Eidsvold Township is located in the northwest corner of Lyon County and was first settled in 1871. The township was named by a vote of its Norwegian settlers for a parish in Norway, noted as the meeting place of the National Assembly in 1814. The first town meeting was held in 1873 when 19 residents petitioned for a township government. It was granted on Sept. 20, 1873. H.T. Oakland was chairman and the following were the first officers: Nels Torgerson and A. Amundson, supervisors; John Coleman, clerk; Svend Peterson, treasurer; O.B. Ringham, assessor; H.D. Frink, justice of the peace; O.H. Esping and G. Amundson, constables.

On May 16, 1871, school districts were created in the eight northern townships of Lyon County. The four districts located in Eidsvold Township were District No. 79 (Section 10), District No. 39 (Section 12), District No. 55 (Section 33) and District No. 91 (Section 31). District No. 79 was built by G.P. Pratt and son in 1894. The plastering and mason work was done by Christ Anderson. The building material was bought from Laird Norton and Company, and the hardware from Walker and Sigurdson. The total cost of the schoolhouse was $400.90. The first school teacher was Minnie Butson. The school continued in operation until 1954 when it was consolidated with District No. 20 (later changed to No. 414) in Minneota.

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection shows members of the Eidsvold Lucky Stars 4-H Club, circa 1955. The Organizations of Lyon County exhibit located on the 2nd floor of the Lyon County Museum is open and will run until next year. Items and photographs from Lyon County 4-H Clubs are included in the exhibit. If you have items related to organizations of Lyon County that you would like to donate to the Lyon County Museum, give us a call at 507-537-6580.

The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 West Lyon Street in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open year-round to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.