Part five of a series Internationally acclaimed stage actress Ethel Barrymore appeared in a play at the Opera House in Spring Grove in 1918. A small town could attract touring entertainment if there was an appropriate venue for the performance. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, entrepreneurs in southeast Minnesota invested in some combination of traveling stage companies, … [Read more...]

Part four of a series Thirteen of the nation’s most famous band leaders and their musicians thrilled audiences and dancers in Caledonia, starting with the 1952 appearance of “Duke Ellington and his World Famous Orchestra” and closed with the 1954 performance of “Harry James and His Music Makers, starring Buddy Rich at the drums.” In between were Lionel Hampton, Ray Anthony, … [Read more...]

Part three of a series Versatility was valuable for many dance bands that played in southeast Minnesota during the 1930s and 1940s. Local newspapers frequently advertised upcoming dances, emphasizing both “Old Time and New Time Music” or “Modern and Old Time Music.” “Old Time Music” included dances brought by European immigrants – waltzes, polkas, schottisches – the latter … [Read more...]

Part two of a series Dancing and dance bands provided both some physical and mental relief throughout some of the toughest, times of the 20th century. From 1929 to 1941 was the economic travail of the Great Depression, followed by The United States fighting in World War II (1941-1945). A Caledonia weekly newspaper published advertisements for 30 public dances during 1938 … [Read more...]