Discover Hutchinson history through the work of local preservation group, Historic Hutchinson. This nonprofit group was organized in 1999 by Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce chairman Jim Fahey. Its mission: “to restore, to preserve, and to protect the living and structural history of the Hutchinson area and to showcase these assets now and for the future.”

As part of its service, Historic Hutchinson has created a red-and-gold sign to mark local properties of historical significance.

If you’re looking for something to do, consider taking a visit to the past lane and experience historic Hutchinson. Pick up a free copy of Historic Hutchinson’s updated tour brochure. Follow the map and take a step back in time.

Here are some of the highlights of historic Hutchinson.

The Harrington-Merrill House at 225 Washington Avenue W. near downtown Hutchinson, is undergoing restoration through a joint public-and-private relationship between the city of Hutchinson and Historic Hutchinson. The house, built in 1858, is the oldest building in Hutchinson. It also ranks as one of the oldest buildings in McLeod County. Legend has it that during the conflict between settlers and the Dakota Indians in the summer of 1862, the house was one of the few structures outside the stockade built at Library Square to be spared from the Indians’ torches. Chief Little Crow is said to have wanted the house for his own after the settlers were driven off.

Located at 405 Franklin St. S.W. is the “Little House.” This one-and-a-half story brick Eastlake Cottage, with delicately sawed work on the front porch, was built in 1874.

East of the “Little House” at the corner of Main Street and Fourth Avenue is the Adams and Quast House, 406 Main St. S. The stone foundation was laid in 1901 and construction of the three floors started in the spring of 1902 under the direction of St. Paul architects O’Meyer and Thori.

At the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Main Street is the Merton S. Goodnow House, 446 Main St. S., built in 1913. This home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, for its prairie-style architecture. Designed by well-known architects Purcell and Elmslie, it was patterned after Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ladies Home Journal plan of 1906, which is described as “A fireproof home for $5,000.”

Oakland Cemetery was established in 1857. It is owned and operated by the city of Hutchinson. Its name comes from the majestic oak trees that can still be found throughout the cemetery grounds.

At the corner of Hassan Street and Fifth Avenue is the William Davidson House at 345 Hassan St. S.E. Davidson built this house in 1889. Being a builder by trade would perhaps explain why it has such elaborate woodwork.

Next door is the L. A. Ritter House, 325 Hassan St. S.E. This lovingly restored home was built in 1899, in the Colonial Revival/Queen Ann-style for Ludwig A. Ritter, a successful hardware store owner.

The United States Post Office, 245 Main St. S., was dedicated in 1940, although it was not fully completed until May 17, 1941. With the exception of the front doors, windows and the addition of the enclosed dock, the main structure has not changed.

At the corner of Second Avenue and Main is the Opera House. It was built in 1892 for $10,000.

Hutchinson founder Asa Hutchinson is credited with beginning the Hutchinson Public Library, 50 Hassan St. S.E. In 1903, voters in Hutchinson accepted a $10,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie to construct a library building. In 1977, it was selected as a historic site listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. In 1985, a bond referendum for $750,000 allowed for the enlargement of the Carnegie Library.

The State Theatre, 35 Washington Ave. E. After being closed for several years, the building was restored and reopened as a three-screen theater in 2005. It is north of Library Square.

The 1920 Craftsman-style house, 490 Main St. N., has most of its original lighting and bathroom fixtures, plus hardwood floors, crown moldings and baseboards. When built, it had the modern convenience of a central vacuum system.

Another Craftsman-style home can be found at 16 Grove St. S. It was built in 1913. The family room includes a coal-burning fireplace with a carved wooden front piece and mantle.

Farther down the block is the terra cotta-colored brick Christlieb House at 26 Grove St. S.W. This was not the original location of the house. It was built in 1900 by Frank Brabec, at 115 S. Jefferson St. In 1958, the McLeod County Historical Society purchased the home for $2,000 and used it to display the county’s wealth of artifacts. In 1981, the home was sold and moved to its present site.

The brick Reiner-Hurt House at 28 Grove St. N.W., was built in 1891. The 17 1/2-inch walls were built of bricks made at the local Madsen Brick and Tile Co.

The “Danish Castle” can be seen at 435 Washington Ave. W. This home was built by Jens Juul, a general contractor. For many years, an American flag and a Danish flag flew from a tall flagpole on the property.

At 715 Harmony Lane is the Leonard Klammer House. This unique house is one of three art deco-style buildings in Hutchinson.

The Erickson-Voigt property at 740 Dale St. was built around the turn of the 20th century. Many changes have been made in the structure, but its original stained glass can be found in several rooms.

For details, call the Chamber at (320) 587-5252. Historic Hutchinson information is available at its Web site, www.historichutchinson.org.