored to evaluate their effects on communities.

3. Preservation and heritage tourism efforts should be integrated with existing programs whenever possible; existing programs should be modified to be ‘preservation friendly,’ if necessary (page 7).

Community Survey ResultsSurvey questions pertaining to cultural resources on the ChisholmCommunity Opinion Survey were intended to elicit from citizens theiropinions on the significant places in their community to themselvesand others, and to discern their priorities for preservation. The questions on the survey directly related to cultural resources were asfollows:• What image or landmark makes Chisholm special or unique?• What are the top three historical buildings, places and etc. you

feel should be preserved in Chisholm?• What three places in Chisholm are important to you?• List the three places, traditions, or stories you think visitors to

Chisholm should experience or know about.


Survey SummaryIn general, the survey respondents identified many of the landmarks,places and sites that define their small town qualities as the most significant, unique and important places in the city. These typicalelements, such as schools, libraries, parks and other public buildingsas a whole create the character-defining features that are importantfor a sense of community. These "everyday" small town attributes are complimented by major tourist attractions that interpret the community’s history, such as Ironworld and the Mining Museum. As a whole, Chisholm holds great potential for implementing historicpreservation practices and becoming a destination for travelers.

Top ResponsesWhat image or landmark makes Chisholm special or unique?

Response Number of ResponsesIron Man 75Longyear Lake walk 42Ironworld 40Flags on Bridge of Peace 16Water Tower 5Library 4Main St./Downtown 3Rock Wall 3Basketball Tradition 2Field of Dreams 2Museum 2Schools 2

The people of Chisholm identify the Iron Man statue as a clear andobvious icon. The activities centered around the Longyear Lake arealso seen as a special identifier of the community as is the Ironworldfacility. Along with the Bridge of Peace, and its flags, this group comprises notable and iconic landmarks with easy accessibility to residents and travelers. Other less obvious, but thought-provokingattributes that were identified include "clean town," "close community,"and "location." These alternative landmarks could be the key to interpreting what Chisholm has to offer; in addition to the attractionsexplicitly intended to interest visitors.


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Top ResponsesWhat are the top three historical buildings, places and etc. you feelshould be preserved in Chisholm?

Response Number of ResponsesLibrary 108Junior/Senior High Schools 76City Hall 58Fire Hall 29Mining Museum 27Longyear Lake 14Ironworld 11Iron Man 10Rock (stone) Wall 10Recreation/Community Building 9

The public library and the schools received overwhelming responses to the having the greatest interest for preserving for present and futuregenerations. Roosevelt School and Lincoln school were also specifi-cally mentioned. The old stone wall, constructed by the CCC, alsoreceived notable interest in addition to public buildings like the CityHall and Fire Hall. Other buildings specifically identified with somefrequency include Dr. Graham’s House, Valentini’s Hotel, the FieldHouse, the O’Neil Hotel, the Armory and the Chisholm Tribune PressBuilding. The mix of property types expresses an interest in the preservation of buildings with local significance, such as schools andchurches, as well as sites that are more overtly directed to visitors, like the Mining Museum, Ironworld and Iron Man.

Top ResponsesWhat three historical places in Chisholm are most important to you?

Response Number of ResponsesJunior/Senior High Schools 85Longyear Lake Walk 62(My) Church(es) 44Library 36(My) Home 24Ironworld 22Bank 15St. Joseph's Church 14Clinic 13Grocery Store(s) 13


Schools and education were consistently recommended as importantplaces and things that the people of Chisholm take great pride in.These, along with churches, library, home, grocery stores, bank andlakes comprise the small town atmosphere that Chisholm residentsenjoy and have identified as a treasured asset to living in Chisholm.

Top ResponsesList the three places, traditions, or stories you think visitors toChisholm should experience or know about.

Response Number of ResponsesIronworld 79Mining Museum 54Chisholm Fire 33Jr. High Auditorium 16Mines (History) 16Mining 16Ethnic Diversity/Food 14High School 13Iron Man 13Lake Walk 11

Chisholm offers clear and obvious attractions to the visiting public,such as Ironworld, the Mining Museum and the mines themselves.Many Chisholm citizens, however, desired that less-often stories betold, such as those about the Chisholm Fire, and the town’s recovery,and the diverse ethnic and cultural heritage that the city possesses.The story of Dr. Graham was also a special and unique tale thatmany wished would be exposed to the public. Doc "Moonlight"Graham was a former New York Giants baseball player-turned-physician, who served years as Chisholm’s beloved and trustedschool physician. A pioneer in blood pressure and heart testing inchildren and vaccinations, Graham also served as the Grand Marshallfor local football, baseball and basketball games. The people ofChisholm are proud of their past and their favorite sons and daughters,and desire to share the uniqueness of their history with others.


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Recommendations

Goal 1: Preserve and rehabilitate Chisholm’s commercial core, residentialareas and unique sites.

Actions1. Preserve unique and key sites that help to define Chisholm’s

heritage and serve as a draw for visitors.

2. Revitalize downtown businesses and encourage the economic vitality and viability of downtown Chisholm.

3. Provide for the preservation of attractive, established residential neighborhoods.

4. Create a sense of pride and awareness of Chisholm’s historic resources.

5. Encourage and promote Chisholm’s "small town atmosphere" that isviewed as a major selling point and positive aspect by Chisholm citizens.

Goal 2: Maximize tourism potential of key cultural sites, properties and districts.

Objectives1. Develop and boost the tourism sector of the local economy.

2. Provide further funding sources for the preservation and enhancement of historic resources.

3. Establish and support anchor attractions that will spill over into other facets of the economy.


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GeneralRecommendations

1. Initiate proceedings to draft an ordinance on heritage preservation,establishing a Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). A heritagepreservation ordinance will help the city to assure that significant, valued and character-defining, historical properties are not lost or inappropriately altered. Historic properties not only enhance the environment of local citizens, but also have a great appeal to thevisiting public. The HPC can be used as a linchpin for establishinga proactive preservation community by instigating programs to further encourage preservation activities. The HPC is the key advisory body charged with safeguarding the city’s heritage and promoting historic preservation as means of protecting historic properties and retaining the aesthetic appeal for residents and visitors and to foster civic pride in its past.

2. Develop a historic preservation plan that identifies key properties, neighborhoods and districts that warrant further study, preservation and rehabilitation. A historic preservation plan will strategically guide the preservation process in a thoughtful and deliberate manner. It will prioritize the preservation needs, identify areas wherecompromise is necessary and seek out the opportunities where historic preservation can contribute to economic revitalization.

3. Develop incentives to encourage, enable and promote historically appropriate renovation, rehabilitation and re-use of historic properties, especially downtown storefronts. Historic preservation can be a costly and controversial mission. Providing financial incentives, such as façade easements, or morale-boosting recognition. For instance an awards program can go a long way towards spearheading a preservation initiative, creating goodwill and good publicity.

4. Identify and communicate the economic benefits of historic preservation initiatives to city officials and the general public. One of the greatest obstacles to historic preservation can be the misperceptions of such programs, especially by influential and vocalcommunity leaders. The effective communication of the economic benefits and intrinsic attributes of a comprehensive preservation planto all members of the community is key to ensuring the success of preservation efforts.


5. Coordinate preservation efforts with Hibbing to economize on the implementation of a preservation plan and management of a Heritage Preservation Commission. Collaboration with Chisholm will not only develop a more unified historic connection along the Highway 169 corridor, but will also make the implementation of historic preservation strategies more feasible for both cities.

6. Identify two to three key sites with high tourism potential that could benefit from further development and marketing. Using Ironworld asthe established anchor and visitor attraction, expand from this baseby choosing other sites in Chisholm that are under-exposed and deserve further study as potential tourist sites. The sites should be selected carefully to ensure that a synergy can be created by building from the presence and market potential of other attractions.Because many of these sites do not have a commercial entity, funding should be identified and prioritized to cover marketing costsand development.

7. Plan for the development of key tourist sites in conjunction with existing plans, such as The Wild North. As evidenced by the Information and Assessment section of this report, several studies exploring the tourism potential for the region have been undertakenand implemented. Chisholm should play an active role with the sponsoring organizations and continue to follow the recommendations outlined in the plans.

8. Devote economic development resources to the development of potential heritage tourist attractions. Because heritage tourism has the potential to be a significant vehicle for economic development, collaboration with this arm of the local and regional government iscritical. Portions of the personnel and financial resources of economic development should be directed to the tourism market inorder for this segment of the economy to develop.


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Implementation

1. The Chisholm City Council should consider drafting and passing a Heritage Preservation ordinance and establishing a Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). • The HPC shall be responsible for the development and

implementation of a preservation plan that will outline preservation priorities within the city, a means for theirpreservation and design guidelines for local historic districts. The plan should also focus on the economic opportunities and benefits of historic preservation in Chisholm.

• Review of proposed alterations to individually designated buildings and properties within historic districts by the HPC will help to ensure that Chisholm’s unique historical character is preserved.

• As a means to encourage preservation, the HPC can develop anawards program recognizing residents and businesses for their preservation accomplishments and contributions on an annual basis.

• A small grants program could be targeted in specific areas that will enable businesses to make façade improvements or other renovations.

2. Explore a variety of sources for funding for historic preservation and heritage tourism initiatives.• Seek out funding from the IRRRA and the NLTA.

• Consider Tax Increment Financing to finance urban preservation projects.

• Utilize other financing techniques made available in the local historic preservation ordinance.

• Develop local resources, such as skilled crafts people, who are able and willing to contribute to preservation efforts.

3. Foster the appreciation of, and interest in, local historic resources by:• Incorporating local cultural history and architectural history into

school curricula to promote the understanding and significance of local history in the general public.


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• Developing walking and driving tours of Hibbing’s historical commercial, residential, and mining districts that highlight different themes.

4. Officials representing historic preservation interests should join with economic development specialists and regional tourism advisors to identify historical and cultural sites that have tourism potential.• Economic development resources should contribute to the

development of historical and cultural resources tourist sites.

• Coordinate with other the tourism efforts of other cities within the region, such as Hibbing, so that scarce resources can be spent more efficiently.

Documents

Chisholm Cultural Resources - CIRI Home · PDF fileCultural Resources 2.2 Cultural Resources ... the NLTA committee structure. 2. ... Market northeastern Minnesota’s heritage to