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...]
Fillmore County Fair Open Class results
Fine Arts Grand Champion: Karen Vinson, Chatfield Reserve Champion: Phil Hebrink, Preston Champions: Claira Johnson, Fountain; Isla Eickhoff, Preston; Rose Otto, Harmony; Karen Vinson, Chatfield Photography Grand Champions: Bob Smock, Preston; Brenda Nash-Eickhoff, Preston Reserve Champions: Dale Eppen, Fountain; Susan Krahn, Wykoff Champions: Kathryn Kinneberg, … [Read more...]
Preston Historical Society annual update
At the August 1 meeting of the Preston City Council, Sheila Craig, president of the Preston Historical Society, updated the council as to the ongoing activities of the Society. The Society had received a $10,000 Small Community Grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in the fall of 2021. The funds are being used to study funding options for the … [Read more...]
2022 Arlin Falck Foundation applications
Notice is hereby given that the Arlin Falck Foundation will accept applications for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters. The grants shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Fillmore County and Houston County, Minn., and Allamakee County and Winneshiek County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501 (c) 3 designation by … [Read more...]
Anita Brand receives Helen Keller Sight Award
Recently, longtime Lions Club member Anita Brand was honored with the Helen Keller Sight Award given by the Rushford Lions Club. There have been only five or six such awards given in the history of the club since the inception of the award in 1960. According to Lions member Larry Bartelson, this award was most unusual in that it was given to both Anita and her husband Melvin; … [Read more...]
Rock Road Bandits ride for another fundraiser
The Rock Road Bandits, coordinated by Travis Warmka of Grand Meadow, Minn., has become a fundraising trailblazer. For anyone who loves riding in a side-by-side (a.k.a. RUV or recreational utility vehicles), this group of dirt road enthusiasts has taken their weekend rides to another level. They currently coordinate five fundraising rides per year. Back in June, they raised … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Small schoolhouse blossoms into large opera house
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...]