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...]
It’s time for the Fillmore County Fair!
Think amusement rides, 4-H indoor and animal exhibits, bounce houses, live entertainment, grandstand events (tractor pull, lumberjack show and camp, rodeo, and demolition derby), fair food, kids pedal pull, bright colored ribbons, free bingo, livestock auctions, pony rides, and BBQ competition. You can experience all this plus more at the Fillmore County Fair, July 18-24, in … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Waltzing on Washington’s, Roosevelt’s birthdays
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...]
Take your pick
July is a busy month for celebrations and festivals in Bluff Country. Rushford Days, Summer Fest, and the Root River Antique Engine & Tractor Show are three such events. They are all held the third weekend in July (15-17 this year) in their respective communities. You do not want to miss the annual car cruise at Rushford Days, Rushford. The cruise showcases not only the … [Read more...]
Grand reopening of Peterson Station Museum
Norwegian music filled the air on a bright, sunny Sunday morning as guests sat on lawn chairs quietly chatting while they sipped on coffee and munched on cookies. The group had gathered to watch the ribbon cutting by curator John Erickson for the reopening of the Peterson Station Museum. Erickson was instrumental in purchasing the depot in 1971 and moving it to its current … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past The Blue Moon and the mystery of the Green Lantern
First of a series Clouds of dust filled the air from the automobile traffic heading from Spring Grove toward Eitzen on Houston County Highway 17, which in the 1940s, was not yet paved. Likely, no other building has ever drawn as many out-of-town visitors to Eitzen as did the Blue Moon Ballroom. Even a half-century after its demolition, visitors to the Eitzen Museum in the … [Read more...]
Do you know where your food comes from?
Bluff Country farmers markets are the perfect opportunities for consumers to purchase directly from farmers. Shopping at the local farmers market allows consumers to stretch their grocery dollars. Shoppers can also feel at peace knowing that they are feeding their family nutritious, chemical-free, and scrumptious food. In addition, farmers markets are enjoyable activities … [Read more...]
Kingsland 8th graders’ imagery poems
Mrs. Derby’s Kingsland 8th graders studied poetry. Included in the unit was developing an understanding of the different meanings that words can have based on the context in which they are used. After reading a few poems, analyzing them, and studying rhythm and rhyme, the students wrote poems based on one of their favorite places. The poems were to describe the place, however … [Read more...]
Free summer music series at Historic Forestville
Historic Forestville and the Friends of Forestville have partnered with the Preston Area Community Foundation to present a free concert series at the historic site in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park this summer. The music series opened with a square dance led by Bob Bovee, Pop Wagner and Anni Spring on June 11. Upcoming events feature rootsy music by local favorites River … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Houston was the area’s pre-eminent bicentennial city
In 1975, Lt. Gov. Rudy Perpich visited Houston to personally present the city with a bicentennial flag as an official Bicentennial community. In 1976, the entire nation was celebrating the nation’s 200th birthday. However, few Minnesota communities so extensively observed the occasion as did Houston, which enjoyed a year-long celebration. On Easter weekend, La Crescent drew … [Read more...]