This photograph was taken before the buildings shown were destroyed by a fire in 1887. John Martinson's Saloon is at the far left, on the southeast corner of the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Park Row. E. E. Malmo's Barber Shop and Oliver Anderson's store are also shown.
Ashippun Post Office was the first in Watonwan County. It was built in 1857 and was located on Watonwan River's south branch in Rosedale Township. In 1925 it was moved to the City Park in Madelia by the local chapter of the D.A.R.