Today we have before us a postcard sized “WANTED” bulletin for the arrest of a Mr. Helmer Leander Johnson! While there is little information at all to indicate the exact offenses of which Mr. Johnson could be guilty, of one thing is certain, Sheriff E. K. Blexrud provided the public with an in-depth physical description of Mr. Johnson plus an intriguingly, delightful image of … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County To My Muse
Aaron L. Sleyster’s photo studio stocked within its walls a myriad of items for sale. We can only imagine what it was like to have had the privilege of purchasing merchandise from him. The list would have been truly extraordinary and included: books of poetry, paintings, cabinet photographs of adults, children, babies, landscapes, cityscapes, buildings, bridges; and … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County – To the Public
This little poem was printed on a circular, which was used as an advertisement for “Howard Gray and Other Poems.” It sets forth admirably the tender feeling of a young artist, Aaron L. Sleyster, for his first production. … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County: “The Photo Artist”
This delightful poem was authored by our good friend Aaron L. Sleyster, and he prefaced it with the following introduction: “Written after a day’s work with bad customers. The strain of trying to please, produced the severe attack of blues so strongly set forth in thistle lines...” … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County A winter landscape
When this beautiful picture was taken 128 years ago, in 1893... It was just a mere six years before the letters from Dr. William J. Mayo and Aaron H. H. Dayton, from my last column were sent! Great poetry was being written and spectacular photographs were also being created by our good friend Aaron L. Sleyster and all the while the Brothers Mayo were getting the groundwork in … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County: Historical, Fillmore County Christmas gift, like no other!
By Dianne Ruud Last week our friend Flip Huggenvik shared one electrifying story about how Aaron Dayton’s hired man was needing emergency medical attention, and that the Mayo brothers in Rochester, Minn., were contacted by the patient’s wife, Mrs. E. M. Rolfe. The Mayos had only recently begun their practice, and the year was 1896! She asked that they please come to … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County – Dr. William J. Mayo makes a house call in Fillmore County via a horse and buggy, in 1896!
To be honest with you I think this is probably the most exciting, unbelievable, title for any column that I have ever been a part of – thrilling, to say the least! Once again, we have none other than Flip Huggenvik to thank for this historic treasure! If he had not shared this extraordinary narrative and the images accompanying it, none of us would have ever been able to … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County The Daniel Dayton family – The Ravine House… A pioneer life in Big Spring, Minn., Part V – the final segment!
By Dianne Ruud Today’s column marks the fifth and final segment of the fabulous “Daniel Dayton Family Story,” authored by my good friend “Flip” (Brian) Huggenvik! Last week we enjoyed seeing family pictures of Aaron and Rosalie Dayton and their children, Emily and John. We left off as Flip was giving many details of the Dayton family members lives as they matured and moved … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County: The Daniel Dayton family – The Ravine House… A pioneer life in Big Spring, Minn., Part IV
The Daniel Dayton saga by “Flip” (Brian) Huggenvik continues and – to recap: The 1890s found both Dayton boys, Zara and Aaron hard working farmers. They raised beef cows, pigs, chicken, and even had some sheep. The crops were wheat, oats, barley, flax, and corn. And of course lots of hay... 60 tons a summer. They would sell their grain in Harmony, but hold back enough to get … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County – The Daniel Dayton family – The Ravine House… A pioneer life in Big Spring, Minn., Part III
We left off last week in this fabulous story authored by “Flip” (Brian Huggenvik), where Daniel Dayton’s son, Aaron is writing a letter from the steamboat named Magenta to his brother Zara, who is contemplating fighting in the Civil War. The last lines of Aaron’s letter to Zara last week were: “If you don’t volunteer you will likely be drafted...” and thus we continue! Aaron … [Read more...]