LAKE-BURNS CITIZENS LEAGUE

(Much of this was taken from an article printed in the Dakota County Tribune on May 20, 1965.)

The Lake-Burn Citizens League was originally organized in 1957 with 43 charter members. The original officers were Chairman, Martin Otto; Vice-chairman, Fenton Brice; Secretary, R.M. Lares; Treasurer, Christina Huddleston.

The League was composed of people for the Orchard Gardens and Orchard Lake area. According to Mrs. U.G. Coram, Secretary in 1965, its purpose to initiate and support civic policies which will insure an orderly, efficient, wholesome and friendly development toward the ultimate goal of an ideal area for homes; to make the association available to public officials and candidates for public office; to discuss current issues, provided that this association shall not engage in partisan politics or favor any political party.

The first sponsored activity was a swimming program beginning in 1957 with the transporting of area children to Lake Marion for swimming classes. In 1958, they initiated a Red Cross swimming class with Mrs. Elmer (Bea) Nordstrom is instructor for 91 children and 16 adults at Orchard Lake. In 1964, there were over 300 enrolled in the three-week course.

Many projects were completed through the efforts of the Lake-Burn Citizens League. They informed the area of the need for bond issues to enlarge area schools. The league aided the town board in securing a park area and beach on the southeast side of Orchard Lake. It was the responsible for the county bookmobile. Later the group sponsored a rabies clinic with the late Dr. Paul Nelson veterinarian, for three summers. The league sent welcome letters throughout the area, written by membership chairman, Arlene Schrotke. A memorial bench was placed at the swimming beach on Orchard Lake through the efforts of the group.

After a series of meetings with Mr. Lindekugl and Mr. Youll of the Central Telephone Company with the citizens group in September of 1958, Orchard Gardens was the first area in Dakota County to get extended toll-free telephone service to Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The League helped start a non-profit nursery in 1960 with Julie Ann Nelson, the first teacher. The nursery was held each year until the fall of 1964 and provided a learning experience for 25 pre-school children. The staff included well-trained, certified teachers with Polly Nelson, Dorothy Lekson, and Lil Klotz supervising the activity.

Over the years the Citizens League cooperated with Dakota County Planning Board and with the women of the Dakota Farm Bureau. Although the league worked toward incorporation of the Orchard Gardens area as a village, the application was denied by the Minnesota Municipal Commission due to the low tax valuation.

The 1965 officers were: Hill I. Paulsrud, president; Mrs. U.G. Coram, secretary; Ruth Allen, treasurer; Mrs. Gordon Lekson, education chairman; Mrs. C. Huddleston, park and swimming class chairman.