Averill, Minnesota
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Then: 1950
Platted in 1901, Averill is one of Clay County's youngest towns. In the 1920s the town boasted a lumber yard, store, a bank and a fine brick elementary school. The large wet prairies around Averill were perfect for growing hay. When this photo was taken, large amounts were still being shipped out of Averill, much of it through Orville Osmundson's Hay and Straw Company. The Osmundson's home is seen at left surrounded by the picket fence.Now: 1987 Averill's school merged with Glyndon in 1968. The building was torn down and a house was moved in. Most of the hay lands are now being farmed. Mr. Osmundson passed away a few years ago but his widow Tooty still lives in the family home. The old car showing through the trees at right may be one of those in the Osmundson's driveway in the 1950s photo.