SIDE 1

PRESTON OVERLOOK

In 1937-1938, during Americas Great Depression, the Preston Overlook was built as a project of the federal National Reemployment Service (NRS). The NRS operated an employment office in each county to certify manpower for the many work-for-relief programs.

The impetus to create the Preston Overlook came from the Preston Women's Civic Improvement Club, which had lobbied for more than two years for a highway beautification project. The Preston Overlook is one of the highest points along the bluffs, providing long views of the river valley, distant farmland and city residences, the Milwaukee Elevator, and the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. From the overlook, the land quickly descends to the South Branch of the Root River 90 feet below.

The Preston Overlook is a well-preserved example of depression-era roadside development work of the Minnesota
(Continued on other side)
ERECTED BY THE PRESTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE 2005 SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE

SIDE 2

PRESTON OVERLOOK

(Continued from other side)
Department of Highways. It is an excellent example of the National Park Service Rustic Style and the masterful interpretation of that style by prominent Minnesota landscape architect, Arthur R. Nichols.

The mosaic patterned wall and flagstone walk are constructed of limestone from the Olson Quarry that was located below the overlook. Fifteen men per day worked 4 1/2 months totaling 11,000 man-hours to construct and landscape the site. It is likely that, Walter Joseph, stone mason and lifelong Preston resident, was recruited as foreman for the project because of his experience. When the project was completed laborers had quarried hundreds of cubic yards of stone and planted 220 trees and 2,500 shrubs.

The Preston Overlook was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The Milwaukee Elevator was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

ERECTED BY THE PRESTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE 2005 SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE

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