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Input needed for Jorgens barn future

Aug. 29, 2012 | 0 comments

Input is needed for the future of the barn on the Jorgens Park & Preserve in Scandinavia.

The public is invited to provide ideas at the next meeting of the Jorgens Park & Preserve. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at the Scandinavia Municipal Building.

Carsten Jorgens lived on the family farm located on the north and east shores of Silver Lake in Scandinavia since he was two years old. He and his wife Dora operated a small dairy farm until retirement. Carsten and Dora were both active in the community and the Scandinavia Lutheran Church. Carsten "Gunnysack" died in early 2007 and his wife passed away about 11 years earlier.

The Jorgens loved the community and the land on which they resided.

Many offers were made to Carsten to purchase his serene farm along Silver Lake. While he could have sold his property, Carsten was more interested in preservation of the land.

Upon his death, he bequeathed his estate to the following community minded organizations: Bethany Home, Iola Living Assistance, Scandinavia Lutheran Church and Scandinavia Public Library.

The real estate was acquired from the four organizations through a community driven fundraising effort dubbed 'Operation Gunnysack' operating under the auspices of the Scandinavia Booster Club, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

'Friends of Jorgens Park & Preserve' is in the development process to become its own 501(c)(3) organization and has been designated as the managing group of the property.

Recently the house was razed, as it was in tough shape and no definitive use could be thought of for its future.

The old barn where Carsten and Dora milked a handful of cows to make a living remains. Input is needed to determine its destiny.

There have been ideas offered as to restoring the barn and utilizing it for a shelter that could be used for family gatherings. Other ideas include a maintenance facility for the park grounds and a place for storing equipment such as picnic tables during the winter months.

Some have stated a building should remain as a tribute to the Jorgens' farm that they loved so dearly. Some feel the barn should be torn down.

All scenarios would require donated labor, equipment and funding.

Thoughts and ideas can also be shared via email at mitchswenson@hotmail.com or call Mitchell Swenson at 715-498-0455.

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