With all the hype about back to school — the sales, the “necessities,” the preparation — you might wonder what school was like in the simpler times of the old country school. The following people were willing to share their memories of their country schools: Kathy Eide, Wilton Center near Harmony; Audrey Cremer, Florenceville in Iowa and Granger in Minnesota; Georgia … [Read more...]
The man who saved a billion lives
Celebrate the rich life of Norman Borlaug, the man who saved a billion lives, at the Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest in Cresco, Iowa, Friday, August 26 through Sunday, August 28. Join fellow ag enthusiasts on Saturday for tours of the Borlaug family farm. Wander the farm sites searching for over 10 geocaches as you explore the 1915 restored barn, country schoolhouse, and the … [Read more...]
Field of Flags acknowledges emergency responders’ PTSD battle
Researchers studying Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are constantly evaluating the powerful way a tragic memory is defined in time and how physical triggers can instantly draw a person into that memory. The event - usually a terrifying one – which is experienced or witnessed can bring symptoms including nightmares, flashbacks and severe anxiety. Jenny Czapiewski and … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Enjoyment, surely some romance, on Sunday afternoons
Part one of a series It was before television, movies and even radio. There were not yet competitive sports. It was the late 1880s and 1890s near Hokah, Minn., which had been settled by those with European heritage in 1849. Many young folks comprised their family’s first generation to be born in North America. There were very few traveling entertainers that came to Hokah - a … [Read more...]
Enjoy the last days of summer
There are still plenty of events to attend before the kids head back to school. The week of August 15, Fillmore and Houston County are home to Ag Days, Houston County Fair, and Fillmore County Relay for Life. Head to Caledonia August 16–21 for the Houston County Fair. Explore the 4-H exhibits, sample the wide range of fair food, and don’t miss the Super Farmer Ag Olympics. … [Read more...]
From vaudeville to the yellow brick road, Brave Community Theatre celebrates five decades of productions
From its first production in 1972, “A Roaring ‘20s Scrapbook,” to this year’s “Wizard of Oz,” Brave Community Theatre in Spring Valley has filled five decades with quality community theater. Debi Neville, the current Brave Community Theatre (BCT) board president is also the founder. She started the community theatre in 1972 when she returned to her hometown after living in … [Read more...]
Commissioners express their appreciation to the Houston County Historical Society
President Shirley Johnson and Vice President Deb Wray, Houston County Historical Society (HCHS), appeared before the Houston County Commission at the board’s August 2 regular meeting. Chairman Greg Myhre, Teresa Walter, Robert (Bob) Burns, Eric Johnson, and Dewey Severson were all present at this meeting. The historical society officers presented the society’s annual report. … [Read more...]
The story of semba’s 30 years
The story of SEMBA is multi-faceted. It grew out of small pockets of bluegrass musicians and supporters and some pioneers. Included in the pioneer category are Bob Loy, who held jams at his music store where he gave lessons and sold instruments and sponsored the first bluegrass festival in 1970s at what is now the Deer Creek Speedway. Ernie Tuff was also a pioneer. He held … [Read more...]
Lots to see and do at Western Days
Come on out and join in the fun at Chatfield’s 55th Annual Western Days, August 11-14. The event celebrates the town’s history while supporting the community’s non-profit organizations. On Sunday, Boice will present “A Toast to the Classics & Elvis” followed by Brad & RPG Band. Make sure to bring lawn chairs as it is an outdoor performance. Steve Rowland and last … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past The Mohawks, Matter’s, marriage and Avalon
Part six of a series The Mohawks, a dance band from the Mabel, Minn., and Hesper , Iowa, area, played for 655 dances during the 1930s and 1940s. One of their longer road trips was a 1935 all-afternoon, all-night drive to Lake City. The nearly 200-mile round trip traversed mostly gravel and dirt roads. Returning home, they stopped for a sandwich at an all-night café. They were … [Read more...]