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Don't worry, it's not being demolished. However, work has begun refurbishing the Corn On the Cob Water Tower in Rochester, Minnesota.

(James Rabe)
(James Rabe)
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A decision reached last year saved the iconic ear of corn water tower, once part of the Seneca Foods plant. In November 2020, the Olmsted County Board voted "to approve a contract for the demolition of the former Seneca Foods canning plant and the restoration of the famous "ear of corn" water tower at the site.

The Olmsted County Board bought the Seneca site back in 2019.

(James Rabe)
(James Rabe)
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According to KROC NEWS, the plant was demolished because a consultant said the plant, dating back to 1925, would probably not be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The same consulting company said the Ear of Corn Water Tower would likely cover all the bases on the National Register eligibility. Thus, the wires, the people, and the talk about the water tower.

Look closely you can see a worker. (James Rabe)
Look closely you can see a worker. (James Rabe)
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The Seneca property is adjacent to the county's Graham Park, which was formerly known as the County Fairgrounds. The land now occupied by the canning plant will be restored to green space pending future development of the property as part of Olmsted Counties plans to "revitalize and transform" Graham Park into more of a regional destination. Read More: Seneca Demolition and Water Tower Restoration Contract Approved

So please, tell your friends...tell everyone; the Corn on the Cob water tower is here to stay.

Did They Save Anything from the Seneca Foods Canning Plant?

Back when it was Monarch Foods in 1942. (MHS - Click for link)
Back when it was Monarch Foods in 1942. (MHS - Click for link)
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The county may have demolished the Seneca Foods plant, but they did preserve a few things from the plant (and then gave them to the Olmsted County History Center).

  • Red Libby’s sign
  • Black Seneca sign
  • Seneca “Our Mission” sign
  • Thank you, employees” banner
  • Seneca plant flow diagram
  • Plant site plan
Libby Postcard circa 1950 (MHS - Click for link)
Libby Postcard circa 1950 (MHS - Click for link)
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There are buildings on the Olmsted County Fairgrounds (currently called Graham Park) the county believes should be saved. Part of their value being tied to their creation during the Great Depression as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, preservation work is continuing. But that's a story for another day (but if you can't wait, just click here).

As always, if you have a comment, complaint, or concern about something I wrote here, please let me know: james.rabe@townsquaremedia.com

Listen to James Rabe and Jessica Williams 6a to 10a on Y-105 FM's Early Morning Show.

And since we're talking about things people love to drive to see, this list is pretty cool!

LOOK: Route 66’s quirkiest and most wonderful attractions state by state

Stacker compiled a list of 50 attractions--state by state--to see along the drive, drawing on information from historic sites, news stories, Roadside America, and the National Park Service. Keep reading to discover where travelers can get their kicks on Route 66.

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