Blue Earth's (Population 4,695) Green Giant Museum is featured on "Ladies Are You Listening"

A viewer shares information about the Green Giant Museum in Blue Earth, in the county of Faribault.

Click here to view this "Ladies Are You Listening" segment.

Welcome's (Population 681) Historic Water Fountain becomes part of Our Story

Welcome, Minnesota is the home to a very unique public square. A public band shell was erected in the middle of the square in 1899. The first village well was located under the band shell due to its central location. The pump was powered by windmill and the village marshal was responsible for maintenance of the well and pump.

In 1914, during the time of horse and buggy transportation, a unique water fountain was built on the west side of Welcome’s public square. This fountain consisted of a faucet on one side. As people drank from the fountain, the waste water ran into a trough on the street side, where the horses could drink.
Over the years, changes occurred in the square and the fountain settled into disrepair. In 1955 the small town was debating tearing out the fountain. Instead, Pauline Welcome, a member of the Welcome Progress Club, began an effort to preserve the fountain. Through numerous donations the fountain’s rusty pipes were repaired, parts were replaced and the fountain was painted. A sign was added that reads “Water for Humans and Horses”.
Today, the landmark fountain still stands as a reminder to future generations of the creativity, beauty, and resourcefulness of Welcome’s forefathers.

Welcome (Population 681) Historical Society becomes part of Our Story

The Welcome Historical Society was incorporated on December 9, 1989 for the purpose of establishing a museum in which local history of Welcome, Minnesota would be preserved.

The old Methodist Church building on Hulseman Street, which was built in 1893, was purchased with donations and membership fees. Volunteers restored and remodeled the building, including large display cabinets that were built by a local resident. The museum opened its doors to the public July 20, 1990.

The building contains a 1920’s – 1930’s kitchen, an old-fashioned bedroom, a replica of the Welcome Hotel in 1920 which includes original chairs, cash register and guest book from the hotel, period clothing for men, women and military personnel, lots of Welcome school mementos, and numerous other items. About 90% of the items have been donated with the remainder on loan from their owners.

The Historical Society also offers a walking tour of Welcome, highlighting fifteen buildings or locations in town with historical significance.

The Welcome Historical Museum is open April through September the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment. Please contact Marsha Williams at 507-236-2034 to set an appointment or make a donation.

Gaylord's (Population 2,136) Gloria Sinell is featured on Hid Away, Not Forgotten

Roving reporter, Clarice, recently visited the town of Gaylord, in Sibley County, to call on Gloria Sinell and see her collection of political memorabilia.



Click here to watch Clarice's report

Luverne's (Population 4,449) Betty Mann is featured on Hid Away, Not Forgotten

Today, roving reporter, Clarice, is visiting Luverne in Rock County and Betty Mann with her collection of miniature shoes and nutcrackers.

Roving reporter, Clarice, is visiting Luverne in Rock County and Betty Mann with her collection of miniature shoes and nutcrackers.

Click here to watch the Hid Away, Not Forgotten segment

Wells (Population 3702) Historic Pink Schoolhouse is the destination for Bobby Ray's Weekend Adventures

Nestled a short distance from Wells, in Faribault County, sits a historic Pink Schoolhouse.

Originally built in 1896, it served kindergarten through eighth grade, in one room, with one teacher, until 1952.

The unusual color of the schoolhouse is what makes it notable. In 1896, when the schoolhouse was built, it was painted red. When it came time to repaint the building, a form of paint was mixed using buttermilk and red ochre clay. Accidentally, part of the red ochre was spilled, leaving the final paint to be a shade of pink. The school remained a pink color until the 1950’s, when it was painted white for a short time. Many residents were unhappy with the color change, so it was returned to the pink color.

The Pink Schoolhouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

CLICK HERE, to see this report

Slayton's (Population 2,072) Oberloh Flint Knapping is featured on Hid Away, Hardly Forgotten

This is roving reporter, Clarice. I recently visited Jeff Oberloh, hidden away in Slayton, Minnesota in Murray County. Twenty years ago, Jeff found an old arrowhead and wondered how Native American Indians had made it. He began investigating the ancient art of Flint Knapping. Flint Knapping is considered a “reduction process”, since flakes of stone are broken away to make an arrowhead, a knife or other stone tools. The process begins using “direct percussion”, striking the stone with a hammer stone or antler billet. The noise of stone striking stone travels along the grain in the softer rock, causing part of the rock to break away. This thins the stone to the desired thickness. Each piece is then finished using “pressure flaking”, where small flakes are pushed off to create a serpentine edge. Jeff prefers to use a stone called Burlington Chert, a fine-grained, sedimentary rock containing small fossils. He also uses Obsidian, which is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that creates very sharp edges. He has even used flint knapping to develop arrowheads from window glass. Jeff is mostly self-taught, but likes to attend conventions around the Midwest where he can learn from others who enjoy this ancient art. He purchases supplies at these conventions or through the Internet. Jeff taught his hobby to his son in 2003, when Josh was only three years of age. Jeff believes that flint knapping is a pastime for all ages. Remember, our small towns in Minnesota have many points of interest, and as my Norwegian Nana would have said, “Hid away, hardly means forgotten”.

CLICK HERE, to see Clarice's report

Trimont's (Population 754) Four Columns Inn is featured on Hid Away, Hardly Forgotten

This is roving reporter, Clarice. I recently visited the town of Trimont, Minnesota, “hidden away” in Martin County. I visited the Four Columns Inn Bed and Breakfast, six miles south of Trimont. Overlooking what was once the Winnebago - Jackson Stage Coach Road, Four Columns Inn was originally built in 1884 by George Rhode. Built as a four-bedroom hunting and fishing retreat, it later served stage travelers coming through the area. In 1938 Gilbert Kittleson purchased the land, and in 1948 his son Norman moved to the farm and married his wife Pennie. Over the years, Norman and Pennie converted the farm house into a Greek Revival bed and breakfast which opened in 1991. The four 18 foot columns that grace the front of the inn, and give it it’s name, were constructed by Norman. Because of the couple’s interests, the inn is filled with antiques and musical instruments. The charming living room boasts a spiral staircase made by Norman, and a grand piano, where Norman serenades guests each morning. But one of the more unusual aspects of this home is the “Widow’s Walk” at the top of the house. This spot provides wonderful views of the countryside around the Inn. Remember, our small towns in Minnesota have many points of interest, and as my Norwegian Nana would have said, “Hid away, hardly means forgotten”.


CLICK HERE, to see Clarice's report on the Four Columns Inn

Gaylord (Population 2136) home of Sibley County Courthouse is the destination for Bobby Ray's Weekend Adventures

Court Houses - This past weekend, Bobby Ray visited some more incredible examples of architecture in the Midwest! He provides some great information on two Court Houses located in the counties of Sibley and Steele.

CLICK HERE to see Bobby Ray's report on The Steele County Courthouse

New Richland's (Population 1174) Library becomes part of Memoirs of a Librarian

Caroline a librarian doing research from her book "Memoirs of a Librarian" visits the New Richland Public Library.

A member of the Travers des Sioux Library System. They offer books in fiction, non-fiction, western, audio books and large print books. A large children’s section includes books on tape as well as regular books for children, plus junior fiction and non-fiction. The library also carries magazines, newspapers, music CDs and video movies. Two computers provide patrons with Internet access. The New Richland Historical Commission is currently fund raising to move the library into the former Odd Fellows building, which has been added to the National Registry of Historic Buildings. The expanded library would include larger computer capacity, special reading and activity areas for children, youth and adults and a private meeting room.

(Coming Soon) CLICK HERE, and see Caroline's report

Slayton's (Population 2,072) Giese Totem Poles is featured on Hid Away, Hardly Forgotten

Roving reporter, Clarice recently visited the town of Slayton, Minnesota, “hidden away” in Murray County. Several years ago, John Giese, spent a lot of time with his friend, the late Regner Christiansen. Together, John and Regner carved many totem poles. Today, John is finishing a couple totem poles in memory of Regner. He uses a poplar tree about 12” to 14” in diameter and about 12’ 6” tall. The back is planed flat with equipment, but the bark is peeled from the tree by hand. The center is then marked from top to bottom and the patterns are marked for the various figures on the totem pole. Once the pattern is marked the ears at the top are notched using a chain saw. However, 3/4”, 1/4 “ and 1/8” straight chisels and a rubber mallet in John’s hand do 90% of the work. Each figure signifies something special. The thunderbird is usually at the top, for the head of the clan. The raven signifies wariness, the beaver building, the bear strength and the fish food. When the carving is done, a preservative is used on the totem pole and parts of the wood are stained with an oil-based stain. The remainder of the totem pole is painted with three coats of house paint. Finally, everything gets 3 to 4 coats of varnish. John estimates that each totem pole takes more than 400 hours to complete. In earlier times, when a totem pole was raised, a large potlatch party was held. The potlatch was a ceremonial feast where gifts were bestowed on the guests according to their rank or status. In keeping with that tradition, John’s family makes a large celebration out of each raising. The potlatch would include lots of food and the Giese’s would provide guests with Mardi Gras beads and play money. One very special potlatch included John’s daughter surprising him by walking up from the creek next to the totem pole in full native American dress. Remember, our small towns in Minnesota have many points of interest, and as my Norwegian Nana would have said, “Hid away, hardly means forgotten”.

CLICK HERE, to see Clarice's report

Winthrop, Minnesota's (Population 1262) Library becomes part of Memoirs of a Librarian

Caroline a librarian, doing research from her book "Memoirs of a Librarian" vists the Winthrop Public Library

Part of the Traverse des Sioux Library System, which serves nine counties in central southern Minnesota. The Winthrop Public Library offers books, audio/video, and computers with access to the Internet. Their Tuesday morning story hour for children six and under brings in large numbers of area children. They also offer basic computer skills assistance on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. So that patrons can learn to use the Internet, email and the library’s online catalog.

Slayton's (Population 2,072) Marquetry by Jim Steichen is the featured guest on The Women of Sweet Swine County

Jim Steichen lives in Slayton and Jim’s hobby is “marquetry”. Marquetry is the ancient art of covering furniture or pictures with pieces of veneer to form decorative patterns or designs. The veneers used are primarily woods, but may include bone, ivory, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, pewter, brass or fine metals. After all veneers have been cut and glued together, it is sanded and varnished. Jim became interested in woodworking after watching the “Wood Right Shop” on public television. He began making furniture in 1990 and after a short time expanded into marquetry. Many of his works were inspired by Japanese wood block prints.

Click here to see Jim on The Womenof Sweet Swine County

Springfield (Population 2,200) Library is part of Our Story

The 8,856 square foot Springfield Public Library opened in October 1992 and includes a library, plus the Altermatt Memorial Wing, which includes a 1,000 square foot meeting room with kitchenette, and art display facilities with track lighting.
The library contains more than 20,000 items including books, periodicals, audio and video materials, public access computers, separate children’s and adult reading areas, and four individual study and computer rooms.
One great service they offer is the use of the Arkenstone Reader, a computer with special software and scanner, that allows printed documents to be scanned and converted to voice output. As part of the Traverse des Sioux Library System, the library also has access to materials in 15 libraries and 31 branches in a nine-county area of South Central Minnesota.
The Springfield Public Library is located at 102 North Cass Avenue and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to noon. You may contact the library at 507-723-9922 during those hours. You can also check their web site at www.springfieldmn.org under the City Departments area.

Windom (Population 4240) Cottonwood County Courthouse is the destination for Bobby Ray's Weekend Adventure

Courthouses - This past weekend, Bobby Ray visited some of the most incredible examples of architecture in the Midwest! Three Court Houses located in the counties of Martin, Faribault and Cottonwood.

The Cottonwood County Courthouse located in Windom, MN was built in 1903, at a cost of nearly $60,000. The building is crowned with an octagonal drum, which supports a segmented dome two stories above the level of the roof. A figure of Justice stands on top.

CLICK HERE to see Bobby Ray's report on the Cottonwood County Courthouse

Gaylord's (Population 2136) Library becomes part of Memoirs of a Librarian

From as early as 1889, there was talk of the need for a public reading room in Gaylord. Over the years the library continued to expand and moved to it’s current location in April, 2008. The Gaylord Public Library has an unusual connection to Barnes and Noble in Mankato, since the retailer donates fixtures during a remodel or rebuild of their stores. Gaylord was fortunate to be planning an expansion at the right time and nothing was thrown away from the Mankato retailer. The library is part of the Traverse des Sioux Library System and offers over 13,000 books, 3,000 audio and video materials, 10 Internet accessible computers, a wireless network, and numerous children’s and adult activities.

Adrian (Population 1549) is the destination for Bobby Ray's Weekend Adventure

This week on the Cocklebur Morning Show, Bobby Ray tells about his weekend visiting historical site in Adrian.
When the first St. Adrian Catholic Church burned to the ground Christmas Eve, 1899, the fire was so hot it melted the three church bells into a huge ball that fell through all floors to the basement. The cornerstone for the new church was laid on July 4, 1900 and the new church was completed at a cost of $22,650. The Romanesque-style church was listed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1980 and it’s historic significance is listed as architecture/engineering.

Click here to see Bobby Ray's report about his weekend in Adrian.

Windom's (Population 4240) Twin View Llamas is featured on Hid Away, Hardly Forgotten

Roving reporter, Clarice recently visited Twin View Llamas, "hidden away" about 15 miles southwest of Windom, Minnesota, in Cottonwood County. Owned and operated by Bill and Shirley Fisher, this is ONE of only THREE registered MINIATURE llama breeders in Minnesota. So what is a miniature llama? At three years old a full size llama measures 48” to 50” from the top of it’s front shoulders to the ground. A miniature must measure 38” or less about 10” to 12” shorter than a full size llama. Bill and Shirley Fisher have been raising llamas since 1989. Bill even broke a full-size team of white llamas to pull a carriage. They were seen in parades across Minnesota for 16 years and for several years were available for rent for weddings and other special occasions.Miniature llamas were first recognized when the American Miniature Llama Association started in 1999. Bill and Shirley’s first miniature llama was born in 2001.Bill and Shirley currently have 33 llamas with 29 of those being miniatures.Our small towns in Minnesota have many points of interest and as my Norwegian Nana would have said, “Hid away, hardly means forgotten”.

Click on the Hid Away, Hardly Forgotten logo to see Twin View Llamas coverage on Our Story Television Show

Lakefield's (Population 1,721) Library is part of Our Story

The Lakefield Library is a branch of the Jackson County Library and a member of the shared automation system provided by the Plumb Creek Library System. The library offers a large selection of books, magazines, audio and visual materials and computer access to the Internet. The library also offers many services including after school activities, monthly book discussion groups and a read and share magazine exchange.

Pipestone's (Population 4,384) Library is part of Our Story

The original Pipestone library board convened on March 27, 1900 and the first
library was set up on the second floor of City Hall. Today, the library is one, of only two, combined community and school libraries. The Meinders Community Library offers public reading areas, meeting rooms, 12 public computers, a coffee bar and offers 32,000 materials, including print items, CD, DVD, and audio books.