Patty Anderson lives in the same home where she was raised—the same home her grandparents homesteaded in 1895. A century farm sits on their land, farmed by many generations. Now her husband, Roger Anderson, takes care of the land.
Patty’s mother, Alice Anderson, turned 96 last week but her sharp mind still recalls the years of memories built on this town.
Andrew Anderson and his wife Helene came from Norway in 1895 and settled in Glendorado Township. Andrew maintained the farm with his three sons, Alfred, Lawrence and Rueben. They took over the farm when their father retired and lived in the Anderson house (Patty’s current home). Andrew had Helene raise their children there. Then, Alice Anderson moved in with her husband, Lawrence (one of Andrew’s sons), and they had Patty in 1951. Patty was their only child.
“I always say it’s because they had no privacy!” joked Patty Anderson. “There were so many people living in this house at the time.”
Patty Anderson and her husband, Roger Anderson, bought the farm from her parents in 1981 while she was living in Anoka. Roger would frequent Glendorado often to take care of the farm until they finally moved into her childhood home in 1990.
However, they built a new home for her parents (Alice and Lawrence) just a mile down the road so they could be nearby. The original Anderson home has been remodeled over the years but there are many things in the home which have stayed in good condition, including a chair that’s been around 1903.
Alice now lives by herself, but she’s proud of that fact.
“I didn’t think I’d live to be 96. I had open heart surgery in 1992, but I’m lucky to not have any other major health issues, so I can take care of myself and live alone,” says Alice Anderson.
Her secret to the longevity of her life? Alice stays physically and mentally busy. She’s always learning new recipes and plays Bingo every week. Her daughter says she’s one of the best cooks in Glendorado.
“She’s famous for her lemon pies at the church!” bragged Patty. “Everyone always asks her for these pies and waits for them when they know she’s bringing food.”
This past weekend, Patty’s granddaughter, Adeline (age 6 months), was baptized at Glendorado Lutheran Church. Patty was baptized, confirmed and married in this same church. Patty’s daughter, Amy Cairns (née Anderson), was also baptized, confirmed, and married at Glendorado Lutheran. Amy moved to Pequot Lakes about two years ago but is still a member of the Glendorado Lutheran Church.
Alice joined the congregation in 1942 and says all the people she used to know from Glendorado Lutheran Church have since gone and passed away, but she sees so many more different people now. In her earlier days, she was vice president of the church, and even secretary at another time. Although she’s not as involved in formal positions now, she still brings food to events and offers whatever help is needed through the Ladies’ Aid, the woman’s group at the church.
