There will be an inspirational speaker taking the stage in Fillmore County in the very near future. On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, internationally-respected thought leader Alex Sheen will share his story and how he encourages people to fulfill their life ambitions. How to make and keep promises to yourself and others. After his father lost his battle with cancer, Sheen … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback A Military Mystery
By Bretta Grabau FCHS Assistant Director and Collections Managery One of the most exciting parts of working at a museum is unraveling the mysteries of an artifact or collection of artifacts. In May 2022, I had the privilege to delve into the story of a man named Gibson O’Dell. Many items came in from his in-law, Lois Peterson of Lanesboro as a gift from the Lanesboro History … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Mons Fladager- Painter, Entrepreneur, Father of Spring Grove
Part two of a series “No one man can be given more credit for the development of the city of Spring Grove than Mons Fladager,” wrote area historian Jane Briggs Palen, who noted that there were only two inhabitants in Spring Grove – Robert McCormick and William Hinckley – when Fladager arrived in 1859. He operated a store in a log hut, that with help from two sons and … [Read more...]
Tristan Coyle, IMRA Jr. Bull Riding Champion
Both Tristan and Wyatt Coyle are quiet, unassuming boys; upon meeting them you’d never guess their consuming passion for bull riding and saddle bronc competition. Tristan has been involved for six years, half of his whole life! A few weeks ago, Tristan won the title of IMRA (International Miniature Rodeo Association) Junior Bull Riding Champion. With that win, Tristan … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past: Settled First by Yankees, Mostly by Norwegians
Spring Grove, the first Norwegian settlement in Minnesota, is still known for its Norwegian heritage. But the non-Norwegian name was given to the village by Pennsylvania printer James Smith, who in 1852 was Spring Grove’s first settler. His 1853 store was the first business. Smith would also be the first Justice of the Peace and postmaster. Before the influx of Norwegian … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past: “Mucking Out” Greatly Appreciated by the Cows
Housecleaning appeared more appreciated by the livestock than by the humans. Some older cows jumped and pranced when they were returned to stalls that had just been cleaned. “Envision these animals sticking their noses in the fresh straw and with udders waving, leaping from ecstasy,” recalled Warren Lange in 2015 about cleaning the barn as a boy on a Houston County farm in the … [Read more...]
SEMAC Awards Grants
On October 17, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) awarded $50,000 in general operating support grants to ten arts organizations. SEMAC is the State Arts Board-designated granting authority for local/regional arts producing and sponsoring organizations and disburses funds allocated for this purpose by the Minnesota State … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past With Awe and Reverence, Remembering Captain McIntire
He visited classes at Houston School to talk about the Battle of Gettysburg. He was knowledgeable because he had been there, in uniform, as a combatant. Born in Dedham, Mass., in 1838, Samuel Bates McIntire (sometimes spelled McIntyre) moved as a young man with his parents, Edmund and Sarah McIntire, to Minnesota territory in the early- to mid-1850s. First settling in Yucatan … [Read more...]
Culture and Community: The Irreplaceable Volunteer
I sat down with Sheila Craig at her kitchen table in rural Preston, Minn. Her husband Norm sat in another room, while I conducted the interview. Norm and Sheila, who have been married since 1969, raised two sons, Andy, 45, and Lee, 41. Norm, who is from Everly, Iowa, met Sheila at Iowa State University. Here’s what I learned... Hailing from Decorah, Iowa, Sheila … [Read more...]
Farm Family: A Family Affair
November’s farm family interview included not only mom and dad, Ryan and Molly Kappers, but their four young children, Haiden, Emily, Olivia and Avery, who range in age from 3 to 10. At the beginning of the interview, the kids were hesitant to talk, but as the interview progressed, they eagerly answered questions and shared their stories. Once outside, the kids became excited … [Read more...]