By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Fergus Falls area resident Cliff Knutson, for more than six decades, has appreciated the richness of Maplewood State Park, east of Pelican Rapids, with its history, lush forests, beautiful lakes and abundant wildlife. It should come as no surprise that he wrote a book, “Maplewood State Park, Then and Now,” fresh off the press.

“I felt it was time to share some of the stories I have gleaned from old timers and give readers the opportunity to learn more about Maplewood State Park, past and present,” Knutson said.

He has been associated with Maplewood since its inception in 1963, and rode snowmobiles in the park in the late 1960s. Since then Knutson, family members and friends have also enjoyed hiking, fishing, camping and horseback riding in the park.

“Worshipping in Maplewood Lutheran Church has provided a connection to the past and has given me nourishment for my soul,” he said. “My hope is that readers of this book will learn more about the park and its people, past and present,”

Several people, dating back to the 1950s, shared a dream of establishing a state park in Maplewood Township. Knutson credits the nucleus of three men who were leaders in fulfilling this dream: Norman Baker and Rudy Gustafson of Fergus Falls and Truman Strand of Pelican Rapids.

Knutson wrote about a 1969 archeological study at Maplewood State Park, conducted jointly by the University of Minnesota and students from Moorhead State College. They recovered artifacts providing evidence of Native American habitation during the Woodland time period dating back to 650 A.D.

The late Cecil Femling, born in 1920, grew up on a farm east of the Maplewood Park boundary. “In 2008 Cecil, who had worked for Lake Region Electric and was a local historian, drove me around Maplewood State Park,” wrote Knutson. “He highlighted several historical areas and identified farm sites and the families who lived there prior to the establishment of the state park.”

Femling is pictured near a road that was used by stagecoaches in the late 1800s. There were three post offices in Maplewood Township in those days.

The author, who included many photos in his book, has a chapter on Walter Spidahl who established Hallaway Hill skiing after World War II. Hallaway Hill drew skiers from a radius of 100 miles in the early 1950s. Spidahl had four ski runs, three tows and a ski jump. Later, after Hallaway skiing ended, Spidahl established cross country skiing at nearby Friberg Township in the 1970s.

Many readers of Knutson’s book will be captivated by a chapter titled, “Schools within the Park Boundary.” Maplewood School District 145 was identified as the first school built in Maplewood Township, organized Jan. 4, 1881. The Wagstrom School was built by Andrew Wagstrom in the central area of the park in 1886. Douglas Wagstrom, grandson of Andrew, was pictured at the school in 1966, so it was still standing three years after Maplewood Park was established.”

In 1889 about 20 pioneer families met at homes or schools to worship in the tradition of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. “In 1900 the congregation purchased a two-acre parcel from Hans Erickson,” wrote Knutson. “The original structure which became Maplewood Lutheran Church was built in 1901.”

The congregation had strong faith and resolve over the years and the church still actively functions today. Each year hundreds of people attend services at Maplewood Lutheran Church, coming from near and far. Vistors oftentimes outnumber the members of the church located in the south-central section of Maplewood State Park.

Captivating photos of wildlife and plant life are included in Knutson’s book. Maplewood State Park is a delight for photographers who take photos of eagles, osprey, trumpeter swans and other forms of wildlife. The park also attracts campers, hikers, swimmers, those who love fishing and horseback riding.

Knutson, who worked at the Regional Treatment Center and Lakeland Mental Health Center in Fergus Falls before his retirement, has previously written four other books. His latest book, “Maplewood State Park, Then and Now,” is available for purchase at the Otter Tail County Historical Society (county museum in Fergus Falls) and at Victor Lundeen Company in downtown Fergus Falls.