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Ulen (/ˈjuːlən/ YOO-lən) is a city in Clay County, Minnesota, United States, along the South Branch of the Wild Rice River. The population was 476 at the 2020 census.[2]

Ulen
City
Grain Elevators on the way into town
Location of Ulen, Minnesota
Ulen Show map of Minnesota Ulen Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 47°4′42″N 96°15′36″W
Country	United States
State	Minnesota
County	Clay
Government
• Type	Mayor-Council
• Mayor	Mary A. Knopfler
Area [1]
• Total	1.07 sq mi (2.77 km2)
• Land	1.07 sq mi (2.77 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	1,152 ft (351 m)
Population  (2020)[2]
• Total	476
• Estimate  (2021)[3]	484
• Density	444.86/sq mi (171.83/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	56585
Area code	218
FIPS code	27-66136
GNIS feature ID	0653486[4]

Near this small community, what is believed to be an authentic Viking sword known as the Ulen sword was found in a field by Hans O. Hansen in 1911. The sword is currently on display in the Ulen Museum. Ulen and the area surrounding is mostly inhabited by later generation Norwegian-Americans.

Ulen is the southern terminus of the Agassiz Recreational Trail, a 53-mile multi-use trail built on an abandoned railroad grade which has its northern terminus at Crookston, Minnesota.[5] As of 2021, Mayor of Ulen is Mary A. Knopfler.

History

Ulen Township was named in honor of Ole Ulen, its first settler. Ole Ulen was born in Flå, Norway, April 18, 1818, and died in Ulen village, January 19, 1891. He came to the United States in 1851 with his, wife Torgen and three daughters, and to Minnesota in 1853, settling in Houston County; was a farmer there until 1867; and then moved to Clay County in 1872. The city of Ulen, sections 27, 28, 33, and 34, was established on part of Ulen's homestead and was incorporated as a village on November 12, 1896. A meeting was held on June 7, 1881 at the home of Nels Wiger for the purpose of organizing Ulen Township. Robert Hanson, Elias Rost and Ole Mellum were the election judges and Nels Wiger served as the clerk. One of the concerns of the early township officials was the building of roads. There were no tax funds for this purpose so each able-bodied man was required to work for two days a year building roads. The first road was laid out and built in 1883.[6]

The post office was established in 1884, its name changing to Odneland in 1885 for Ole Odneland (Tallak Aaneland), postmaster and general store owner, although it was sometimes spelled Oneland and Onland. When the railroad came in 1886, Odneland's (Aaneland's) store was in the path of the rails, so it was moved to the east side of the tracks on the northwest corner of Regelstad's farm. In 1866, the same year Ulen was incorporated, the Duluth and Manitoba Railway company, a subsidiary of the Northern Pacific Railway, built the railroad between what is now known as Manitoba Junction and Red Lake Falls, taking the railroad directly through Ulen.[7] Ole Asleson platted a townsite, and the name was changed to Ulen with Odneland remaining as postmaster until the post office was reorganized in 1887 and Ole Christian Melbye became postmaster in his grocery store; Melbye moved into the first house built in village limits in 1887. Ulen came to be mostly inhabited by Norwegian immigrants and the town continues to hold on to its nordic identity.[8]

In September 1963 the Ulen Historical Society was organized with Ihlor Bjerke as president, Ray Wilmore as vice president, and Eliza Knutson as secretary-treasurer. The museum was built in 1902 by Edwin Evans, with a second story added in 1914. Preserving the area's history and displaying its artifacts was the driving force of this group.

The new Ulen Historical Society was organized in 2004 to build upon the dreams of the original Ulen Historical Society.[9] The Ulen Historical Society runs the Ulen Museum, home to the Ulen Sword. The Ulen Sword is 19th century sword, once believed to be a Viking sword, which the town takes great pride in. The sword was found by Hans O. Hansen on his farm while plowing in 1911.The former name of the Ulen Museum was the Viking Sword Museum.

The town has been able to grow slowly over the years in part thanks to Northwestern Bank. In 1941, the bank moved to Ulen and changed its name to Northwestern Bank. This first branch in Ulen is still economically important. Over the years it has been slowly able to grow and expand. Eventually starting branches in Moorhead and other rural communities in northwestern Minnesota. Their branch in Ulen however has still been able to thrive and is an important business in the local economy and community, providing crucial service.[10]

In 2005 Ulen needed to get the arsenic out of its water. Wells supplying the city’s water had high concentrations of the chemical-more than twice the treatment standard of less than 10 parts per billion. Also the city was experiencing too many water main breaks, and its aging infrastructure needed replacing. As a result, Moore Engineering planned and designed a gravity filter system to remove arsenic from the water supply and made plans to replace aging water mains. The city’s new water treatment plant removed arsenic to a level of less than 5 parts per billion, 50 percent more treatment than required. Grants and loans, including a $600,000 grant from the Small Cities Community Development program, helped pay for the improvements, ensuring water safety.

Historically known as an agricultural community, Ulen continues to flourish with the growth of agricultural and small family-owned businesses. [11] West Central Ag Service operates the grain elevator in Ulen

Geography

Ulen is a small agricultural town on the prairie of western Minnesota in Clay County, located about 40 miles east of Fargo, North Dakota. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.07 square miles (2.77 km²), all land.[12] State Highway 32 serves as a major arterial in the community. Ulen's zip code is 56585.

Demographics

Since 1900, the population has never fallen below 300 or risen above 600, reaching a peak of 590 in the 1920s. Today about 480 people reside in Ulen, making it one of over 12,000 incorporated places in the United States with fewer than 2,500 citizens, the population below which the US Census Bureau defines an area to be rural.[13]

Historical population
Census	Pop.		%±
1900	317		—
1910	438		38.2%
1920	590		34.7%
1930	452		−23.4%
1940	562		24.3%
1950	525		−6.6%
1960	481		−8.4%
1970	486		1.0%
1980	514		5.8%
1990	547		6.4%
2000	532		−2.7%
2010	547		2.8%
2020	476		−13.0%
2021 (est.)	484	[3]	1.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[14] 2020 Census[2]

2020 census

As of the census of 2020,[15] there were 476 people, 204 households, and 99 families living in the city. The population density was 444.8 inhabitants per square mile (171.8/km²). There were 241 housing units at an average density of 225.2 per square mile (87/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.9% White, 3.5% Native American, 0.6% from other races, and 4.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population. A majority of Ulen has Norwegian ancestry.

There were 204 households, of which 17% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.9% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 51.5% were non-families. 48.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 30.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.84 and the average family size was 2.66.

The median age in the city was 63.4 years. 17% of residents were under the age of 18; 1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 13.6% were from 25 to 44; 21.6% were from 45 to 64; and 47% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 42.3% male and 47.7% female.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 547 people, 234 households, and 130 families living in the city. The population density was 479.8 inhabitants per square mile (185.3/km²). There were 268 housing units at an average density of 235.1 per square mile (90.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.1% White, 0.4% African American, 3.7% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.5% of the population. A majority of Ulen has Norwegian ancestry.

There were 234 households, of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.4% were non-families. 39.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the city was 46.6 years. 21.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.5% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 28% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 532 people, 203 households, and 120 families living in the city. The population density was 488.9 people per square mile (188.4/km²). There were 228 housing units at an average density of 209.5 per square mile (80.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 99.25% White and 0.75% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.19% of the population. A majority of Ulen has Norwegian ancestry.

There were 203 households, out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.3% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.4% were non-families. 35.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 19.9% from 25 to 44, 16.9% from 45 to 64, and 34.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,813, and the median income for a family was $42,188. Males had a median income of $33,036 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,593. About 5.0% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 15.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Ulen has a mayor–council form of government. Ulen's current mayor is Mary A. Knopfler, who was elected in 2018 and who's term ends in 2022

The representative body of the city of Ulen is the city council. The council members include James Ashmore, Jeremy Begg, Randy Zimmerman, and Kim Syverson. Sandy Braseth is the appointed clerk/treasurer.[16]

At the State Legislature level, Ulen's Representative is Paul Marquart with them being in District 4B. Ulen's State Senator is Kent Eken with them being in District 4. Both are Democratic-Farmer-Labor. At the Federal Level Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith are Minnesota Senators with them being Democrats. Michelle Fischbach represents Ulen in the U.S. House being from Minnesota's 7th District and a Republican.[17]

Economy

Ulen has an economy primarily made up of agriculture services and farms. The grain elevator in Ulen is run by West Central Ag Service, and is one of the largest in the state of Minnesota, and has currently more than 190 workers. This greatly benefits Ulen and the surrounding area, causing Ulen to be the agricultural hub of the surrounding towns. The West Central Ag Service business offices and service shop are both located in Ulen.[18] The Nordic Lounge, Viking Manor, Sanford Health Clinic, Northwestern Bank, Ulen Building and Supply, and the West Central Ag Service Ulen Convince Store, all to are important businesses in the community.

Utilities

The Otter Tail Power Company provides electricity to the town with telephone and cable TV being provided by Arvig.[19]

Education

The Ulen-Hitterdal Public School is a school in Independent School District #914. It serves the community of Ulen and the neighboring town of Hitterdal. It is a K-12 institution with modern facilities. A new elementary school with facilities shared by the high school was opened in 2002. This new building includes, two large computer labs, a media center, classrooms, cafeteria and commons area, administrative offices, community weight room and a large gymnasium. In 2003, high school classrooms were remodeled and the Barry J. Houglum Auditorium was added. The school has a number of sports teams. The school mascot is the Titans with the school colors being black, blue, and gold.[20]

Ulen has one library, the Ulen LINK Site. It is a LINK site of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library. It offers countless books and curbside delivery.[21] Amy Nelson is the current office manager at the Ulen LINK Site.

Culture

Ulen has a very large Norwegian American population.[22] This is further exemplified by its businesses and community. The Ulen Municipal Liquor Store, the Nordic Lounge, is one example of the towns Norwegian identity on display. The Nordic Lounge features a Viking ship sailing as its logo and sign design. [23] The Ulen museum, formerly the Viking Sword Museum, Viking Manor, numerous Norse and Viking artifacts found in the area further show to represent the deep pride the town has for its Norwegian heritage. Another manifestation of this pride is, Lena's Lefse, a bakery dedicated to lefse and other Norse baked items.[24]

Memorials

Located in the center of Ulen on Main street is the Ulen's Veteran's Memorial Wall commemorating Ulen residents who have fought and died in American Wars. The memorial was a joint project by the VFW and the Ulen Lions.[25]

Museums

The Ulen Museum (formerly the Viking Sword Museum) opened on Sunday, August 4, 2007. It is run by the Ulen Historical Society and is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Ulen. Located on Main Street, the museum houses over 4,000 items that have been donated by various sources around the state. It includes sports memorabilia, paintings, and historical artifacts.[26] The Ulen Museum is home to the Ulen Sword. The Ulen Sword is 19th century sword, once believed to be a Viking sword, which the town takes great pride in. The sword was found by Hans O. Hansen on his farm while plowing in 1911.The former name of the Ulen Museum was the Viking Sword Museum.

Festivals

Ulen Days (formerly Ulen Turkey Barbecue Days) is an annual event held on the third weekend in August each year and dates back to 1962. It includes an entire weekend of activities including shows, sport games and tournaments, raffles, and food trucks. The entire community is known to be involved in the event and it is an important tradition. [27][28]

Theatres

The Top Hat Theatre serves as theater group in Ulen. Top Hat Theatre was created in 2005 as an extension of  the Community Education Department at Ulen-Hitterdal Schools.[29] Created in 2005 the theater promotes quality programming throughout the year. Performances are in the Barry J. Houglum Auditorium, a 312 seat theater located in the Ulen-Hitterdal Public School. The school auditorium was renovated in 2003 and was dedicated as a performance space. With 312 seats and handicap accessibility it is home to all of Top Hat Theatre’s events. A twelve-member committee plus an Executive Director control all facets of the Top Hat Theatre organization. Their stated goals are, first to present a variety of quality programs throughout the year and to provide opportunities for musicians to perform, and secondly, when possible to provide in-service workshops involving performers and the students of Ulen-Hitterdal School.[30]

Healthcare

Stanford Health Ulen Clinic is a Stanford Health Clinic dedicated to providing quality service to Ulen and the surrounding community. It provides family medicine, radiology, and has laboratories as well as providing immunizations and mammograms.[31]

Ulen is a large provider for healthcare for senior citizens in the area. The Ulen Senior Citizens Center acts as a communal gathering place for senior citizens in Ulen. [32] The Viking Manor Nursing Home is another healthcare facility in Ulen for its seniors. It is a long term care facility and nursing home. Viking Manor is known as " The Home With a Heart" , and includes 45 beds for seniors. Viking Manor has skilled nurses, therapists and licensed care professionals that are available to provide personalized therapy. It provides for seniors in both, recovery after a hospital visit or those in need of on-going medical support.[33][34]

In Popular Culture

A 2013 episode of America Unearthed partly focuses on the ancient bones and Ulen Sword found in the area. The episode also includes many references to the towns Norwegian identity and possible Viking exploration in the area[35]

References

На других языках

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[de] Ulen (Minnesota)

Ulen .mw-parser-output .IPA a{text-decoration:none}[ˈjuːlən] ist eine Kleinstadt (mit dem Status „City“) im Clay County im Nordwesten US-amerikanischen Bundesstaates Minnesota. Im Jahr 2010 hatte Ulen 547 Einwohner.[1]

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- [en] Ulen, Minnesota

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[ru] Юлен (город, Миннесота)

Юлен (англ. Ulen) — город в округе Клей, штат Миннесота, США. На площади 2,8 км² (2,8 км² — суша, водоёмов нет), согласно переписи 2002 года, проживают 532 человека. Плотность населения составляет 188,7 чел./км².

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