Backus building named historical site

The Citizens for Backus/AB received good news earlier this month when the Minnesota Historical Centre informed them that the Backus/AB complex in International Falls has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“Everybody is very excited,” said volunteer Lisa Hiebert. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this.”
“All of a sudden, somebody thinks it’s valuable besides us,” echoed Backus/AB board member Donna Frederickson. “We’re thrilled.”
Citizens for Backus/AB began the application process for the historical designation two years ago. Last summer, a representative from the Minnesota Historical Centre toured the old high school to determine its eligibility.
“They have to send somebody from the state historical society and they have to recommend it to the national society,” noted Frederickson.
“He told us it was in the art deco style, and that too many buildings from this era were torn down,” she added.
The inspector also noted most of the light fixtures in the building were original, which is very unique, Frederickson said.
“It’s a unique building and we want to preserve it,” Hiebert said, adding many local musicians and other artists use the facility to perform. “Where else would they go?”
The historical designation means the group now has more options in terms of funding.
“This means now we can look for federal and state funding,” noted Hiebert, adding the building needs a new roof and a sprinkler system.
The building houses an auditorium, where concerts and other events are staged year round.
The Borderland Community Orchestra performs an annual Christmas concert there. Last Christmas, the event also featured ballet dancers from the Janet Wagner Dance Studio and a sing-a-long.
The former high school was closed for school use in June, 2002 by the International Falls school board—leaving it’s fate uncertain.
But a group of citizens banded together to preserve the complex, and were handed the keys in September of that year.
Members of YouthWorks, a volunteer organization for youth aged 12-19, are now repainting the interior of the building.