A Carved Treasure Returns: Hunt Board & Open House at the Dinehart Holt House
We’re thrilled to share an exciting development with our supporters and local history lovers! The Murray County Historical Society was recently approached by an individual who owned an original piece of woodwork from the Dinehart Holt House—a stunning, hand-carved hunt board with a remarkable history.
The piece is believed to have been purchased either at or shortly after the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, which featured one of the first American exhibitions of Black Forest carvings. A business card promoting Brienz, Switzerland—home of world-renowned carvers—was even found in Charles Dinehart’s diary. The Dinehart family was known to have several carvings from this era, including the famous staircase bears and another hunt board, making this acquisition especially meaningful.
Thanks to quick action by the MCHS Board of Directors, a $1,000 down payment was made to secure the piece, with a goal of fundraising the remaining $3,500 within 18 months.
To celebrate the return of this historic treasure and kick off our fundraising efforts, we’re hosting a special Open House at the Dinehart Holt House during the Murray County Fair!
📅 Date: Thursday, August 14th
📍 Location: Dinehart Holt House, Slayton
🕰️ Time: Details coming soon!
Stop by to admire this exquisite example of 19th-century craftsmanship, explore the history of the Dinehart family and their home, and learn how you can help preserve this important part of Murray County’s heritage.
Let’s bring this piece of history home—together!
