The Spring Valley A&W has been a staple of the community since it opened in 1956, then owned by Roger and Marge Simpson. Their son and his wife, Mark and Kathy Simpson, purchased the business in 1987 and ran it until they retired in 2017 when Tom Evanoff purchased it. For the past five years, Evanoff has enjoyed sharing the nostalgia of the drive-in, which first drew him … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Fires, fatalities, 50 years and leap year festivities
Part ten of a series It became associated with Sadie Hawkins, a 1937 cartoon character. But 57 years earlier, a similar social event occurred in 1880 Caledonia. The 1882 History of Houston County recounted notable events year by year. THE YEAR 1878 (continued) In December, Mr. John Knock, a German living in the township of Brownsville, was killed by the fall of a large limb … [Read more...]
SMIF offers free paint for community projects with local hardware stores
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with regional hardware stores, will be accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign or historic structure projects through its Paint the Town Grant program. This grant opportunity is available to communities with a population under 10,000 throughout SMIF’s … [Read more...]
It’s a hoot!
Prepare to have a hoot at the International Festival of Owls, March 3-5. The event originally started at a “hatch-day” party for Alice the Great Horned Owl in 2003. The celebration has grown from 300 attendees to over 2,000 visitors from all over the United States, Canada, Jamaica, England, Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Nepal, Taiwan, Japan, Kenya, and South … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Sleeping through a theft, auspicious celebration in Brownsville
Part nine of a series A local organization of the national anti-liquor movement, the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, was founded in Caledonia on November 1, 1878, “with many of the leading ladies of the village as officers.” This was published in an 1882 History of Houston County, which included year-by-year newsworthy events during the county’s first three decades. … [Read more...]
Minnesota Veterans Homes receive $80,000 donation from Hutchinson VFW
St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) was honored to receive a very generous donation of $80,000 from the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Charles McLaughlin Post 906 in Hutchinson, Minn. This donation was specifically directed to each individual State Veterans Home, which will receive $10,000 per location. Department of … [Read more...]
Southern MN Initiative Foundation seeking applications for Early Literacy Grants
OWATONNA, MN – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnershipa with publishing companies Capstone and ABDO, is accepting applications for its Early Literacy Grant program. This grant is designed to support early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. Nonprofit organizations working with … [Read more...]
On the path to a Driftless Hiking Trail
Steps are being taken toward creating a Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, which is very exciting for area residents and visitors. A group of interested people attended Dinner on the Bluff: “Towards a Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail” at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center on February 11. Presenter Marty Walsh, who visualized the hiking trail and is spearheading the … [Read more...]
Have a hoot at the International Festival of Owls
After two years of only basic activities, the International Festival of Owls is back to normal! You’ll find a staggering array of owl-themed activities for everyone from children to adults with a serious interest in owls throughout the weekend of March 3-5 in Houston, Minn. The main attraction is the Illinois Raptor Center’s live owl programs featuring Snowy, Eastern … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past The approach of day warned them to “git”
Part eight of a series This account of an 1877 robbery was published in the 1882 History of Houston County with preservation of the original spelling and punc-tuation. On Mon-day night, June 3d, a most persistent attempt was made to rob the safe in the County Treasurer’s office. Nothing was known of the affair until 7 o’clock on Tuesday morning, when the Auditor, Mr. Trask, … [Read more...]
