Universal Laboratories Building, Industrial building in Dassel, Minnesota, United States
The Universal Laboratories Building is a two-story industrial structure in Dassel featuring multiple processing areas with conveyor systems and grain mills designed specifically for ergot production. The layout includes functional spaces organized for efficient material flow and separation of grains during manufacturing.
The facility was constructed in 1937 and originally operated as Rice Laboratories before becoming Universal Laboratories. During World War II, it became the nation's primary supplier of ergot, a specialized product essential for medical and industrial applications.
This facility now serves as a community museum dedicated to preserving industrial heritage and local history through exhibits that visitors can explore. The spaces tell stories about how work shaped the town and brought people together around shared economic activity.
The facility maintains collections of historical newspapers, local documents, and agricultural records that visitors can examine during their visit. Allow time to browse the materials and ask staff members about specific aspects of the facility's operations or local history.
Local women operated specialized conveyor equipment on the premises to separate ergot particles from grain, creating a home-based sorting operation that provided steady employment. This workforce became essential to the facility's ability to meet wartime production demands.
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