HISTORY
Statement Regarding Our Name Change
The tragedy of Daunte Wright’s death has led some to call on the Earle Brown Heritage Center to change its name, since aspects of Mr. Brown’s past do not reflect our organization’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all people.
We agree. For several months we have been working with Brooklyn Center city officials to identify the legalities and logistics related to a name change, for our center as well as for other city entities bearing Mr. Brown’s name. That process is nearing its conclusion and we anticipate making an announcement in the near future.
But first, we ask everyone to join us in mourning Mr. Wright and being supportive of his loved ones. Thank you.
late 1800’s
Captain Martin and Brooklyn Farm
Earle Brown Heritage Center began with Captain John Martin, a member of a prominent Vermont family and steamboat captain who founded Brooklyn Farm in the late 1800’s. Captain Martin was influential in the early development and growth of Minneapolis through lumber and flour milling. He lead a six mill merger in 1891 to create Northwestern Consolidated Milling Company – the world’s second-largest flour milling company at that time. Captain Martin also held interests in two railroads and held stocks early in First National Bank of Minneapolis.
Martin’s daughter, Jean, married Cyrus Brown in 1873. Their son, Earle, was born in 1879. Jean was made famous by becoming the first woman in Minnesota to be granted a divorce. Captain Martin was then responsible for raising and educating his Grandson.
1905
The Beginnings of Earle Brown
As a young man, Earle Brown spent weekends and vacation times working on his grandfather’s farm. Following the death of his mother in 1901 and his grandfather in 1905, Earle Brown became the sole heir to the farm.
During World War I, he loaned the farm’s grounds to the US government to be used as a pilot training field. “Brown Field” became Minnesota’s first commercial airstrip.
1920
Earle Brown: Family Man, Businessman, and Political Figure
In 1920 during prohibition, Brown was urged to take the role of Sheriff to “clean up the county” and clear bootlegging, as the current staff was under indictment. In 1929, Brown was also asked to form the Minnesota State Highway Patrol. By 1932, he was a successful farmer and businessman and was famous throughout the state. He was unanimously chosen as the state’s Republican candidate for Governor against incumbent Floyd B. Olson, but was defeated (as many Republicans were) after the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. After his loss, he devoted his time to his family’s business and community affairs. The farm became a popular location for boy scout trips, pancake breakfasts, and summer picnics.
At 41 years old, Brown married Gwen Foster. After her death in 1947, Brown donated the Brooklyn Center Farm to the University of Minnesota. Brown continued to live on the Farm until his death at the age of 83.
1963
The Legacy of the Farm
In 1963, the University of Minnesota sold the property for development. In 1985, the city of Brooklyn Center purchased the property with the goal of restoring and maintaining the property’s historic importance. Restoration and new construction began in 1989 and was completed and reopened in 1990 with the name Earle Brown Heritage Center.
Photos credited to the Brooklyn Historical Society