A standard large cow herd had 16 cows, according to Anita Lee (Hartman) Palmquist while describing her childhood chores on the Hartman family farm in Pleasant Valley near Hokah during the late 1920s and early ‘30s. Cows were milked by hand, and milk was carried by hand in pails from the barn to the milk house to be separated. Someone kept the separator tank full of milk while … [Read more...]
Family fun at the Wykoff Fall Festival
Families, make plans to attend the Wykoff Fall Festival this weekend, September 23-25. Festival organizers announce, “We’ve added lots of events this year!” The weekend kicks off with a concert on Friday night featuring Matt and Brenda Stier, and the 4-H soft-serve ice cream social. Afterwards, sit back and enjoy a drive-in movie while devouring a bag of hot buttered popcorn … [Read more...]
Pop-up Plays Lanesboro: Roma, Norskies and Bumtown 1935
Pop-up Plays Lanesboro: Roma, Norskies and Bumtown 1935, produced by History Alive Lanesboro, takes you into the world of 1935 in small town southeast Minnesota. Experience a local Roma or gypsy camp (from an elder’s memories) and watch a lively revived local Norwegian play from 1935. Meet town “character” Cyclone Johnson as well as Cecil Ward – local journalist and movie … [Read more...]
An event fit for a king and queen
The rapid change in weather, colored leaves, and fragrances are not the only signs that autumn is on the horizon. Time-honored festivals are another sign that fall is just days away. The weekend of September 15, 16, 17, and 18 is La Crescent’s Applefest. Applefest is 74 years old. The festival started in 1949 to promote the town’s apple industry and to put La Crescent on the … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces October 1 grant application deadline
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for arts programming proposals by nonprofit organizations. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than December 1, 2022, and be completed within 12 months, culminating with a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online applications will be available throughout September with an October 1, 2022, … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Area Community Foundation releases application for grants
The Lanesboro Area Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for requests ranging from $250-$3,000 from registered 501(c)3 non-profits or government agencies whose projects will enhance the lives of people who call Lanesboro home through education, supportive services, the arts, etc. Applications are available by visiting smifoundation.org/lanesboro, emailing … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Overall, there were plenty of pockets
With an emphasis on function, bib overalls were the everyday fashion on the farm for men and boys during the mid-20th century (1900s). Nine or more pockets were available for whatever basic tools might be needed at a moment’s notice. That attire allowed a farmer to be a “walking tool bench,” concluded David Beckman, recalling his youth on a Houston County farm. The bib would … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Aprons: yesteryear’s coverups, carryalls and facecloths
Nowadays, few remember them. But in a previous century, aprons were an everyday essential in every woman’s wardrobe. With an overhead strap and tied in back, they were worn to protect a lady’s dress, “because women couldn’t afford to ruin the few dresses they had,” recalled David Beckman from his 1940s upbringing in rural southeast Minnesota. Compared to a dress, an apron … [Read more...]
A 70-year tradition crosses the state line
The signs that fall is just around the corner. Leaves are beginning to change colors, fall is in the air, and the Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days are days away. Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days is celebrating 70 years, September 8-11. Steam Engine Days is an opportunity to step back and experience farming as it was done in the early 1900s with the giant steam engines. Visitors … [Read more...]
SEMAC awards arts grants
On August 16, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) awarded fifteen individual artist grants for a total of $59,000 in funding to applicants throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included eight grants to emerging artists for $24,000, and seven grants to advancing artists for $35,000. SEMAC is the State Arts Board-designated … [Read more...]