Part two of a two-part series Around 1903, newlywed Grace Greener and her husband moved to Reno, Minn. Word spread that she owned a modern miracle – a sewing machine, and the Winnebago Indians living in the nearby river bottoms frequently brought clothing for her to mend. They often paid her with wild game and fish. During the last half of the 1800s, the European-heritage … [Read more...]
What’s New at Applefest?
Organizers have added two new events to the 75th annual Applefest schedule, September 15-17 in picturesque La Crescent, Minn. The festivities light up the town on Thursday, September 14, with the first-ever Torchlight Parade. Entries will line up at Veterans Memorial parking lot and travel through downtown La Crescent, ending in the Crucifixion parking lot. The parade is … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Winnebago Relocated to, Relocated Away from Southeast Minnesota
Many southeast Minnesota settlers in the late 1800s had direct contact with or at least observed local Native Americans, most notably the Winnebago tribe. Marlene Meiners wrote her grandfather would barter with skunk hides for chickens. The Indians made baskets, which they sold for $1 or $2. The great “Indian scare” did not involve those mostly-peaceful Winnebago neighbors … [Read more...]
Farm Family – Kevin Tart and Julie Broadwater
The Tart family has been toiling in the same fields for five generations all in the Root River valley minutes from Spring Valley, Minn. And, all within a mile of the farm where Kevin Tart and Julie Broadwater along with their three children, Lakin, Macen and Nayli live. Kevin’s great-great-grandfather Alkin Tart and his wife Mary Tart were the first generation to farm the … [Read more...]
Darlene of Troy
You probably remember Helen of Troy from Ancient Greek mythology, but maybe you haven’t yet heard of our modern day Darlene of Troy. Darlene has been gaining fame for the last 40 years in the little village of Troy, Minn. When Darlene turned 40 in 1980, Bob Wooldridge, a neighbor, had offered to paint Darlene and Harold McGuire’s barn roof. Wooldridge had a job sandblasting … [Read more...]
Toot-Toot!
Toot-Toot, the familiar sound heard every September in Mabel welcomes residents and visitors to the annual Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days, September 7-10. The giant steam engines kick off both parades on Saturday and Sunday at noon. The Hesper-Mabel Calliope, a steam-whistle organ, takes its place among the steam engines as it whistles out familiar tunes. Do the iconic “wave” … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Girl Scouts take Educational Trip to Savannah
After years of studying Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, and celebrating Low’s birthday each Halloween, the Lanesboro Girl Scouts traveled to Savannah, Ga., to visit her birthplace as well as many other educational and exciting places. Girl Scout leaders Stena Lieb, Sasha Holst and Desiree Ferrie, along with volunteer Susy Riggott traveled with five Girl … [Read more...]
Fillmore County, an AARP Age-friendly Community
It should come as no surprise that seniors want to live in their homes and in their communities with their friends and family that they have known forever, for as long as possible. The population of the United States is rapidly aging. One in three Americans is age 50 or older. By 2030, one out of every five people in the United States will be age 65 or over. By 2034, the … [Read more...]
A Heart of Green
Houston County resident and life-long 4-Her, Elden Pohlman, is the epitome of the 4-H pledge that has been recited by thousands of kids at 4-H club meetings and camps throughout the country since it was adopted in 1927. I pledge: My head to clearer thinking My heart to greater loyalty My hands to larger service And my health to better living for my club, my community, my … [Read more...]
Fun on the Mississippi River
Looking for something to do Labor Day weekend on the banks of the Mississippi River? If so, check out the 20th Annual Alma Music & Arts Festival at the Alma Beach and Recreation Area in Alma, Wis. The fun kicks off on Sunday, September 3 at 11 a.m. Thanks to community sponsors and volunteers the event is free. Event organizers promote the festivities as, “A day of art, … [Read more...]