A Bit About The Musser Family

Richard Drew “R. D.” Musser lived as a bachelor for about five years in his large white house until 1903 when he married Sarah “Sally” Walker in Cloquet, MN.

Drew and Sally Musser had a son Peter (died at birth in 1910), foster daughter Alice (Mrs. Edward C. Davidson), adopted daughter Mary (Mrs. Alan Gilmore), and daughter Laura Jane (all of whom are now deceased).

Richard Drew formed the Morrison Lumber Company in 1907, and after the Pine Tree Mill closed in 1920, helped organize the American National Bank. He served as bank president from 1928-1945. After resigning from the presidency, he served as chairman of its board of directors until his death.

During his lifetime, he was active in the Lion’s Club and helped establish the local golf course, country club, Carnegie Library and St. Gabriel’s Hospital.

Many community children were tutored not only in the Musser home, but also on the second floor of the green house, after the Weyerhaeusers left Little Falls. Mr. Musser also allowed for the Weyerhaeuser house to be occupied by business associates affiliated with the American National Bank.

At some time around 1955, Laura Jane Musser took up residency in the Weyerhaeuser home next door. She remodled shortly after moving in and the mansion has retained some of the feel for the 1950's as a result.

Sarah Walker Musser died in 1953 at the age of 74, while Mr. Musser passed away in 1958 at the age of 93.

Laura Jane remained in Little Falls to carry on the tradition of the Weyerhaeusers and the Mussers. She continued to bring classical performers to Little Falls, such world famous stars as pianist Van Cliburn and American contralto Marian Anderson.

Her passions ranged from classical music and the arts, to the plight of the underprivileged in New York City and the Chippewa Indians of Mille Lacs.

Sole heir to the properties, Laura remained in the green (Weyerhaeuser) house until she died November 12, 1989, at the age of 73. The furnishing in both homes are reminders of the past and the prominent roles these two families have played.

Laura Jane Musser was generous with both time and money. Before she died, Laura Jane stated she wanted her properties to be used for a public purpose. That wish is being realized today in Linden Hill Conference & Retreat Center. THE LAURA JANE MUSSER FUND was established by the estate of Laura Jane Musser of Little Falls, Minnesota. This fund continues the personal philanthropy which Laura Jane practiced during her lifetime.