Back Roads

To say the Anderson Center at Tower View grew from a single kernel of grain would be simple; and it would only tell a fraction of the fascinating story of Alexander Anderson and the legacy he built in Red Wing, Minn.

Anderson was born in a dugout in Featherstone township outside of Red Wing in 1862. His formal education culminated with a doctorate in botany from the University of Munich. While teaching at Columbia University, Anderson discovered a method for expanding the starch granule in cereal grains — what we know today as “puffed rice” and “puffed wheat.” Anderson unveiled his invention at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, informally known as the St. Louis World’s Fair, in 1904. He caught the attention of Quaker Oats Co. and the rest is history.

Actually, it was just the beginning.

Eager to return to his Red Wing roots, Anderson built the Tower View estate from 1915-1921. 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-foot 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 a water source, but the original rotunda room and observation balcony are still intact and open during special events and scheduled tours.

Anderson was also fascinated by the vortex nature of the tornadoes, and he conducted hundreds of experiments at Tower View dealing with various aeronautical theories and devices. Next door to the family residence is a large brick building which served as a garage downstairs and a laboratory on the second floor. Numerous research projects were conducted there — including the care of head injuries suffered during World War II, poliomyelitis, and radiation.

Anderson passed away in 1943, but by then Tower View had established a reputation for scientific exploration. In 1945, Tower View served as the home of Central Research Laboratories — a principal manufacturer of robotic arms for the handling of uranium and other radioactive materials — until 1962.

Anderson descendants lived at the residence until 1969. From 1971-1995, Tower View became a rehabilitation center dedicated to helping those with physical disabilities, and also offered courses from carpentry to energy conservation technology. That quest for learning continues to this day as the estate features several work areas. Artists and scholars can stay at Tower View for a month, living in Anderson residence. Various buildings on the estate are rented by a music center, website design company, a photographer, glass blower and a print shop. The estate’s barn has been renovated to serve as an event center and houses concerts and book readings throughout the year. A new art center features works by local artists and a private art collection for public viewing. Both the barn and art center contain numerous historic photographic prints of the Andersons’ life on the farm. There is also an 11-acre sculpture garden on the grounds of the estate. Tower View is open during winter months Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, visit andersoncentertowerview on Facebook or www. andersoncenter.org. v