MOWER HISTORY SCRIBE Mower County Historical Society Newsletter Winter 2014

Williams American Indian Why was the Williams Collection Returned to Family American Indian Collection On October 22, 2013, the Mower County Commissioners made official the return of the Herald J. Williams American Indian Collection to the descendants of Mr. returned and not kept? Williams. This action was initiated by the Mower County Historical Society as part The mission of the Mower County of their deaccessioning process. The collection was donated to Mower County in Historical Society is to discover, 1969 for exhibit at the Mower County Fairgrounds and contained thousands of American Indian pieces from across the United States and other countries as well collect, preserve and disseminate as an extensive rock and mineral collection. A building was erected to house the knowledge about the history of collection with the stipulation that it would be returned to the family if the County Mower County and relate it to the and the historical society no longer wanted to exhibit it. history of the State of Minnesota. “We are grateful to the Williams family for allowing us to show off the collection Despite the uniqueness of the Wil- these past forty plus years,” stated historical society Executive Director Dustin liams Collection, it did not fit our Heckman. “Many people have come to see the exhibit over the years especially during the Fair. However, the collection did not fit into our future vision so that is mission. A large majority of the why we are returning it. Our collection focus is to acquire Mower County items, items came from outside Mower not items from around the country or world. This collection does not fit that Mower County. In order for the historical County focus.” society to preserve Mower County’s The Mower County Historical Society is planning to remodel the building, that history, items not from Mower County housed the collection, to create space for collections storage. Currently there is a need to be removed to allow space shortage of space for storing collection pieces not on exhibit, which has led to entire buildings being closed off to the public that normally would not be closed. for current and future collecting. (Continued on page 3)

In This Issue

 Collection Decisions p.2

 Scrapbook Treasures p. 6

 The Collections Corner p.8

 Meet Caleb p.10

 Minnesota Disasters Traveling Exhibit p.11

Patrons lined the hall of the Administration Building an hour before the bake sale opened for Christmas in the County. This year’s event was once again successful.

Mower County Historical Society Board of Directors Glenn Medgaarden, President Ardis Jensen, Vice President Pat Kitchings, Secretary Royce Helmbrecht, Treasurer Don Konken Jackie Holst Terry Donovan Amy Baskin Sue Grove Dean Ulland

Diana Witt, Treasurer of the Mower County Historical Society from 2008 to 2013, was presented with the 2013 Leadership Award at the Annual Board meetings this quarter will Meeting in November. be on January 7 (6 PM), February 4, and March 4. All Collection Decisions meetings begin at 7 PM unless otherwise noted. As many of you have already heard or read on the front page of this newsletter, the historical society is returning the Herald J. Williams American Indian Collection to the family of Mr. Williams. I’m sure this is a shock to many. However, this decision was thought out, vetted, and approved in the best interest of the organization. The collection had a time and place to be housed at the historical society and that time has now come to an end.

One of the first questions that people have asked is why? This is a valid question. The mission of the Mower County Historical Society is to tell the story of Mower County’s history. This is done through exhibits, programs, research, and artifacts. The Williams Collection contained very few artifacts that were from Mower County or could tell the story of Mower County. So by using the criteria identified in our Mower County mission, the collection did not fit our mission. Outside of the donor, the collection had no cohesive connection to Mower County. This is why the collection was Historical Society deaccessioned and returned to the family, as stipulated by a contract between Staff Herald Williams and Mower County. Dustin Heckman, Another question we get asked is “what does this mean for the rest of your Executive Director collection”? As part of the deaccessioning process, we are scrutinizing the current [email protected] collection for other items that do not relate to Mower County as well as excessive duplicates or items beyond the point of conservation. If an item is not from Mower County, we will try to find an appropriate home for it. For example, if we have an Sue Doocy, item that came from Red Wing, we would work with the county historical society in that area or other educational institutions to transfer the item there, where it can Research & Archives Manager be appreciated more fully and incorporated into the history of that area. As great [email protected] as it is to have 20 examples of the same item, it is only necessary to retain a few quality or unique pieces that are well documented to explain its purpose and interpret our county’s history. Jaimie Timm, Curator collections Some of you may be wondering what is being done to ensure we don’t collect @mowercountyhistory.org items in the future without a Mower County connection? Our collections policy received a major overhaul in 2008 with a strict focus of collecting Mower County related items and a more stringent acquisition process. We have turned away John Morgan, many potential donations due to this. A primary criteria that has to be considered Museum Assistant from in addition to the Mower County connection is whether or not the historical society has the means of physical space and financial ability to care for the artifact in Experience Works perpetuity. If we don’t have the ability to properly house an artifact in an area protected from the elements or to care for it if it needs conservation attention, we should not accept the item. This aligns with museum standards and best (Continued on page 4)

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Upcoming Events

February 1 to March 16

Minnesota Disasters traveling exhibit at the Austin Public Library

March 18 10 AM

Social Concerns: The Grange in Mower County at the Hormel Historic Home Glenn Medgaarden proudly shows off the “Sold Out” sign for the Christmas in the County raffle. All available tickets were sold out a half hour before the drawing!

(Continued from page 1) Williams American Indian Collection Rolling Membership According to Heckman, the historical society would like to repurpose a building, if possible, to be designated exclusively for collections storage rather than building Begins January an entirely new building. “In a perfect world, we’d love to build a new structure for collections storage but right now that isn’t feasible so we have to make the best of 1, 2014 our current situation.”

Effective January 1, Deaccessioning is planned to continue at the historical society for many more years. Heckman cautions that the Williams collection is a unique case for the 2014, all memberships process. Most artifacts that are removed from the collection will not be returned to will be renewed on a the original donor or their heirs. “When a donor gives us an artifact, the rolling basis. paperwork states that they are transferring ownership to the historical society and Memberships will become relinquishing any claim they had to the item being donated. Herald Williams made a direct contract with Mower County with certain stipulations. That is why we have due the 1st of the month to follow this process for the Williams Collection.” of the following year in which dues were paid. Heckman stated that the historical society still welcomes donations of artifacts. “We won’t stop collecting because history does not stop happening. We have a For example, if you pay more scrutinized process for taking in items than in the past because of the lack of your membership dues space and the ability to take care of items.” on February 20, 2014, your dues will come up The final transfer of the collection to the Williams family will be completed in the coming months. for renewal on February 1, 2015. Thank you to those members who renewed their membership and welcome to our new members!

@MowerCoHistory

Tweet us your memories of Mower County!

Winter 2014 3

Thank you to these donors!

Beverly Meyer Pat Kitchings Mower County Township Officers Association Colette Chaffee Jerry Wright Dean & Harriet Ulland Shirley Tapp Vern & Sue Grove Jeanne Poppe Gene & Polly Jelinek Once again the wagon rides in the snow was popular among the attendees at Christmas in Virginia Bissen the County. Gene Noterman Kathleen Sherman (Continued from page 2) Collection Decisions Evans Printing & Publishing practices for collections management as well as museum ethics. We do not Shirley Burney accept items with restrictions. All donations are fully owned by the historical society to be cared for as per accepted collections standards by the museum field. Sweet’s Hotel Restaurant & Lounge A final question that I have received quite frequently is “why do you need SELCO collection storage space? Isn’t the point to exhibit all items all the time?” Plainview Public Library Collection storage space is essential to being able to properly care for items housed at the historical society. Many factors can lead to the deterioration of Carl & Verna Schmidt items including UV light, temperature and humidity fluctuation, and excessive Foundation handling. For this reason, items need to be rotated off of exhibit on a periodic basis and placed into storage. The artifact then receives a “rest” from these Meadow Market damaging factors and assists in its long term preservation. If it is left exposed to Titan Machinery these deteriorating factors, it may be unavailable for future use or study. Conservation needs may become economically unfeasible. By having dedicated Ag Power collections storage space, we are able to provide a safe area for artifacts to get Anne Madson their “rest”. This does not mean an item is lost to the abyss of storage forever. It is still available upon reasonable request for review and examination. Blandin Foundation Colette Chaffee As our mission statement explains, we discover the history of Mower County Twin Towers Craft Room through research and collecting items and information on Mower County’s history Hormel Foundation so that we can preserve the items and information for future dissemination through exhibits, programs, and research opportunities to give people a greater Austin Area Chamber of understanding of the county’s history. Commerce Riverland Community I know some people may never fully understand this decision or future decisions College - Cosmetology regarding the Mower County Historical Society’s collection. The staff and board are doing their best to make decisions that will help the organization meet its Department mission while also meeting professional standards for museums. This includes Jeannie Artley making hard decisions as the case with the Williams Collection. Deaccessioning of artifacts will continue and exhibits will continue to change as well. By doing Janice Harvey this, we are putting the historical society on a greater path of sustainability and Jim & Nancy Grant opening the doors to new audiences in the future. First Farmers & Merchants State Bank of

Grand Meadow Glynn’s Motor Mart Deer Creek Speedway

(Continued on page 7)

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Historical Society Wish List Want to help the historical society out? We have a few items on our wish list that are used a lot or are needed for a special project or event.

Office Supplies 8 1/2 x 11 paper 8 1/2 x 11 color paper The Lansing Grange was only one of many Grange 11 x 17 paper organizations in Mower County. Come to the Hormel Historic Paper clips Home to learn more on March 18. Stamps

Cleaning Supplies Microfiber clothes The Grange in Mower County Tall kitchen garbage bags Large garbage bags Hormel Historic Home Bathroom cleaning supplies Tuesday, March 18 at 10 AM

Special Events A grassroots movement to improve the agriculture industry begin 147 years ago right here in Minnesota. Oliver Kelley led the effort to begin a formalized LED Christmas lights (interior and organization dedicated to encourage families to work together for the improvement exterior) of their communities and agriculture. This organization was called the National LED Lawn decorations Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, or simply The Grange for short. To LED Hanging decorations its credit, the Grange improved the agriculture industry as well as saw the implementation of rural mail delivery, allowed women to vote within their Extension cords organization long before they could vote in national elections, sought the direct Multi-plug adapter election of U.S. Senators, and many more worthy causes. How did this Interior Christmas decorations organization have an effect locally? Prizes for Archaeology Dig Come to the Hormel Historic Home on March 18 to learn about the local Grange Tally counters organizations and how they made a difference in Mower County. Executive Director Dustin Heckman will be the presenter. Maintenance Cordless power drill Contact the Hormel Historic Home to register by March 17 at (507) 433-4243. Tool Cabinet with wheels Anyone that has any general information, primary source documents from local Socket set (standard & metric) Granges, or photos are encouraged to contact Dustin at (507) 437-6082 or via Wrench set email at [email protected]. 3-step step stool Paint brushes (all sizes) Paint roller covers Fireproof Paint Cabinets

Winter 2014 5

Keepsakes of Youth Like many girls, Irene Crandall began saving mementos of her Austin High School years in September 1929, including her name and address on South River Street, adding physical traits like hair and eye color on the inside cover. A sampling of pages from the Baudler scrapbook in the historical society’s archives. Irene saved mock telegrams shared with friends, sticks of gum, Scrapbook Treasures napkins and a copy of the Austin by Sue Doocy, Research & Archives Manager Sentinel, highlighting the Scrapbooks are treasures and the information they contain can be very valuable Homecoming game. She recorded and historic. They reveal a clue, if not several clues into someone’s past. What her memories of programs, plays, were their interests? Who were their friends and family? What foods did they and junior-senior banquets and prepare and what crafts did they create and share with others? Scrapbooks can notes about an evening out with tell the full story of someone’s life; the effects of critical events in the area, like friends. She wrote the minutes of flooding over the years; or reveal how a thriving community came about. two clubs she joined, their activities and members. Scrapbooking is not a new fad; in fact the practice of clipping and pasting has been around for centuries. Throughout the years, scrapbooks have been called She kept dance cards, one filled other things, common place books, journals, autograph books, Granger books, with boys names and the other for among others. A few made their own scrapbooks with wall paper covers, while the Dorian Prom, where inside, others purchased books with blank pages. Yet others picked up an old catalog, she wrote, “Ted and I didn’t dance, directory or ledger and pasted news articles, postcards and photographs onto it. we went to the show.”

The content of scrapbooks varies depending on who the creator was and their Irene’s graduation announcement style of scrapbooking. Some pasted in their favorite recipes, crochet patterns, and a program with autographs poems and quotes, while others saved newspaper articles, gathered autographs, and senior report card grace the photos, personal comments and remembrances. care worn pages of her memories to be reviewed later by her This year, Tom Baudler offered a scrapbook to the historical society, in the form of daughter, Polly Jelinek, who a directory for bankers and attorneys dated July 1916, although, the name of the donated the scrapbook to the creator and the creation date are unknown. The book is about 4 inches thick, 10 Mower County Historical Society to share with future generations. inches tall and 7 ½ inches wide. It contains photographs and newspaper clippings of people, churches, schools, the Grange, public and government officials, high school athletes, businesses of Mower County, and new architectural sketch of the Austin Junior and Senior High School, along with obituaries and anniversaries announcements.

Just a couple of pages into the scrapbook, a news clipping on the Hormel Milling Company, which was located on Water Street (4th St NE), describes the milling process from grinding to packing the wheat. The flour was tested hourly to insure the quality was maintained, for only the best was used in Hormel’s Quality Flour, which ranked Austin fourth in the state after Duluth in the value of its manufactured products. Dorian Prom held on February 6, 1931 place cards and napkin, with (Continued on page 7) the dance card above.

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(Continued from page 6) Scrapbook Treasures St. Charles Public Library Jill Casper Like so many early scrapbooks, providing names of sources and dates were not a Cindy Anderson priority to the creators, so we will need to do some research to know exactly when Chris & Cathy Roser the articles appeared in the county’s newspapers and the span of time this Apollo Liquor scrapbook covers, adding to the wealth of information, and lending a hand at Glenn & Judy telling the county’s history in many ways. Medgaarden Ivan & Mary Witt Did you know that at one time, Waltham had the state’s oldest postmaster, John William McGovern Stephan, who served for 53 years? He was appointed to the position in 1886 by Hardy Geranium President Cleveland and had been Waltham’s first and only postmaster for those HyVee years. That would place this article around 1939-1940. Mr. Stephan died in 1940. Josie Cummings The creator of this scrapbook cherished the memories and history documented Dennis & Bev Nelson inside, and knew the importance of remembering the men and women who built Susan Jordan this county, served the community and our country here and overseas. Nevada Township Ruth Collette This person also knew the importance of bringing those who do wrong to justice, Randy & Wendy Kramer as they included the downfalls of Cy Thomson for embezzling from Hormel, O. W. Stacy Bennett Root who misappropriated funds at the Brownsdale State Bank and a few others. Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage Grants A clipping of Reverend C. D. Belden contained photo and biography of a man who served the community as minister, officiating at weddings, baptizing parishioners In memory of Bob Murphy and leading people towards a noble path, along with being the “fearless writer” of - Frank & Judy Gerlach the “Farmer Ben” column in the Mower County Transcript. From 1882 to 1891, he was Superintendent of Schools for Mower County. In 1893, he purchased an In memory of Bill Lewis - interest in the Mower County Transcript and later, bought out N. S. Gordon’s Dustin & Lynn Heckman, interest in the paper to become sole proprietor until 1915, while continuing his Michelle Bahe, Marvin & ministerial work in Brownsdale, Blooming Prairie and Lansing. Barbara Stone, Ken & Gloria Trom, Max & This scrapbook lends at hand at documenting the County’s beginning and the Marlys Minnich, Jeff & growth throughout the years as it prospered, schools were built, people shared Diana Witt, Doug & Ann their stories and the County thrived. Bruggeman, David & Every year, I learn new things and every year, we gather information and add Karen Spinler, Steven & another piece to the County’s history puzzle. Some pieces may never be found or Jeanne Roslansky, Galen be able to be saved, but it is important for us to do our part and save what we can. & Jackie Holst, Roger & Sometimes, there just isn’t enough money, space or interest in saving a piece of Judy Johnson, Frank & history, but if we can save a fragment of the story captured in a photograph, Carol Bridges, and the written on paper or spoken to another, or a piece of the actual object itself, than Family of Bill Lewis we can still add to the story for future generations.

In memory of Harvey Fiala - Belva Fiala and Robert & Ilene Enright

In Remembrance of Those Members Who Passed On

Bill Lewis Virginia Locher Harvey Sathre (Left) Scrapbooks give new insight into the creator’s interests and personality. This one shows an interest in the creator’s community. Winter 2014 7

A Call for Donations Collections Spotlight Many of you probably saw the call for items related to World War II and life in Mower County as part of the Everyone’s War exhibit this summer. A handful of people said I could contact them and I will be doing so in the next few weeks. However, I am still looking for anything related to the following:

 Rationing  Blackouts  War Bonds, Scrap Metal These wedding gowns are many people’s favorites in the collection. Acid- free boxes and tissue paper, along with careful monitoring, will ensure they Drives, etc. last for many more years to come.  Volunteering during the war  Going to School/Growing Up The Collections Corner: Every Day is  Working during the War (at Hormel, farming, the Different by Jaimie Timm, Curator sawmill in Lyle, etc.)  Complete military One of the things I love most about working at the Mower County Historical uniforms/military related Society is that every day is different. One day I can be working with objects – items researching who donated them and when they came to the historical society to  Photographs related to update my files. The next day I can be buried in research for a new exhibit and farming contemplating which objects tell the story. There are always new projects, so it is  Letters, Diaries, V-Mail, never boring! Such is the case with the Collections and Exhibits at the historical etc. society this winter. We do have to be very careful I gained the assistance of a new intern, Caleb Baumgartner, this fall. We worked about storage space and we on closing procedures for about half of the buildings at historical society for the cannot accept everything. It also winter. They are prepared to “weather” the winter weather. Objects have been MUST have a connection to dusted, glass cases washed, floors swept, and large objects covered to prevent Mower County per our Collections dust and light damage. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach all of the Policy. Thank you so much for buildings before the bitter cold and snow set in. We have now turned our efforts helping to fill in some of the “gaps” toward catching up on accessioning, along with exhibit research. in the collection and to make our new exhibit the best it can be! One reason we were not able to reach all the buildings for closing procedures was the decision to open the Pioneer Building by December 1. Although it meant that most of November was spent moving objects, it is a very exciting step forward for the historical society! Not only did this give me the opportunity to observe many artifacts up close, but it also means the Pioneer Building will be available for new programs and activities year round! I reevaluated and prioritized my plans for collections care over the winter as I carefully moved artifacts. There are still a few wedding gowns hanging on clothing racks and I saw just how fragile they are. Storage in acid-free boxes will help to better preserve them by taking almost all of the pressure off of the fragile seams. This is one of my goals for collections care this winter.

I have also been writing exhibit text for the new World War II exhibit next summer. Do you have any items related to A new grant application requires sample text panels. I did a lot of research on Mower County and World War II? World War II in Mower County over the past year, so it has been a pretty large These are just a few of the items undertaking to put everything into just one exhibit. The exhibit is coming together used in the Everyone’s War exhibit and I think it is going to be an important and interesting addition to our exhibits last summer. next year! (Continued on page 9)

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Thank you to those members who renewed their membership and welcome to our new members!

Shirley Tapp Lavona Johnson Jay Lutz & Kelly Rush Jerry Wright Ramona Swenson Tim Gabrielson Russell & Cheryl Potter Clint Hertle Bill & Helen Holder When the snow clears and temperatures rise, the Excelsior Schoolhouse exhibit will be up- dated and ready for the Fair. Don & Darlene Austin Wendy Larson Carol Volstad Evans Printing & (Continued from page 8) Every Day is Different Publishing David & Karen Spinler Donald Lagas I am continuing my work on updating the School for next summer and evaluating Titan Machinery the military collection. I am also working on a new traveling exhibit coming in February. I am sure that many new and exciting projects will come my way and I Ag Power know 2014 has lots of great things in store for both Collections and Exhibits at the Mark & Sandy Ashley Mower County Historical Society! Colette Chaffee Speaking of the New Year – what sort of things are you interested in learning Mike & Judy Nelson about in this column? Is there a particular kind of object you’d like to learn about? Alice Sathre Do you like hearing what I’ve been up to? Do you have a burning question about Janice Harvey why I put one bowl on display instead of that cup? Send me an email at Kathleen Sherman [email protected] or give us a shout on Facebook. Your idea or question just might appear in the next Collections Corner article! HyVee Glenn & Judy Medgaarden Ron & Janis Smalley Don Richardson Dennis & Bev Nelson Josie Cummings William McGovern Charles & Maureen Steenblock Find out the latest event information and Lavonne Griffin see photos from our events. Ruth Collette Invite a friend to like us!

Winter 2014 9

Meet Caleb! Grants Help My name is Caleb Baumgartner, and I have been a to Get volunteer at the Mower County Historical Society for roughly three months or so now. I graduated from Projects the University of Wisconsin – River Falls in December of 2012 with my B.S. in History, and from Started! there found out just how competitive the job market Fall seems to be the most is, not just in the field of history but in general. I common time of year when the decided to volunteer with the historical society historical society applies for grants because I wanted to build my resume a bit and to fund projects for the following develop skills related to the field that I love and year. Since our last newsletter, we worked hard to be a part of in college. have been able to secure some This opportunity so far has been fantastic. I feel like grants to get the ball rolling on I’ve come to the Mower County Historical Society at 2014 projects. Here is a summary a very vibrant and active time. I have had several of the grants awarded to date: opportunities for hands-on experience with the collection. I have learned practical World War II Exhibit skills in the handling and care of these items, and the cataloging and organization Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation of these items as well, skills which I did not have an opportunity to develop as an Hormel Foundation undergrad. These grants will allow us to In addition to building my practical skills with the collection, I have had a wonderful create a new exhibit to open in opportunity to continue to engage in the research and presentation of history, July 2014 on Mower County during which is what drew me to the degree in the first place. Through researching the World War II. The exhibit will items that come in to the collection and the individuals and events associated with discuss both veterans of the war those items, I have been able to continue to hone my ability to dig, to find as well as efforts on the connections, and to draw out important stories from those connections. homefront. Additional grants are I am grateful for the opportunity that the Mower County Historical Society has pending with this project so we offered me, and I look forward to continuing to help out in whatever way I can in hope to have an additional update 2014. in the next newsletter.

Hopefully, “whatever way I can” doesn’t involve a lot of shoveling… Photo Inventory & Digitization Project Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage Grants Program

With the help of this grant, the historical society will begin the 3rd and final phase of an inventory A special thank you to employees of process begun in 2010. This Cargill for donating over 500 beanie phase will focus on our photo collection. All of the photos at the babies for Christmas in the County! historical society will be inventoried and digitized to allow The Mower County Historical Society would like to extend a special thank you to faster accessibility as well as employees from Cargill for donating beanie babies for our Christmas in the County better preservation of each photo. event in December. These toys were distributed by Santa and Mrs. Claus to all the We expect this project to take children who came to visit with them during the event. One of our members, Stacy about a year to complete. Bennett, helped out by spreading the word among fellow employees of the need and coordinating the donations. This was an amazing donation and is very much appreciated!

10 Mower History Scribe

Notice: Increase in Research Service Fees Beginning January 1, 2014

Beginning January 1, 2014, there will be a small increase for research performed by staff and in per copy charges. The increase is to assist with costs to preserve research materials, staff to perform research, and technology needs. The new fee schedule is as A lone cow grazes near the remains of an outbuilding after a windstorm follows : swept through the area in 1961.

For members: 25 cents per copy $15 for the 1st hour of research (performed by Minnesota Disasters: Stories of staff) Strength and Survival $10 per hour for each additional hour (performed Austin Public Library by staff) February 1 to March 16

For non-members: “From preparation and reaction to aftermath, Minnesotans have recorded their experiences with a range of natural and manmade disasters.” A new traveling 35 cents per copy exhibit from the Minnesota Historical Society will be arriving in February 2014. $20 for the 1st hour of What do you remember about the 35W bridge collapse in 2007? Do you know research (performed by stories from the Hinckley fires in 1894 or the grasshoppers that ruined crops in staff) 1873-1874? Minnesota Disasters explores these events and more. The exhibit will be at the Austin Public Library from February 1 to March 16. $15 per hour for each additional hour (performed Also on display will be Mower County’s Stormy Past. Come see both exhibits and by staff) learn how fires, floods, tornadoes, ice and snow have affected those in Mower County and Minnesota!

We are currently seeking photographs from storms in Mower County history for this exhibit. We are looking for photos from the following storms:

 June 1908 Wind/Tornado/Hail Storm  July 1978 Floods  October 1991 Halloween Blizzard/Ice Storm  November 1940 Armistice Day Blizzard  1891 and 1956 Downtown Lyle Fires

Please contact Curator Jaimie Timm if you have any photographs to share.

Winter 2014 11 Time to Renew your Contact Us

Membership for 2014 To learn more about Memberships for 2014 to the Mower County Historical Society are now due! Mower County’s history Renew your membership today and show your support for preserving Mower and our programs, County’s history. please feel free to Benefits for all membership levels include subscription to our quarterly newsletter, contact us. enrollment in the Time Travelers program, a vote at the Annual Meeting in November, free tour admission for membership holders, reduced fees for research Mower County services, and free or reduced admission for programs and workshops. Historical Society 1303 6th Ave. SW Fill out the membership form enclosed in this newsletter to renew today. Austin, MN 55912

Invite friends to become members (507) 437-6082 A great way to help preserve the history of Mower County and grow the efforts of info@mowercounty the Mower County Historical Society is to invite friends, family, and neighbors to history.org become members. Share our newsletter or membership forms with them. You could even buy a gift membership for them! Help us expand the reach of the Visit us on the web at Mower County Historical Society. www.mowercounty history.org

Preserving today for tomorrow’s history

NON-PROFIT Mower County Historical Society ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1303 6th Ave. SW AUSTIN, MINNESOTA Austin, MN 55912 PERMIT NO. 150

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Mission Statement The purpose of the Mower County Historical Society is to Mower County Historical Society’s discover, collect, preserve and disseminate Membership Form knowledge about the Join today to help save the history of Mower County! Membership benefits for individual history of Mower and families include: County and to relate it to the history of the  Subscription to our quarterly newsletter State of Minnesota.  Vote at our Annual Meeting (votes depend on membership level)  Free tours for those listed on the membership  Reduced rates for programs and research services  Automatic enrollment in the Time Travelers Program which entitles you to perks at over 300 museums in 41 states!  Memberships run for one calendar year from the month paid  Know that you are helping to preserve the history of Mower County!

Individual Membership $25 Family Membership $35 Bronze Membership $100 to $249.99 Silver Membership $250 to $499.99 Gold Membership $500 to $749.99 Diamond Membership $750 to $999.99 1303 6th Avenue SW Platinum Membership $1,000 or more Austin, MN 55912

Phone: 507-437-6082 Please return this portion with your membership E-mail: [email protected] Enclosed you will find a check for $______for a Individual/Family/Bronze/Silver/Gold/ Website: http:// Diamond/Platinum (please circle one) membership. I have also enclosed a donation for www.mowercountyhistory.org $______in addition to my membership dues.

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Monthly E-News Event & Exhibit E-News Presentations & Classes E-News FAMILY OR HIGHER MEMBERSHIPS ONLY, Please list any children in your household 18 years or younger that you wish to include with this membership.

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Mower County Historical Society, 1303 6th Avenue SW., Austin, Minnesota 55912 Order your copy of John Christgau’s latest book, Incident at the Otterville Station: A Civil War Story of Slavery and Rescue

While elated Northerners were celebrating victory at Gettysburg and toasting Abraham Lincoln as the Great Emanancipator, Missourian Charles W. Walker was rousing his thirteen slaves in the dark of night. In defiance of a standing Union order prohibiting the transfer of slaves among states, he intended to ship his slaves by train to Kentucky, where they would be sold at auction. What ensued was one of the most gripping—and until now, mostly forgotten—events of the Civil War.

In Incident at the Otterville Station, John Christgau relates the true story of the rescue of Walker’s thirteen slaves by soldiers of the Ninth Minnesota Regiment and the soldiers’ subsequent arrest for mutiny. The controversial incident became national news, with President Lincoln ultimately sending Secretary of War Edward Stanton to investigate. Christgau’s compelling narrative of the Otterville Station rescue and its aftermath illustrates the complex process of emancipation during the American Civil War, particularly in border states such as Missouri. The end of slavery was the product of many actors, from Union soldiers to the President and Congress to abolitionists and the enslaved themselves. This detailed account examines the critical role that individuals played in determining the outcome of emancipation and the war.

Pre-order your copy today for $18.00 and have it when Christgau arrives on May 15 for a book signing and discussion! Submit your order and payment before April 1 to get a copy before the event!

Return this portion with payment to MCHS at 1303 6th Ave. SW, Austin, MN 55912 by Tuesday, April 1.

Name: ______Phone: ______

Mailing Address: ______City, State, Zip: ______

Book Quantity $18.00 per book

Shipping Quantity $4.00 per book, $12 for up to 4 books, $15 for 5 or more books

Total Cost

The Historical Society will be placing a bulk order on April 2 to ensure that books arrive in time for the May 15 author event. Copies will be available after this date but to ensure we have enough books for all, consider placing an order ahead of time.