Perham, MN

Perham is a small town located in the rural area of central Minnesota. The population of Perham was 2,912 as of the 2010 census. Perham is located in Otter Tail County and has a land area of just over 9 square miles. The town is situated on the banks of the Red River and has access to numerous recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling.

The history of real estate in Perham can be traced back to 1881 when J.D. Howe purchased 160 acres for $1,000 from the government. Howe built a home on this property which he called "The Grove." In 1885 he sold this land to A.W. Nelson who established a sawmill and gristmill on it. Nelson also built a hotel which was operated by his wife until 1916 when it burned down. Nelson then sold his land to Wm Soper who established a general store on it which he ran until 1935 when he sold it to Cletus Kappeler who opened Kappeler's grocery store on the site which he operated until 1955 when he retired and sold the business to his son-in-law Don Riggs who continued operating it until 1986 when it closed due to competition from larger stores in town.

In 1915 Jens Jensen purchased 160 acres from A W Nelson for $1,000 and began farming it with help from his sons Lars and Arne Jensen who continued farming this land until 1988 when they retired and passed ownership of their farmstead onto their children; daughters Kirsten Jensen Hjortlandt (KJH) and Karen Jensen Schou (KJS). In 1990 KJH married Tim Osterberg (owner/operator of Osterberg's General Store)and they moved onto her father's farmstead where they continue farming today; raising cattle, hay production, vegetables/fruit trees/herbs gardens as well as raising chickens for eggs/meat production; selling eggs at local farmers markets throughout Minnesota as well as online through their website: www.(domain).com .

In 1992 Don Riggs purchased Kappeler's grocery store from his son-in-law Don Riggs Jr.; renamed it "Riggs' General Store" and began operating it with his wife Pat; continuing operation until 1986 when competition from larger stores forced its closure due to financial difficulties caused by declining agricultural prices combined with increased fuel costs resulting from increased use of gasoline powered equipment by customers seeking better quality produce at lower prices than could be obtained at Riggs' General Store .

In 1987 Jack & Kathy Anderson purchased Riggs' General Store from Pat & Don Riggs; renamed it "Anderson's General Store" & began operations using much of the same inventory that had been carried by Don Riggs prior to its closure six years earlier .

In 1995 Tom Loeffler purchased Anderson's General Store from Kathy Anderson & Jack Anderson; renamed it "Loeffler's General Store" & began operations using much of the same inventory that had been carried by Don Riggs prior to its closure six years earlier .

Today there are four general stores remaining in Perham: Loeffler's General Store (established 1995), Anderson’s General Store (established 1987), Jensen’s Farm Market (established 1988), & Hjortlandt’s Country Market (established 2000). There are also two gas stations: Shell station #2 (established 1978) & Marathon station #2(established 1984). There are no supermarkets or convenience stores currently operating in Perham .