In a 1927 speech before the Old Settler’s Association, Perham attorney M.J. Daly urged attendees to support the formation of a county historical society. Daly’s invitation may have given the impression he was behind that effort when, in fact, taking the lead was the Fergus Falls Woman’s Club.

At the club’s October 29, 1926 meeting, Marguerite Patterson “suggested that possibly the club would be interested in sponsoring and aiding to start a museum for the purpose of preserving things of historical interest.” The club president appointed a committee to explore the matter led by Marguerite Patterson. After months of hard work the committee skillfully put together an organizational meeting on July 31, 1927 at Amor Park. More than 300 attended the picnic and meeting including a key note speech by Solon J. Buck, president of the Minnesota Historical Society. Dr. O.N. Nelson of Battle Lake was elected president, Judge Anton Thompson vice-president and Marguerite Patterson secretary-treasurer.

Even though the Woman’s Club and Mrs. Patterson in particular did all the work in establishing the Otter Tail County Historical Society, the other men on the board did not believe it was appropriate for a woman to serve as treasurer. At a separate meeting several days later, of which the minutes do not exist, the duties of secretary-treasurer were divided. Mrs. Patterson was allowed to remain as secretary, while First National Bank president Elmer E. Adams was named treasurer.

Having a man of Adams stature and influence on the new board was considered important even though in his acceptance letter Adams wrote, “I expect to be away and will not be able to do any soliciting for the Society.”