History of Location
The property that is now Green Gate began as an iron ore mining site around the turn of the last century, named Hector Location (mining communities were referred to as “locations” rather than “towns” at that time). While details of the mining operations here are sketchy, we know that this location employed over 100 workers and contained about a dozen homes.
When this mine eventually closed, the homes were moved to other operations and Hector Location disappeared almost overnight, as was typical of this era. One family chose to remain at the site, however, and turned to farming instead. The crops, animals and surrounding forests provided for much of their basic needs as they raised a family of 13 in our little farmhouse.
Near the end of World War II, a massive dredging project was undertaken to divert water from nearby Lake Mine into Embarrass Lake, just south of the property. This diversion channel cut directly through the farm, splitting it in half and desecrating the nearby land in the process. Although land was lost, the new channel provided a consistent source of fresh water to the farm.
The original family maintained the farm for another 60 years. While many of the children moved away, some of them chose to endure the hard times and enjoy the “simpler life” here in Northern Minnesota. After nearly a century of activity, the farm had to be abandoned. But as fields grew over and buildings deteriorated, the energy of the place never diminished.
We acquired the remaining 13-acre farm and former mining operation in 2002. By that time, nature had returned the diversion channel into a beautiful “river” offering miles of paddling opportunities in either direction. The original, dilapidated farmhouse was renovated. New gardens and orchards were planted. As we continue to restore the property, the energy lives on!
