Each year the Steele County Historical Society presents their preservation award to a  building or property for the efforts in preserving the history of the property. Past winners include St. Joseph Catholic Church, Owatonna Public Utilities, the Alexander home, Lerbergs, West Hills Complex and others.

This year's award has been presented to Otto Wanous for his work in preserving a rural farm home in Havana Township. Wanous has spent the past two-plus years working on maintaining the original structure.

The home is two stories and was built in 1855. One would think this has to be at least one, if not the oldest home in Steele County. Sometime around 1900 a granary was attached to the east side. The granary now serves as the kitchen for the home. The original wrap-around porch has been replaced. The brick walls in the damp basement were removed and now the original gray stonework foundation is revealed and is also now dry as well.

The award will be presented by the board on Monday, June 5, at 7PM  at the Steele County History Center.

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