Mrs. Derby’s Kingsland 8th graders studied poetry. Included in the unit was developing an understanding of the different meanings that words can have based on the context in which they are used. After reading a few poems, analyzing them, and studying rhythm and rhyme, the students wrote poems based on one of their favorite places. The poems were to describe the place, however … [Read more...]
Free summer music series at Historic Forestville
Historic Forestville and the Friends of Forestville have partnered with the Preston Area Community Foundation to present a free concert series at the historic site in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park this summer. The music series opened with a square dance led by Bob Bovee, Pop Wagner and Anni Spring on June 11. Upcoming events feature rootsy music by local favorites River … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Houston was the area’s pre-eminent bicentennial city
In 1975, Lt. Gov. Rudy Perpich visited Houston to personally present the city with a bicentennial flag as an official Bicentennial community. In 1976, the entire nation was celebrating the nation’s 200th birthday. However, few Minnesota communities so extensively observed the occasion as did Houston, which enjoyed a year-long celebration. On Easter weekend, La Crescent drew … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Some good times during tough times
Radio shows, barn dances, homemade ice cream parties, weddings and card games provided some emotional relief during the economic hardships of the Great Depression (1929-1941). Both farm families and townsfolk enjoyed much-needed entertainment, as frugal as it had to be. It could have been as unorganized as fishing or impromptu challenges at horseshoe throwing or as cooperative … [Read more...]
DLC Houston Guild making good happen
In February 2022, a Facebook post asked for someone to help to continue the fireworks for Houston Hoedown. Apparently, no one else wanted to take on the project originally started by Greg Lemke years ago. Three local businessmen, Dusty Franzwa, Luke Meyer, and Chris Schroeder, decided to step up and help. They knew the Hoedown fireworks were always a big draw to town on Friday … [Read more...]
From Lanesboro with Love Lanesboro community rallies to support Ukrainian refugees
Three Lanesboro organizations recently held fundraising events to support Ukrainian refugees, where collectively over $12,000 was raised. Kindergartners to octogenarians, residents to visitors, all came together to make sure financial resources could be sent from Lanesboro with love to Ukrainians and those assisting refugees. Discovery, a lay-led community fellowship, raised … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Spring Grove engineer was television pioneer
Surely, no town so small was provided with such a competent glimpse into the future of technology as was Spring Grove in 1928. Traveling all the way from his home in New York City, a research engineer was invited to deliver a lecture at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. But Alfred L. Johnsrud stopped on the way to lecture first in the school auditorium at Spring … [Read more...]
Journal earns 10 more awards at ACP conference
In the early days of April 2022, the Association of Community Publishers held their annual conference in Nashville, Tenn. During the annual conference, ACP coordinated a “Best of the Best” contest in the publishing industry. There were more than 1,000 contest entries in over 100 categories. The Fillmore County Journal team earned a total of 10 of awards in the following … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Summer kitchen provided dishwater dining for swine
“We didn’t have air-conditioning, electric fans or even ice cubes to cool a glass of water, but we survived,” wrote Houston town history writer, Ingrid Julsrud, about growing up in the early 1900s. An evening dip or swim in a river was one relief for those living close enough to a waterway. Sitting on a porch might provide more moving air than was possible inside the house. … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces July 1 grant application deadline
SEMAC, a non-profit arts agency, is designated by the State of Minnesota Arts Board as the regional arts council for eleven southeastern Minnesota counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona. The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for proposals by Individual Artists. All proposed projects must … [Read more...]
