There are legions of famous Minnesotans, and that includes you. There are too many esteemed Gopher Staters to count, but I’ll mention a few: Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis, Charles Schulz (the creator of “Peanuts”), James Arness (played Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke”), Garrison Keillor, Prince, Jesse Ventura, Walter Mondale, Hubert H. Humphrey and … [Read more...]

Part two of a series During pioneer days of the late 1800s in southeast Minnesota, fishing and hunting were more necessities than recreation. However, as well as securing food for the family table, each did provide enjoyment. Other activities, mostly on Sundays, existed only for recreation, two of which – target shooting and bowling – along with hunting, were featured last … [Read more...]

“Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, and the waving wheat can sure smell sweet, when the wind comes right behind the rain. Oklahoma, every night my honey lamb and I sit alone and talk and watch a hawk making lazy circles in the sky.” I sang that aloud in the key of off on my drive to Oklahoma for a speaking gig. I sang because I was all alone in the … [Read more...]

We stepped through the ancient door and were met with the unmistakable smell of the past. As we examined the coins from another century, gazed at the array of clothing from another era, and imagined the hands that wielded the impressive swords, we were sent through time in the presence of the well preserved antiques in the shop.  As my kids and I walked around the dolls and … [Read more...]

By Nancy Snyder and Sally Ryman The Rushford Brewery was built in 1867, changing hands a few times before being purchased in 1875 by Jacob Pfeiffer. The brewery could produce up to 10 barrels of beer per day. Pfeiffer brewed beer for the saloons in north and south Rushford and other “outside markets.” There were at least 13 saloons in Rushford prior to prohibition. Jacob … [Read more...]

Hard-working farmers in the late 19th Century (late 1800s) needed no extra exercise, but recreation was good for the mind and spirit as well as the body. Among adult pioneer men, hunting, target shooting and bowling were among popular pursuits. Bowling, in the pioneer era, was an outdoor activity. The alley was shorter than in later indoor facilities. There were nine pins, … [Read more...]

A kid offered me some Big League Chew bubble gum. If you’ve ever been a kid, you’ve likely chewed bubble gum. I thanked him and then declined his kind offer. I don’t chew gum.  It makes my jaws tired. I had a neighbor who got punched in the jaw during an altercation. When John Wayne was socked in a movie, he’d rub his jaw and smile. Real life differs from reel … [Read more...]