History’s Dynamic Duo: Paschkes Honored for Decades of Dedication in Melrose

(KNSI) – A husband and wife team have been honored with the Stearns History Museum’s Zapp Historian Award for preserving the past in their work with the Melrose Historical Society and Museum

Jean and Roger Paschke have been with both since they were formed in 1987. He is the organization’s president, and she is the secretary. According to a press release, the Paschkes were recognized for their long-term involvement, organization, and contribution to keeping Melrose’s past alive. The conscious collection of two- and three-dimensional objects, photos, and documents, “also shows their desire to preserve history as it is happening.”

Jean told KNSI News that being at the museum allows them to share their passion. “We love showing off our town, and we love showing off the marvelous artifacts and things that people have donated. We always stress that everything in our museum is donated. We do not buy artifacts.”

She says the generosity has allowed them to gather and preserve over 2,000 items, adding that one popular attraction has to do with an aviation icon. “I would say our most important artifact, and in fact, one of the very first things that was donated is a letter of greeting which Charles Lindbergh dropped over Melrose. It comes in a pouch, and the pouch has his signature and the date and Melrose Beacon on it.”

The Beacon was the local paper at the time, now known as the Star Post. The drop was part of his 1927, 48-state Goodwill Tour taken up shortly after he became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

There are other Lindbergh artifacts as well. Lindbergh’s grandparents homesteaded there, and his aunt was the postmistress for many years, giving the museum access to the family. It also features an extensive collection of clothing from the periods in the fashion room. One suit belonged to Melrose area resident Walter Breuning, who was the oldest man in the world when he died at the age of 114 years and 205 days in April 2011.

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