Each of the 78 Century Farms in Minnesota honored in 2022 by the State Fair and Farm Bureau Program has its own unique stories which have been passed down through the generations. The Eggerichs farm located in Bloomfield Township is one of these family farms which proudly claims the “2022 Century Farm” title. The Eggerichs Century Farm had its beginnings in 1910 by Hardin … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past How old is Black Hammer’s landmark lady?
Part two of a three-part series A local newspaper stated, “V. Valtinson returned to his home at Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Monday after a five weeks visit here with relatives and friends. Mr. Valtinson is one of the real pioneers of Black Hammer Township and can tell thrilling stories of the early days with the Indians. While here, Mr. Valtinson added a few stones to the stone … [Read more...]
Bluff Country Gathering
Since 1999, the Bluff Country Gathering has been bringing traditional musicians from across the U.S. to teach workshops and perform in Lanesboro. The festival takes place May 19-22, with a concert of all the staff on Friday, May 20 and a barn dance on Saturday. Both of these are open to the public and take place at the Lanesboro Community Center at 8 p.m. The performers booked … [Read more...]
Fishing fun and more at Preston’s Trout Days
Introduce your kids to the lifelong joys of fishing at Preston Trout Days, Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22. Saturday morning at 9 a.m. is the Kid’s Fishing Contest at Camp Creek approximately two miles past Preston’s ballpark in Maust’s pasture on Hunter Road. The fun event is for kids ages 12 and under! Fishing licenses are not required but kids must be accompanied by … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past The Stone Lady of Black Hammer – Who? Why? How many?
Part one of a two-part series It has long been a double distinction – the name and the landmark – for the Houston County hamlet of Black Hammer. That early landmark, ”The Stone Lady,” still looks down from a hill named Black Hammer, 1.3 miles south of the village with the same name. Early 1850s settler Knud Olson Bergo lived near a bluff in Minnesota that reminded him of a … [Read more...]
Schumacher generations acknowledged as Century Farm
An official notice in March 2022 was delivered to Sherry Pfremmer of rural Spring Valley signed by Marie LeFebvre of Century Farms stating, “Let it be known that this farm, Schumacher Farm has been in continuous agricultural operation since nineteen hundred and twenty two, signifying more than 100 years of contributions to the community, state, nation and world.” The process … [Read more...]
Opportunity to support veterans through donations for poppies
Wear the poppy proudly in honor of all the fallen veterans and support the living. Through late May, area Legion Auxiliaries will have poppies and donation cans displayed in local businesses, as in the past years. Your generous donations are appreciated. National Poppy Day is May 27. The poppy became part of our Memorial Day after the death and destruction of World War I. As … [Read more...]
Spring Grove residents celebrate their Norwegian heritage at Syttende Mai
Minnesota’s oldest Norwegian settlement celebrates its rich heritage May 13-15, 2022. Join the residents of Spring Grove in celebrating Syttende Mai! Syttende Mai is Norway’s National Day and is observed on May 17. The celebration began among students. For some years, the King of Norway and Sweden were reluctant to allow the celebrations. By 1864, the day became established, … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Homemade hankies, communal crockery saved summer shockers
Large handkerchiefs and a two-gallon crockery jug were indispensable, and the cistern certainly satisfied while shocking grain, according to Anita Lee (Hartman) Palmquist while describing her childhood on a Houston County farm in Pleasant Valley near Hokah during the late 1920s and early ‘30s. All youngsters were expected to handle age-appropriate farm work – either alone or … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards 182 gallons of paint from hardware stores through Paint the Town Program
OWATONNA, MN, May 9, 2022 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) awarded 182 gallons of paint from local hardware stores to 10 communities across its 20-county region through its Paint the Town Grant program. This program is designed to engage volunteers and build collaborative efforts that beautify communities through painting community murals, community welcome … [Read more...]