Preston resident Vaughan Schmidt put Fillmore County on the worldwide map with his Virtual Reality (VR) work. Schmidt served as the lead programmer/consultant on the “live interactive virtual reality (VR) theater performance” of Finding Pandora X. “With the passing of ages, the Gods of Mount Olympus have faded away until only two remain: Zeus and Hera. Now they are in … [Read more...]
The Mighty Mississippi River – Gateway to Freedom
By Laura Deering and Brenda Morrison My hands trembled as I read a personally hand-typed document from decades ago. It read, “They hid them in caves.” Recently this document was discovered while researching the connection of the underground railroad and the effect the Mississippi River had on the movement of slaves seeking freedom, while investigating the river town of … [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...]
Commonweal Theatre to produce special winter cabaret production
LANESBORO, MN — Following a season of change and overcoming challenges in the face of COVID-19 precautions in 2020, the Commonweal Theatre in historic Lanesboro is pleased to announce a very special virtual production for the winter of 2021 entitled “Stela’s Clear Blue Morning.” After a year of turbulence and fatigue, the lights are back on at the Commonweal beginning January … [Read more...]
Legacy Amendment provides $361,000+ in small grants to support history projects
The Minnesota Historical Society is pleased to announce the newest recipients of 42 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants ($10,000 and less), totaling $361,234 in 29 counties. Small grants are awarded quarterly to help nonprofits, educational organizations, government units and federally recognized tribes to preserve and share Minnesota history. This cycle of … [Read more...]
Draft horses are a hobby for the Apenhorst family
Immersed on a farm south of Spring Valley, the Apenhorst family can be found working with their hobby of Belgian Draft Horses. Lynn Apenhorst takes pride in grooming and driving their Blond Belgians as well as working at the Rochester International Airport and farming, while his wife Lisa (Paulsen) Apenhorst is employed at the Kingsland High School as a paraprofessional. These … [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...]
Peering at the Past: Trains bypass county seats; earn dollar and a half a day working on the railroad
The first railroad in southeast Minnesota went up the Root River Valley, bypassing two county seats – Caledonia and Preston. That omission would soon be solved by entrepreneurs in Caledonia. Railroads began to cross Houston County in the 1860s, shortly after the Civil War. The railroad era in southeast Minnesota lasted more than a century before ending in 1976. In 1880, the … [Read more...]