Stewart Red Owl Restoration

Stewart's Water Tower Under Construction around 1900

One of the most iconic structures in Stewart. For almost 120 years the Stewart water tower has been the focal point in town proudly displaying Stewart's name for all to see. Originally constructed in about 1900 the tower was originally topped with a wood tank. Due to it leaking it was replaced with the current metal tank in about 1926 and was originally painted all red. It has been painted silver with a red roof for many years. Our shirt features our iconic tower and the year of Stewart's founding 1878.


Also known as the "Rocket Ship", "Lipstick Container", or "Witches Hat"


The Stewart Area Historical Society Story:


In 1939 Bill Sunde was on his way to Atwater Minnesota to open his very own grocery store when his car broke down in the little town of Stewart. While his car was being repaired he walked around town to pass the time and saw a little building that was available for rent. He quickly decided that this was the perfect spot for his new store and on October 6th 1939 his Red Owl Agency Store opened for business.

Over the next 40 years Bill was a pillar of the community. He moved to town, married a local gal, raised a family, served on the fire department and other organizations. Bill passed away in 1978 just short of his stores 40th anniversary

In March of 1979 Bill's wife Darothe sold his store to Larry and Virgene Roepke and for another 22 years Larry's Red Owl became the local gathering place in town.

The Stewart Area Historical Society was formed in 2013 to acquire the building after its abandonment and restore it for use as a museum for our growing collection of Red Owl and Stewart artifacts and space for a community center to once again make the historic building the focal point of our community. Sadly years of abandonment have taken a toll on the building.

Your purchase and donations go towards helping us restore the Red Owl building and keep a part of the once mighty Red Owl chain of grocery stores and the town Stewart alive for future generations.

Visit Our Web Site:
https://www.stewartredowl.com

Fox 9 News Story about our project:
http://www.fox9.com/news/effort-to-turn-old-red-owl-store-into-museum-takes-flight