Honoring Lynn Charlson

April marks the twentieth year since Mr. Charlson’s passing. Lynn Charlson, inventor, business owner, and philanthropist, provided the resources that make Charlson Meadows possible. His story is one of ingenuity, intuition, and hard work.

Born in North Dakota, his family moved to South Minneapolis when he was a teenager. Out of high school, he worked as a night clerk at a small hotel. He valued the interaction with traveling businessmen. This is where he embraced the philosophy of understanding a need and developing a solution. With his Minneapolis public library card and his curious mind he saw no limits.

This land where Charlson Meadows exists today was purchased by Mr. Charlson in the early 1960s as his sanctuary—a place to relax, think, and entertain business contacts from around the world. He never lived on the property, but when he sold Char Lynn to Eaton Corporation in 1970, this property became his full time playground. Eventually he built a private laboratory and model shop where he funded and worked with other entrepreneurs and scientists.

Mr. Charlson held 94 patents and was known as a pioneer in the field of fluid power.  His revolutionary products are still being used in agriculture, mining, construction, and transportation. New applications of his work are still being developed. He was inducted into the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame in 1985.

Mr Charlson lived to be 94 years old. Even in his later years, he came to the office here on Lake Zumbra daily. His patents, inventions, and wise real estate investments also funded his philanthropic interests supporting entrepreneurs, those exploring new sciences, holistic medicine researchers, individuals in need, and the arts.

After his passing, long-time employee Nancy Nelson became the trustee of his estate, which gave her the unique opportunity to create what is now Charlson Meadows. Her vision to preserve the land and serve those who unselfishly serve others continues his legacy of generosity. 

Fun Facts:

• Today, April 30th, is Mr Charlson’s Birthday!  
• Lynn was known as “Buck.”  A deer statue located below the grand staircase is a nod to this nickname.
• His art collection can still be seen throughout the Lake House.
• After lunch Mr Charlson enjoyed a walk around the trail. You have the opportunity to walk in his footsteps. Register for one of our monthly Reflective Walks.

by Nicole Rasmussen, Program Director