After the hello. That was when we talked about where we hailed from. We were states apart. The idle chatter that followed led to the discovery that we had a friend in common. It was one of those odd coincidences that connect the dots of the universe. "Oh, my word," she said, at that revelation. "Oh, my word" is a mild exclamation of surprise, shock or dismay. It's a polite … [Read more...]
Bluebirds – The Perfect Neighbors
“I read once that if bluebirds were your neighbors, they would have the neatest houses, their children would be the best behaved, and they would have the sweetest voices in the church choir,” shared Mary C. Bailey, county coordinator for Olmsted and Fillmore Counties with the Bluebird Program of Minnesota. “That said,” she added, “There is nothing negative about this species, … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past The 1850s, Territorial Days on Portland Prairie
Part two, Portland Prairie, 1850s After Minnesota was organized as a territory in 1849, pioneer settlers arrived in numbers sufficient enough that statehood came nine years later - in 1858. Wisconsin had become a state after 12 years as a territory, Iowa after eight years. Minnesota Territory extended west to the Missouri River, which now crosses both central North Dakota and … [Read more...]
I Was Worried the Quicksand Would Get Festus
We had a manure pile lurking behind the dairy barn. It was called a manure pile because "a pile of manure" was taken. It's what our neighbor called his Dodge Disappointment, which started only on Tuesdays and every other Thursday. On TV, when there were horses or jungles, quicksand was an effective method of population control. Poor souls, trying to evade pursuers, fell into … [Read more...]
Something for Everyone in Fillmore and Houston Counties
In the far southeast corner of Minnesota, there are two events that are sure to please everyone, Trout Days in Preston and SEMBA (Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association) Bluegrass Festival in Houston. Both events take place May 15 through May 17. At Trout Days, the first thing to know is that attendees will not go hungry. There is so much to select from that there is a … [Read more...]
Plan Your Perfect Dog-Friendly Getaway
The year’s Visit Bluff Country magazine honors our furry, four-legged friends. We encourage you to go out and experience the vibrant rural communities of historic Bluff Country with your dog. Whether you are planning a day trip, an overnight stay, a weekend adventure or a weeklong trip, the Visit Bluff Country magazine is your must-have resource for all things interesting, … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback – The Peterson Trout Farms
By Cheryl Boyum Eaton Peterson Museum Board Member When I think of the Peterson Trout Farm, I think of the facility located south of Peterson on County Road 25, past the East Grace Cemetery. It was managed by Bill Atkinson in the 1950s. However, this was not the first trout farm at Peterson. In 1874 Peter Peterson Haslerud, the founder of Peterson, owned a farm at the … [Read more...]
Launching Seed Library in Spring Valley
The seed of gardening joy was planted in Fillmore County Master Gardener, Magali Disdier by her grandparents who were farmers. “One of my grandfather’s hobbies was to graft all his fruit trees in his orchard,” commented Magali. This love of flourishing flora, as well as the desire to encourage others to explore the concept of gardening, inspired Magali to start a local seed … [Read more...]
2025 Seed Trial Winners
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension The University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardeners have been running a flower and vegetable varietal trial since 1982. Extension Master Gardeners around the state devote some of their garden space to the selected varietals and keep records throughout the growing season. The results … [Read more...]
Jury Resolves Years-Long Dispute Over Control of Bluff Country ATV Club
A dispute that began inside a small local ATV club and lingered for years has come to an end after working its way through the court system and ultimately being decided by a jury. At the center of the case was the Bluff Country ATV Club and a question that proved far more complicated than it first appeared: who was actually in charge. The conflict traced back to an April 21, … [Read more...]