The Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society was formed in 1994 as a non-profit organization with the purpose of education and preserving the rich history of the city. Maple Grove was founded in the 1850s by explorer Louis P. Garvais.
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Then & Now
The Roaring '20s (pictured above left)
As one of the first white settlers in Maple Grove, Pierre Bottineau (1817–1895) stands out as one of the most prominent figures in the history of the area. In fact, before claiming its current name, Maple Grove was referred to as Bottineau’s Prairie.
From early beginnings around 1851, Maple Grove has seen its share of growth.
Virginia Hoppenrath was 10 years old the first time she saw her wedding dress. She and her sister were singing in their aunt’s wedding. The bride had paid less than fifty dollars for the dress at Powers department store in downtown Minneapolis.
There’s a little door on the south side of the Maple Grove Public Works building. Inside, Roger McHugh and a group of elder statesman of Maple Grove have created a treasure trove of city history.
One of the earliest settlers of Maple Grove was the Koehler family. Gottlieb and Gottlieben Koehler came to the area from Germany by way of Missouri.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran celebrates its 150th anniversary on October 5 and 6. That Saturday, the church will host a musical event and social hour. On Sunday, the church will hold celebratory Divine Worship services at 8 and 10:30 a.m., and hosts the Rev. Matthew C.
Jim Deane remembers it clearly; he made it two blocks in the Pierre Bottineau Parade before an avalanche of rain came down.
