This was the home of Dr. George Palmer and his wife Mable Palmer and then of H. Z. Mitchell.
Dr. George M. Palmer moved to Bemidji about 1907. He took over the dental practice of Dr. Foster, the pioneer dentist of Bemidji. His office was located in the Miles Block. He was the commodore of the Bemidji Boat Club in 1909.
The Women’s Study Club held a successful meeting yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. G. M. Palmer, 1212 Minnesota Avenue. The topic for the afternoon was “Art,” with Mrs. L. A. Ward as leader. Papers dealing with this subject were read by Mrs. C. R. Sanborn, Mrs. A. E. Witting and Miss Beatrice Milts Two new members were added to the roster of the club, they being Mrs. R. L. Given and Mrs E. H. Denu. The afternoon was brought to a delightful close by the serving of refreshments by the hostess. The Club will hold its next meeting at the home of Mrs. F. S. Arnold. (Feb 14, 1911)
Dr. Palmer was head of the Beltrami County Public Safety Commission during the first six months of 1918. Dr. Palmer left for the battle zone in France on June 13, 1918 on behalf of the Y.M.C.A. war work. He returned home in 1919.
Henry Zehring Mitchell purchased Dr. Palmer’s residence as of June 1, 1919. “Mrs. H. Z. Mitchell and daughter, Melissa, and son, William, who- have been visiting Mrs. Mitchell’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Whitney for a few weeks, returned to Bemidji today. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have moved into their new home, having purchased Dr. G. M. Palmer’s residence, 1212 Minnesota avenue.” (June 4, 1919)
H. Z. Mitchell married his wife Grace Whitney on June 23, 1914 in St. Cloud. Mitchell came to Bemidji in 1917 to become a partner with Walter Marcum in publishing the Sentinel. In 1924 the partners purchased the Bemidji Daily Pioneer from which Mr. Mitchell retired in 1948.
H.Z. Mitchell was still living at this home when he died at age 80 on Feb. 28, 1965.