National Register Listing

Colonial Hall and Masonic Lodge No. 30

1900 3rd Ave., S., Anoka, MN
Colonial Hall, planned and built by Drs. Alanson and Flora Aldrich in 1904, is a significant historic and architectural building in Anoka. Historically this building is important due to its association with the medical practice and the civic contributions of the Drs. Aldrich. Architecturally Colonial Hall represents the only well-preserved Anoka example of a Frederick Marsh-designed Georgian Revival house. As the office and museum of the Anoka County Historical Society and the Anoka County Genealogical Society, Colonial Hall continues to make a historical contribution to the county.

Dr. Flora Aldrich, a descendant of the Hudson Valley Knickerbockers, and Dr. Alanson Aldrich, a native of Massachusetts, moved from New York to Anoka in 1883. Prior to 1883 they had studied and practiced medicine together in Baltimore, Chicago, New York, London, Paris, and Vienna. Their Anoka practice was devoted to the treatment of eye, ear, nose, and throat ailments.

Dr. Flora Aldrich, civically active throughout her residence in Anoka, served in 1890 as the first president of the Philolectian Society, a women's social club. She also served as Vice-President of Anoka's first library board. As a noted author, Dr. Flora Aldrich contributed to various medical journals. In addition, she wrote My Child and I, a turn-of-the-century child-rearing guide for mothers. Throughout her life, she was a devoted member of the Minnesota Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Alanson Aldrich, who had established renown in his field in Europe and on the east coast before moving to Anoka, maintained a medical practice for thirty-three years in both Anoka and Minneapolis. Through his contribution to ophthalmology journals. Dr. Alanson Aldrich maintained a national reputation as an innovator in his field. He was a member of the Hennepin County Medical Society, the Minnesota Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.

In 1922, after the death of the Drs. Aldrich, Colonial Hall, and its contents were sold to the Anoka Masonic Lodge. Soon after, the Masons constructed a two-story Masonic Hall to the northeast of Colonial Hall. In 1971 Colonial Hall was leased to the Anoka County Historical Society. The Masons retained ownership and continued to meet in the hall.
Local significance of the building:
Health/medicine; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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Minnesota is home to the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, Lake Superior. It covers over 31,000 square miles and contains 10% of the world's fresh surface water.
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Anoka County, Minnesota has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, who used the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering. In the early 19th century, European settlers began moving into the region, attracted by the natural resources and trade opportunities.

Officially established in 1857, Anoka County was named after the Dakota word for "on both sides," reflecting its location between the Mississippi and Rum Rivers. The county's early economy revolved around logging, farming, and transportation. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s brought significant growth and development, enabling greater commerce and connecting the county to larger markets.

Anoka County played a significant role in the development of Minnesota's education system. In 1858, the first public school in Minnesota was founded in Anoka, becoming a cornerstone for educational progression in the area. As the population grew, more schools were established, and education became a central focus for the county.

In the 20th century, Anoka County experienced further growth and transformation. The construction of Highway 10 and Interstate 35 expedited transportation and trade, facilitating the expansion of industries and residential areas. The county also became a hub for defense manufacturing during World War II, with several factories and military installations being established.

Today, Anoka County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail sectors. It is known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. The county continues to evolve and adapt, while preserving its historical roots, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Anoka County, Minnesota.

  • 1847 - Anoka County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
  • 1857 - The city of Anoka is incorporated as the first city in Anoka County.
  • 1877 - Anoka State Hospital, now known as the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center, is founded.
  • 1920 - The Anoka County Courthouse, designed by Roy B. France, is completed.
  • 1950 - The population of Anoka County reaches over 60,000.
  • 1970 - The completion of Interstate 35W improves transportation in Anoka County.
  • 1996 - Anoka County Library System is established, providing public library services to residents.
  • 2011 - The Anoka County Government Center is expanded to accommodate growth and increased services.
  • 2019 - The population of Anoka County exceeds 356,000 residents.