History of Perham
From a Northern Pacific railroad town to a thriving lake-country community.
Origins
Perham began in 1872 as the Northern Pacific Railroad pushed through Otter Tail County. The town was named for Josiah Perham, the railroad's first president, whose vision helped connect this region to national rail routes and drew early settlers into central lake country.
Early Growth
The first wooden buildings appeared in the 1870s and the village was formally platted in 1873. As Perham developed into a railroad service and trade town, more permanent brick buildings followed in the downtown core. The city was officially incorporated on February 14, 1881.
Brewing Heritage
Peter Schroeder built a brewery near the Otter Tail River in 1876. In the mid-1880s, brewmaster Andrew Fellerer—trained at Pabst Brewing Company in Milwaukee—joined Schroeder and created WonderBrew, a celebrated lager whose label proclaimed it "The Beer that Makes Milwaukee Jealous" until a Milwaukee company sued. The brewery operated until 1915 under various names. In 2023, a restored oak vat from the original Northern Pacific Brewery was installed at Disgruntled Brewing, where Andrew Fellerer's great-grandson Doug Huebsch is one of the owners.
Historic City Hall
Built in 1906, designed by Minneapolis architect Fremont D. Orff. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Originally served as council chambers, fire station, jail, and community gathering space. Renovated in 1993 to house city administrative offices.
Pioneer Heritage
Pioneer Village preserves daily life from Perham's earliest decades through restored buildings and seasonal events. It remains a key stop for understanding how families, schools, farms, and trades shaped the city.
Modern Perham
Today, Perham continues steady population growth and supports a diverse economic base led by manufacturing, healthcare, education, and telecommunications. Products made in Perham are exported to over 20 countries, reflecting how a historic rail town evolved into a modern regional hub.
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