History

Located on the western edge of Red Wing, Minnesota, population 16,000, the Anderson Center at Tower View occupies the former estate of Dr. Alexander Pierce (A.P.) Anderson, his wife, Lydia, and their four children. Dr. Anderson, a first generation American of Swedish ancestry, gained worldwide renown for developing the American breakfast cereals "Quaker Puffed Wheat" and "Quaker Puffed Rice."

The Tower View estate totals 350 acres and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its distinctive Georgian Revival buildings and cylindrical red brick water tower have long been familiar Minnesota landmarks.

1915-1941

Built from 1915-1921, the Tower View estate served as the Anderson family residence, a full-fledged working farm, and as a vibrant research laboratory where more than 15,000 cereal experiments were conducted for the Quaker Oats Company. Experiments were not limited to the puffing process and included the commercial development of a plantago hard psyllium seed that could withstand climate extremes.

When the Tower View estate was constructed, it was fully modernized and completely off the grid. Tower View supplied its own water and electricity via what was, at the time, the very latest in technology. The 115’ water tower could hold up to 24,500 gallons of water and supplied water to support the family residence, laboratories, and farm. The tower is no longer the source of Tower View’s water, but the original rotunda room (named the “tea room” by A.P.’s wife, Lydia) and observation balcony are still intact and open during special events and scheduled tours.

When the Tower View estate was constructed, it was fully modernized and completely off the grid. Tower View supplied its own water and electricity via what was, at the time, the very latest in technology. The 115’ water tower could hold up to 24,500 gallons of water and supplied water to support the family residence, laboratories, and farm. The tower is no longer the source of Tower View’s water, but the original rotunda room (named the “tea room” by A.P.’s wife, Lydia) and observation balcony are still intact and open during special events and scheduled tours.

Dr. Anderson was also fascinated by the vortex nature of the tornadoes, and he conducted hundreds of experiments at Tower View that dealt with various aeronautical theories and devices. His estimable life also included achievements as a farmer, educator, scientist, essayist, botanist, and naturalist.

1941-1945

From 1941-1945, the Anderson Institute for Biological Research, a non-profit scientific organization, was established at Tower View. Numerous research projects were conducted in the original laboratory buildings, including ones centered on the care of head injuries suffered during World War II, poliomyelitis, and radiation.

1945-1962

In 1945, Tower View served as the home of Central Research Laboratories, one of our nation's principal manufacturers of robotic arms for the handling of uranium and other radioactive materials. It was founded by Frank Chesley, Demetrius Jelatis, and Gordon Lee and had offices and manufacturing operations at Tower View until 1962.

Jean Anderson Chesley and her husband Frank raised their three children in the main brick residence at Tower View, living there until 1969.

John P. and Eugenie Moore Anderson also lived and raised their two children on ten acres on the east side of the Tower View Estate from the late 1930’s through the turn of the century. Those ten acres were gifted to the Anderson Center and rejoined the Tower View Estate in 2010.

1971-1995

From 1971-1995, Tower View became a rehabilitation center dedicated to helping those with physical disabilities, and was also home to a satellite campus of the Minnesota Southeast Technical College offering courses from carpentry to energy conservation technology.

Since 1995, The Anderson Center at Tower View has been the steward of this historic site. Inspired by the Anderson Family’s patronage of the arts and support for the local community, we have operated as an artist residency program and art center for almost 25 years.

From 1971-1995, Tower View became a rehabilitation center dedicated to helping those with physical disabilities, and was also home to a satellite campus of the Minnesota Southeast Technical College offering courses from carpentry to energy conservation technology.

1995-present

Since 1995, The Anderson Center at Tower View has been the steward of this historic site, using the resources we have to support art and ideas. Inspired by the Anderson Family’s patronage of the arts and support for the local community, we have operated as an artist community for 25 years.

Co-founded by Robert and Carolyn Hedin, the Anderson Center is a non-profit dedicated to supporting the creative process. The Anderson Center’s stewardship of Tower View has seen extensive restoration of National Historic Register buildings. The Center has supported more than 800 artists and scholars of all kinds with the gift of time and space, bringing national and international talent to a nurturing and inspiring site in Red Wing, Minnesota. The Center rents below-market-rate space to local artists and like-minded organizations, resulting in a vibrant community of mutual inspiration and support. Last but certainly not least, the Center presents a year round calendar of artistic programs to local and regional audiences and offers its 11 acre sculpture garden to the public as a space for relaxation and inspiration.