The Berquam-Krogstad Family Farm, located at 16851 Heritage Road, Section 30, Caledonia, Houston County, Minn., has been honored by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) as a 2024 Sesquicentennial Farm. The Houston County farm is one of 44 recipients recognized in 2024. According to the MFBF, “To qualify, a family farm must be in continuous family ownership for at least … [Read more...]
10-year-old John Schieber Performs in State Honors Concert
Ten-year-old John Schieber from Caledonia performed in the 3,400 seat Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, June 1, after qualifiying for the 2024 Minnesota Music Teachers state piano honors concert. The concert is a piano symphony consisting of students performing four-hand music on 20 grand pianos in groups of up to 40 students at a time under the direction of the … [Read more...]
Farmers Markets Serve Up Seasonal Treasures Straight from the Fields!
Farmers markets offer consumers the ideal chance to buy directly from local growers. Shopping at local farmers markets not only helps consumers make the most of their grocery budget, but also assures them of feeding their families wholesome, chemical-free, and delectable food. Moreover, farmers markets offer delightful outings for families and friends throughout spring, summer … [Read more...]
Indulge Your Senses This Summer
Picture a tranquil Midwest summer evening lounging in a lawn chair or relaxing on a blanket. As local bands blast out familiar tunes, you will find yourself swaying or dancing to their melodies. Indulge in the savory taste of a grilled bratwurst topped with mustard and sauerkraut or enjoy the crunch of fresh popped popcorn, all while sipping a refreshing cold beverage. Eight … [Read more...]
Annual Trout Days Celebration Just Around the Corner
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Trout Days festivities in Preston, Minn., from May 17 to May 19. The honored Grand Marshals for this year are Bob and Elaine Maust, shining examples of dedicated community volunteers. Their commitment is evident through their active engagement with the Preston Historical Society and their annual involvement in organizing the fall tractor … [Read more...]
Trailside Folk Art Turning Traditions
David and Lynn Susag of Lanesboro, Minn., share their love of Nordic handcrafts with the local community and upper midwest through Trailside Folk Art, where they specialize in Nordic handicrafts and ancient techniques. Over the years they have demonstrated paper cutting and hand sewing as well as knife making, but their main focus is demonstrating and selling wooden dishes … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past: Cussing Punishable by Fine or Confinement
Gambling, drunkenness, fighting, trespassing, larceny, selling diseased meat and adulterating food or liquor were all prohibited in Brownsville, Houston County. About everything was covered by an ordinance passed in May,1872, “For the Suppression of Vice and Immorality” to prevent and punish crime and benefit trade, commerce and health. A jail was authorized the same … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Arts Gallery Celebrates Youth Art with the Annual Juried High School Art Show
Lanesboro Arts is thrilled to uplift the creativity of local youth in its annual Juried High School Art Show from January 13 through January 28. Featuring artwork from 9th through 12th grade students at Chatfield, Fillmore Central, Lanesboro, and Rushford-Peterson schools, the Juried High School Art show demonstrates the vibrancy of local student talent. There will be … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Lutefisk, Oyster Stew and Santa Claus Came by Helicopter
Lutefisk and oyster stew were Christmas traditions for many families around Spring Grove in the first half of the 1900s. And Santa visited every year, too. The following Christmas memories were part of an oral history project made possible through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning. In the winter and spring of 1997, six Spring Grove … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Not a Normal Year at Houston High
In addition to beautiful brick buildings, formal education of the youth in Houston, Minn., has taken place in church basements, a log hut, an opera house and a schoolhouse that not only swayed in the wind but also provided a path for floodwater. Education in the village began in 1855 in a log shanty in lower Houston on the south side of the old Root River bed. As enrollment … [Read more...]