Paynesville Historical Society & Museum

06/19/2026

It's a summer evening in 1976.

The radio is playing your favorite songs, gas costs less than a dollar a gallon, and friends are looking for something to do.

Where were the popular hangouts in Paynesville? What was your first car?

Share your memories and photos below!

06/19/2026

Register here: https://events.ticketleap.com/events/paynesvillehistorical

06/19/2026

🎭 A Stage for Stories: The History of Plays in Paynesville 🎭

Before streaming services and movie theaters became the center of entertainment, live performances were an important part of community life in Paynesville. School productions, church programs, traveling performers, and community theater events brought neighbors together to laugh, learn, and celebrate.

The Koronis Theater, known through the years as Jack's Theater (1917), the Rialto Theater (1930), and eventually the Koronis Theater, became more than just a place to watch films. The building also served as a gathering place for special events and performances that showcased local talent and strengthened community connections.

Paynesville's tradition of performance extends beyond downtown as well. The historic Lake Koronis Assembly Grounds hosted pageants, musical programs, worship services, and dramatic presentations in its tabernacle, creating opportunities for generations of residents to participate in live theater and performances.

❤️ Help us preserve this history!

Do you remember:
🎭 Performing in a school play?
🎬 Attending a live production at the theater?
🎶 Church pageants or musical performances?

📸 Photos, programs, or newspaper clippings from local productions?

Share your memories and pictures in the comments. Every story helps tell the rich history of the performing arts in Paynesville and ensures future generations remember the people who took center stage.

What was the first play you remember seeing—or being in—in Paynesville?

06/19/2026

Meet the Board Members

Linda Hoeft
I am a lifelong Paynesville resident and a graduate of Paynesville High School. Along with my husband, Scott, I own and operate SNL Concrete. My professional background also includes working in activities and as a CNA in nursing homes, as well as owning an office furniture installation company. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in organization, teamwork, and community-focused service.

I am passionate about giving back to the community where I live and grew up, and I am proud to be part of an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Paynesville’s history. My areas of focus include programs, events, and marketing, helping to connect people of all ages with our local heritage.

My husband and I live in Paynesville with our three wonderful children and two hilarious dogs.

06/18/2026

Did you attend school in Paynesville during the 1960s?

What was your favorite class, teacher, sport, or school activity? Did you participate in band, drama, FFA, or athletics?

Help us preserve these memories for future generations.

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

Ku Klux Klan Seal Found in Paynesville

In the summer of 1990, an interesting artifact was discovered in a most unsuspecting place. While searching through a pile of scrap metal, Jim Stanger found a seal belonging to Ku Klux Klan Chapter No. 51 of Paynesville.

The presidential election of 1928 was a bitterly contested campaign. During this period, many communities across the United States experienced a revival of Ku Klux Klan activity, and Paynesville was not immune to the movement.

A small number of local residents became involved, and reports indicate that crosses were burned near the junction of Highways 55 and 124, south of Paynesville.

At the time, Paynesville was home to a baseball team that competed in the Great Soo League. The team's catcher was alleged to be an active leader in the local Klan movement.

The discovery of the Klan seal serves as a reminder that even small rural communities were touched by national social and political movements. Artifacts such as this help preserve and document all aspects of local history, including those that may be uncomfortable or controversial.

06/18/2026

Meet the Board Members

Steve Peterson - Vice President
Steve Peterson was the director of sourcing sustainability at General Mills, from August 2010 until his retirement in August 2015. He led Contract Manufacturing at General Mills from 2005-2010. Peterson was a member of the Integration team creating the combined Supply Chain resulting from the General Mills and Pillsbury merger. Previously, Peterson was Senior Director Ingredient Sourcing at Pillsbury from 1995-2001.

Alongside his corporate career, Peterson has always been in production agriculture. Steve’s father was one of the founders of the MN turkey industry, so he grew up working on the farms and mill. Currently, Steve owns and operates Peterson Farms, a crop and beef operation located near Paynesville, MN.

Now, Peterson has combined his decades of experience in food and agriculture to lead key industry organizations. Steve served as Board Chair of Field to Market 2014-2015. In late 2015, Steve formed SLP, LLC Consulting advising the food and ag industry. Steve co-founded Headwaters Ag Sustainability Partnerships (HASP) serving as Chair. Locally, Steve serves on the Paynesville Historical Society and Paynesville Area Community Foundation boards. He is currently Chair of the Community Giving board.

Peterson’s educational background includes a M.S. degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota and a BA degree from St. Olaf College.

Steve resides in Paynesville, MN with his wife Dr. Mary Wilkens where he does “community building” in
Central Minnesota.