Lanesboro lore states that William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and his friend and business partner Dr. Frank “White Beaver” Powell, four time La Crosse mayor, concocted the Wild West show in the late 1880s. The first show was held indoors at Lanesboro’s Nelson Hall. Celebrate Lanesboro’s rich heritage at the 38th Annual Buffalo Bill Days. “Buffalo Bill Days offers a fun and … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past From roller skating to Duke Ellington
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...]
End the month of July by attending Nordic Fest and Houston Hoedown
Experience all things Scandinavian at Decorah’s Nordic Fest celebration, July 28 through July 30. The Luren Singers and Nordic Dancers kick-off the festivities on Thursday evening. Take in all that the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum has to offer including the Skjaldborg Viking Encampment, folk art exhibits and demonstrations, and the 12- historic buildings in the … [Read more...]
21,020 children’s books awarded through SMIF’s Early Literacy Grant program
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently awarded 21,020 children’s books to 46 organizations through its Early Literacy Grant Program. This grant supports early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. The books were awarded in partnership with Capstone and ABDO, Mankato-based publishers … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Whoopee John, Wee Willie and Six Fat Dutchmen
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...]