Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1904-1940 (Creation)
Level of description
Collection
Extent and medium
1.00 Cubic Feet
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Abram Penner was a businessman from Berdjansk, Russia. He immigrated to the United States in 1875 to continue his career. He opened the first Mennonite general store in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, eventually owning three separate stores. He was also mayor of Mountain Lake and conrtibuted much to the growth of the town. Maria ran Mountain Lake's first hotel out of their home, and served as the town's first undertaker.
Abram Penner was born February 22nd 1849 in Russia. He married Maria Buhler on May 23rd 1868. They had five children, two in Russia, and three in the U.S. One of them is well-known missionary to India Peter A. Penner. Abram Penner died on November 6th, 1940.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
The Abram Penner materials were donated largely in 1992 by Rachel Waltner Goossen, his great great granddaughter. They belonged to Elsie Pankratz of Goshen, Indiana, who was the granddaughter of Abram Penner.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The collection contains Abram Penner’s personal diaries from 1904 to 1940, the time of his death. Entries are mostly daily events and weather data. Other records include his travel diary from his trip to Russia, family records, and letters. There is also an account ledger from the general store in Mountain Lake.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
open to research use
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- German