MOWER HISTORY SCRIBE Mower County Historical Society Newsletter Spring 2013

Lunchbox History Series 2013 Lunchbox History Expanded for 2013 Series Lineup The Lunchbox History Series is gearing up for its 3rd season. With the success of 4th Thursday of each month the summertime history programs, the historical society has expanded the series at 12 PM from 3 months to 6 months! In this edition of the Mower History Scribe, get a April 25 - David Lanegran glimpse at a preview of each program. “Minnesota on the Map” May 23 - Polly Jelinek David Lanegran - Minnesota on the Map “History of the Country School” To coincide with the Minnesota on the Map traveling exhibit, on view at the June 27 - Frank Bridges historical society until May 17, we have invited the author and geographer David “History of Early Theatre in Austin” Lanegran to be our April speaker. Lanegran’s book was the basis for the exhibit. July 25 - Arthur Louis Finnell He offers a journey through 500 years of Minnesota mapping. Discover stories of “War of 1812 Veterans in Minnesota” French missionaries and powerful railroads, of imaginary rivers and disappearing August 22 - David Kenney towns, and find out how maps helped shape the real Minnesota we live in today. “Minnesota Goes to War” September 26 - Charity Lifka Polly Jelinek - History of the Country School “Hormel During World War II” Local historian and former teacher Polly Jelinek will entertain everyone with her stories from the one room schoolhouse days. Jelinek began her teaching career

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In This Issue

 Annual Donation Appeal Set for April to July p.2

 There’s A New Game in Town p. 6

 The Collections Care Corner p.8

 Meadowfest 2013 p.10

 Renew your Membership! p.12 Visitors enjoy viewing the Uncle Sam’s New Deal traveling exhibit at the Austin Public Library during the Grand Opening Reception.

Mower County Historical Society Board of Directors Garry Ellingson, President Glenn Medgaarden, Vice President Pat Kitchings, Secretary Diana Witt, Treasurer Jeff Austin Miguel Garate Don Konken Jackie Holst Terry Donovan The Dad & Me Class visited the historical society in January. They toured the Herald J. Williams Indian Building and played in the archaeology dig. Royce Helmbrecht Jim Grunewald Ardis Jensen

Annual Donation Appeal Set Board meetings this quarter will for April to July be on April 24, May 22, and June 26. All meetings begin at The Mower County Historical Society is the only organization within Mower County that has the responsibility of preserving the county’s history. This responsibility 7 PM unless otherwise noted. factors into everything we do from research to collections to programming. Your historical society does its best to efficiently perform this duty with the resources we have available. However, this responsibility does come at a cost. Mower County In the middle of April, the historical society will embark on an Annual Donation Historical Society Appeal to help bring in funds to keep preserving the history of Mower County. Staff These donations will help us to continue our operations and provide services to visitors and the general public. The service we provide is critical and part of the Dustin Heckman, core values established by our Territorial Legislature in 1849 when they created Executive Director the Minnesota Historical Society, which later led to the founding of county and [email protected] town historical societies. Since our state’s beginning, the value of preserving our history has been important to citizens. This was again reiterated when voters Sue Doocy, passed a constitutional amendment called the Legacy Amendment to provide Research & Archives Manager more funding to clean water, land, the arts, and cultural heritage. [email protected]

How would your life be different without an understanding of history? Where Jaimie Timm, Curator would you go to learn about Mower County’s history if the historical society no collections longer existed? @mowercountyhistory.org

When you receive the appeal later this month, please consider making a donation John Morgan, to help us preserve the history of Mower County. Talk to friends, family, and Museum Assistant from neighbors about why you support our organization and ask them to also Experience Works contribute. Help us to allow others to keep digging history in Mower County!

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Upcoming Events

Through May 17

Minnesota on the Map Traveling Exhibit

April 10 3 PM

The New Deal in Mower County at Mower County Senior Center

April 11 6 PM Members of the Austin Area Amateur Radio Club have helped us to clean the Communications How to Use Ancestry.com Building in preparation for tour season. Our annual Clean Up Day is the largest effort each year to spruce up the historical society’s fairgrounds site. With 16 buildings, there is always plenty of April 25 12 PM work to be done!

Lunchbox History Series: David Lanegran at the Hormel Historic Home Annual Clean Up Day Set for April 27 9 AM April 27 Clean-up Day On Saturday, April 27, volunteers and staff will put in a little sweat equity to make sure the Fairgrounds site is looking its best for the upcoming tour season. Each May 23 12 PM year, the historical society sets aside a Saturday in the spring to make the site look welcoming to visitors and get a lot of work done. Tasks include cleaning the Lunchbox History Series: buildings, working on landscaping, and other odd projects needing to be worked Polly Jelinek on.

June 27 12 PM If you are able to spare some time on that day to assist us, please let us know how you’d be willing to help. Contact the historical society at (507) 437-6082 to Lunchbox History Series: get more information. Frank Bridges

June 29 10 AM to 2 PM

GAR Hall Open House in Grand Meadow

June 29 6 PM

Vintage Base Ball game: History Center of Olmsted County Roosters and Grand Meadow Nine @MowerCoHistory

June 30 12 to 3 PM Use #dighistory to tell us how you dig GAR Hall Open House history!

Spring 2013 3

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

Lavonne Griffin Terry & Sue Doocy Dustin & Lynn Heckman Ryan & Jaimie Timm Doris Rice Harold & Kathy Paine Barbara Lewis Tony Bennett Ramona Swenson Betty O’Brien Jim & Milly Burroughs Garry & Sharon Ellingson Pat Kitchings Greg & Meghan Lamp Volunteers serve an important purpose during the Mower County Fair. They watch over Ruth Collette buildings and assist with parking to make sure all visitors have a good experience. Ronald & Margaret Seath Del Staples Sheldon & Ruth Lukes Cynthia Scott Frank & Judy Gerlach Consider Volunteering in 2013 Ken & Opal Heydt Shirley Watt Each year the historical society puts out a call for volunteers to help out with David Madison various tasks. During the spring, summer, and fall, we have a great need for James Huntting volunteers to provide much needed assistance. We have many dedicated Ben & Arlene Bednar Raymond & Carol Opsahl volunteers but we are always looking for new faces to lend a hand. If you have Bruce & Reilly Loeschen some time that you would like to help us out, please fill out the form below and Larry & Cindy Bellrichard Elaine Mentel send it back to us or feel free to stop by the office to see how you can help. Scott & Erin Felten Thomas & Kathleen Hart Kenny’s Oak Grill DeWayne Haberman Sign me up to volunteer! Charlotte Winslow Dorothy Schulz Name: ______John & Virginia Locher Ben Roser Address: ______Leon & Phyllis Jacobson Craig & Nancy Welken HyVee Phone: ______Jon Bera Super Fresh Produce Best time of day to reach (circle one): Daytime Evenings Any time Weis Landscaping & Design JJ’s Pickup Band Virginia Bissen ____ Tour guide (school tours begin in May) Kermeth Northwick Beverly Smith ____ Lawn Mowing & Trimming Dr. Inman & Lois Hesla Richard & Kay Smaby Wallace & Helen Malchow ____ Building Maintenance (painting, repairs, cleaning, etc.) Charlotte Braaten Kathleen Stanton ____ Research Austin CVB Brian McAlister Joyce Halver ____ Collections & Exhibits Janice Harvey Bill Schlichting ____ Programming & Event Setup Austin Area Retired Educators Association Becky Croft ____ Fair Week (August 6 to 11) & Exhibit Monitor (July 27 to September 27) Dick & Anne Waldman (Continued on page 9) ____ Baker for Fall Harvest & Christmas in the County

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Profile of a History Digger Name: Dustin Heckman Age: 28 Where do you live: Blooming Prairie How long have you been a resident of Mower County?: Worked in the county since 2008 Favorite history topics or eras: Colonial American history (1600 to 1775), Revolutionary American history Area residents have enjoyed attending the Lunchbox History Series the past two years. (1775 to 1785), Beginning of the United Join us from April to September on the 4th Thursday of the month at 12 PM for this year’s States (1785 to 1820), English history series. (Roman rule to 1880s), Russia under Peter the Great (1682 to 1725), Refor- (Continued from page 1) 2013 Lunchbox History Series Preview mation history in Europe (16th & 17th Century), Industrial and Progressive in a country school. She will share her experiences and stories from that era. American history (1870s to 1920s) What got you interested in history?: Frank Bridges - A History of Early Austin Theatre I’ve always liked history but my great grandfather used to tell me stories Frank Bridges is no stranger to the world of theatre. The former Director of about England and our family over Theatre for Austin Community College (now Riverland Community College) will be there. giving a history of the early days of theatre in Austin. How do you dig history?: My favorite way to dig history is by reading history Arthur Louis Finnell - War of 1812 Veterans in Minnesota books and watching history shows/ documentaries. Every once in awhile, I Arthur Louis Finnell has led the charge in Minnesota to document the veterans of will start thinking of a topic and will go American’s First Forgotten War who are buried within our state. Finnell will talk to the library to find videos about it. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more about his project and some of the soldiers he’s learned about during his research. interested in my family history so I do spend some time working on that. A David Kenney - Minnesota Goes to War great moment for me was while I was working at the Martin County Historical Author David Kenney will join us to discuss his book, Minnesota Goes to War. By Society in Fairmont, I found a handwrit- telling the poignant stories of those who stayed behind—in support of the men and ten history of the Jackson Road (an old women overseas—this book is a tribute to the sacrifices made by ordinary people stagecoach road) written by my great in extraordinary times. grandfather. Another way that I dig history is by playing 1860s base ball. Charity Lifka - Hormel During World War II This is relatively new for me but it is a lot of fun. Baseball was my favorite Hormel Foods Archivist Charity Lifka’s presentation will focus on what the sport as a teen and I even worked on company did during World War II to support the war effort and its employees as my local baseball fields during the America fought in Europe and the Pacific. summer. That is how I dig history!

Spring 2013 5

Gifts from the Past Photographs are a window into our ancestors’ lives, adding to their story, showing us what they looked like and how they dressed. Their story can be greatly enhanced if the photo is labeled.

Relatives are the best source for identifying photos. While making copies, remember, photos are Left: This ad appeared in the Austin Daily Herald giving Municipal Golf Course rates sensitive to light. It is best to limit on July 28, 1932. The course sat between the Municipal Plant and Lafayette Park. scanning by making reproductions Right: On May 20, 1931, the Austin Daily Herald ad “Golf as the Stars” appeared to from digital images or copies to help golfers with their game by giving tips to improve their skills. protect the original.

Next, compare photos with images already identified. Knowing family There’s A New Game in Town history helps. For instance, by Sue Doocy, Research & Archives Manager identifying two brothers of whom you know one was married and Back in 1919, a group of Austin men who were introduced to the ancient and one wasn’t. Look for a wedding honorable Scottish game of golf, began to transform City Springs into a brand new band. 3-hole golf course. You can determine the date by the The humble beginnings of the Austin Country Club began with George Hormel as type of photo image, for example: the president of the organization along with W.W. Walker, N.F. Banfield, Jr. and daguerreotype 1839 to 1860s; J.L. Mitchell, who along with others adopted a charter and made arrangements to tintype 1856 to 1930s; and cabinet lease 40 acres east of the creek from Austin Water & Light. One year later, the card mid-1860s to early 1900s. course expanded to 9-holes, with some members threatening to leave the club Photo postcards may have dated because they believed it was too far to walk a 9-hole course. postmarks. None the less, the course was accepted and visited by travelers along the Hwy 16 Another way of identifying the date corridor (I-90) that stretched from east to west of the Minnesota borders. People is by the type of vehicles and from as far away as Maryland visited the Country Club, with its natural hazards, garments worn. People dressed in and its strips of rough between each of the fairways, crossing the creek five times their latest fashions to look their to complete the course. Adding to the clubhouse and caddy house was a picnic best. and playground area along with a pit for trap shooters. Remember to label your photos Golf pros were hired to help members with their game and of course, local golfers with names, dates and locations to participated in golf tournaments locally and traveled to other courses. Don help future generations tell your Trenary had the best score of 78 among the local qualifiers, and moved on with story. twelve others to play in the Southern Minnesota Golf Association tournament in Fairmont in 1931.

Despite the Depression Era, golf enthusiasts still enjoyed a round of golf, if nothing more than to enjoy each other’s company and to forget the money they lost in the markets.

The Ramsey Golf Course appeared in 1933. The Meyers operated the course along with the swimming beach and picnic areas. This 9-hole sand-green course lay on the south side of the Milwaukee Railroad tracks on the north side of Austin along the Cedar River. Jim Vacura and Giles Healy owned and managed Ramsey Golf Course in 1948 and continued for a total of 37 years.

Around 1955-1956, the course was expanded to 18 holes, and the Ramsey Club, From left, Harry and Geraldine like the Austin Country Club, opened their doors to other social events including Rasmussen; Gertrude and John dances, bridge and dinners. In 1981, the Milwaukee Railroad right-of-way was Skinner; and Fred Ulmer (possibly Ulmer’s wife) gather at the Austin (Continued on page 7) Daily Herald 65th anniversary party about 1940.

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Thank you to these donors!

Nevada Township Galen & Jackie Holst Elaine Bicking Clair Allen Dexter Township Janice Harvey Freeborn-Mower Operation Round-Up Wallace & Helen Malchow Craig & Nancy Welken Charlotte Winslow Scott & Erin Felten James Huntting Sheldon & Ruth Lukes Ruth Collette Beverly Meyer Donn Sandell Jeff Austin Many enjoyed hitting the greens at Hillcrest Golf course throughout the years as shown Barbara Langan above in the photo from Progressive Austin brochure of 1941-1942. Tim Ruzek Nathan Goodwin Dean & Harriet Ulland Mary Frances Guiney (Continued from page 6) There’s A New Game in Town Dorothea Guiney Witt Fabrication Tim Hyland Ruth Wunderlich purchased and expanded the course to 6,034 yards, for a par 71. Anonymous Wayne Ulrich Minnesota Historical & Cultural Then in 1931, 75 men formed a committee to establish a public golf course in Heritage Grants Program Austin. The committee for the Municipal Golf Course, lead by Adolph Knudsen, Mower County approached Austin City Council with a petition to request approval for land near Grand Meadow Township Todd Park or south of the disposal plant to construct the course. In May the City IBI Data Council approved the land near the disposal plant and assisted the new club by Lansing Township supplying the manpower and equipment to mow the area. Windom Township Lyle Township The backers of the course planned to make the links self-sustaining by charging Clayton Township Austin Township fees. The course began with six-holes over gentle rolling grounds near the gravel Sargeant Township pit in view of the Cedar River and Lafayette Park to the north. Farmers State Bank of Adams By the end of the first year, the last 3 holes were installed and one year later, In memory of Arnold Bergstrom - golfers turned out in mass to all three courses in record numbers, dotting the Barbara Lewis greens from dawn till dark, distracting themselves of their cares and struggles by In memory of Nina Swoboda - hitting the greens Memorial Day weekend in 1932. It may be of no surprise that Gene & Polly Jelinek this course was short lived, as it was by the Municipal Plant and the odor was not In memory of Bryan Green - as attractive as the greens according to the Austin Daily Herald. Carol Green In memory of Lorraine Oestreich - Vern & Sue Grove But no matter, as golf enthusiasts pushed for yet another golf course located on In memory of Grace Gillette - Oakland Ave, west of Austin, across from FordTown (across Mel Saxton Ford) in Ardis Jensen the residential area between Turtle Creek and I-90. This one named Hillcrest Golf In memory of Ken & Marietta Tyrer - Course. Austin Country Club Pro Alex Taylor designed the course along the Ardis Jensen winding Turtle Creek in 1934. In memory of Paul Wachlin - Bill Schlichting On June 30, 1934, a golf tournament slated for the weekend on a course that was in “as perfect shape” considering the extremely hot weather. The temperatures In Remembrance of had reached 100 degrees by May 1, with drought conditions threatening crop Those Members failure and feed and water shortages for livestock. Who Passed On An advertisement shows Hillcrest operating in May 1941 with men’s membership set at $15, with Jim Vacura as golf pro. Lyle Phillips was manager, according to a Bryan Green Progressive Austin brochure for 1941 and 1942, when the course was closed. Dr. Inman Hesla Ken & Marietta Tyrer

Spring 2013 7

New Donations! An MCHS Collections Spotlight We are thrilled to have a few pieces from Pauline Utzinger’s collection, including her grandmother’s wedding quilt, her father’s christening gown (ca. 1899), and her mother’s wedding day accessories (dated 1924). Pauline was an avid family historian and also gathered quite a collection of genealogical and local history books. Although Pauline lived in Rochester, her family had its roots in Mower County. Her Heavy snow in 2010 caused this drain pipe on the Fire Museum to fail. If this hadn't great-grandparents (Peter and been fixed quickly, it could have caused flooding and the items in the building would have been damaged. Caroline) and their son, Silas, came to Minnesota in 1862 and settled near Racine with other family members. They worked The Collections Care Corner: very hard the 1st year to establish their farm. On April 30, 1889, Always be Prepared! by Jaimie Timm, Curator Silas married Pauline Schröder Last time we talked about the basics of collections care. Basically, collections and they had three children – Lyle care boils down to how the historical society can protect and preserve its (Pauline Utzinger’s father), Elva, collections in order to tell the history of Mower County. But what do you do when and Bernice. We look forward to the unthinkable happens? What happens to the collection when a building the stories about Mower County catches on fire or the power goes out? What do we do when extreme weather that these items will help us tell. leads to a tornado or flood?

In reality, once these kinds of emergencies happen it is already too late to save or protect the collection. We need to be prepared and have a plan for how to manage disasters before they happen. I recently had the opportunity to participate in 2 online webinars (classes) that talk specifically about these issues. Each class consisted of four 90 minute sessions. The first talked about all of the different risks that museums and their collections face and the second talked about how to evaluate those risks and use them to create a Disaster Response Plan. A Disaster Response Plan is a document (or a collection of documents) that lays out who to contact and what will happen when an emergency occurs.

Risks can be both natural and man-made or both. Here in southeast Minnesota, we need to be on guard against such natural disasters as tornadoes, floods, winter storms, and extreme heat. A few man-made risks include utility outages, fires, chemical spills, and highway disruptions, to name a few. How do these events affect the collection at the historical society? A tornado could tear the roof off a building and scatter its contents far and wide. A fire might destroy an entire building or even all of the buildings. Flooding not only destroys objects, but also brings contamination and bacteria in the encroaching water. Utility failures can lead to dramatic changes in humidity, which can cause damage to objects as they expand and contract as a result. Any of these events could be devastating to the collection.

The collection is also a potential risk to itself. I will need to evaluate the collection and take note of items that might cause problems. Certain types of plastics can spontaneously combust as they deteriorate. Medical equipment often contains The top photo shows the quilt harmful chemicals and pathogens. Materials like asbestos, arsenic, lead, and donated and the bottom photo mercury – which we now know are very dangerous – were often used in a variety is of Pauline’s mother on her wedding day in 1924. (Continued on page 9)

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(Continued from page 4)

Elaine Bicking John & Linda Seeley Mower County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company Marilyn Noel Clair Allen Bill & Sharon Lewis Damel Corporation Inc. Galen & Jackie Holst David & Rebecca Pearson Cynthia Witzigman Tradexpos, Inc. Edwin Koppen Richard & Bernice Alger Randy & Shirley Sammons Charles & Maureen Steenblock Ronald Stowell Arnold & Linda Felten Allan & Audrey Oehlke Barbara Dickman Twin Towers Craft Room In February 2012, the Kehret Chapel flooded. As a result, the carpet has been removed and Northern Country Coop all the furniture is on blocks. As the snow melts, we are again keeping a close eye on water Ken & Gloria Trom levels in case it happens again. Philbert Egtvedt Nels & Yvonne Lee Brian Klouse (Continued from page 8) Jeff Austin Ulven’s Hardware Bruce & Chris Hendricks of ways in the past and can be found in taxidermy, appliances, thermome- Richard Flisrand Steve & Dorothy Krob ters, medical equipment, pesticides, etc. In order to protect the rest of the collec- Jim & Nancy Grunewald tion and staff, items that might be hazardous should be isolated from any other Roger Boughton objects. Jeff & Kris Baldus Greg & Amy Baskin Aside from knowing what “lurks within”, another way to protect the collection is to Miguel Garate make sure we have a good relationship with the first responders. These first Yvonne Jondal responders can help protect the collection when they respond to a call on our site. Dave Cole Fire fighters can throw fire blankets on objects as they make their way into a Norm Hecimovich building to provide additional protection. Sometimes, they can even grab a few Mower Vehicle Registration Inc. U.S., Bancorp items and bring them to safety. Mary Klingfus Glen & Mary Ann Davis This all sounds a bit overwhelming, right? No one wants to think about Gifferd & Esther Sparks emergencies and disasters and “worst case scenarios.” But this is all part of Gayle & Lavonne Bergstrom collections care and it is definitely something that we’ll be thinking about at the Stacy Bennett Mower County Historical Society in the future. The best defense is a good Wallace Bustad Excavation Inc. offense. A Disaster Response Plan will help us be a little more prepared when Josie Cummings disasters occur. Janet Gaughran Verna Magnuson Eileen Evans David Hillier Terry & Jan Fox Ken Hartwig Norman & Shirley Bergman Tim Ruzek Find out the latest event information and Edna Hill Baudler, Maus, Forman, Kritzer & see photos from our events. Wagner, LLP Bill & Sheila Bachelder You may even get in on a special Dig Nelson Dental History promotion! Larry & Kay Ehret Kenny Dalager Albert Layman Absolute Energy Royce & Karen Helmbrecht (Continued on page 11)

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Vintage Base Ball Match set for Grand Meadow A rivalry was started in Grand Meadow in 2012 that will be revived during the 2013 Meadowfest Celebration on Saturday, June 29 at 6 PM behind the Grand Meadow school.

The History Center of Olmsted County Roosters will be seeking to once again get the best of the Visitors enjoying the GAR Hall during the Meadowfest Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2012. Grand Meadow Nine in an 1860s vintage base ball match. Played by the rules of the time, there will be no gloves, no sliding, and Join us at Meadowfest 2013 gentleman-like conduct throughout Save the dates of June 29 and 30 to attend Meadowfest in Grand Meadow and the event. enjoy a weekend of history! The Mower County Historical Society will open the doors to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Booth Post #130 Hall on each day We encourage as many cranks (or to allow visitors inside of this one-of-a-kind property. Listed on the National fans as they are called today) to Register of Historic Places, it is one of three remaining halls in Minnesota and the attend the match and cheer on the only one south of the Twin Cities. Built in 1891, it served as the meeting hall for local Nine as they try to avenge Civil War veterans as well as township elections in Grand Meadow. The GAR Hall their previous loss to the Roosters. will be open on June 29 from 10 AM to 2 PM and June 30 from 12 to 3 PM. Bring a lawn chair, your neighbor, and a few “bits” to cover yourself in The historical society will be featured in the parade starting at 2 PM on June 29 so case of a fine. feel free to give us a shout out as we come through town. If you are interested in playing with For some extra excitement, stop out behind the Grand Meadow school on the 29th the Nine, please contact Dustin at at 6 PM to watch a vintage base ball game played by the rules of the 1860s. (507) 437-6082.

If you’d like more information on the Meadowfest festivities, visit the City of Grand Meadow website. See you at Meadowfest!

The rivals posed for a friendly picture after last year’s match.

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(Continued from page 9)

Godfather’s Pizza David Ebertz Bill & Linda Boe Boe Brothers Tiling Inc. Dean & Harriet Ulland Michael & Linda Miller Mower County Corn & Soybean Producers Mary Frances Guiney John & Terry Gray Carol Green Paul Anderson Mark & Carleen Wolterman Kim & Kerry Kestner Dr. Gene Muchow David Schlichting Knights of Columbus #1201 Russell & Cheryl Potter Donna Robbins William McGovern Vern & Sue Grove Richard & Sue Quam Marty & Laura Helle Ancestry.com is the mega-giant of genealogy sites. It has one of the largest databases Rodeway Inn of records from the United States and Europe. Gordy Hjelman Paul Couvrette Denise Farnsworth Dale Maul Witt Fabrication Jerry Reinartz How to Use Ancestry.com Tucker Company Tim Hyland Class Being Offered in April Frances Vander Stucken Woody & Marilyn Vereide Ancestry.com has become the mega-giant of genealogy sites. There are millions Jill Cordes of people each month who log onto the website to find their ancestors. Would you Hormel Foods Corporation like to learn how to most effectively use the website? Then attend the “How to Farm Bureau Financial Services - Use Ancestry.com” class offered by Austin Community Education and the Mower Wyn Alexander Richard Kelly County Historical Society. The class will take place at the Mower County Broskoff Structures Inc. Historical Society on Thursday, April 11 starting at 6 PM. Dave’s JDs Robert & Nancy Clark During the two hour course, Executive Director Dustin Heckman will share his Dolores Frank expertise using the website to teach attendees how to get the most out of the Sarah Broadbent website. This class is great for any skill level. The class will be hands-on so Gary Anderson participants are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet to the class in order to get Laverne Hoffman hands-on experience with the site. Worlein Funeral Home Roger & Ila Johnson Lylealumni.com Cost is $10 per person. To register, contact Austin Community Education at (507) Chris & Cathy Roser 460-1700. Old Mill Restaurant Ruth Wunderlich Tim & Bonnie Rietz Mower County American Dairy Association Gene Anderson IBI Data Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services John Ulwelling Brian Voogd Robert Stephenson Gehling Auction Company Paul Chase Donkers Hometown Appliance

Spring 2013 11 Time to Renew your Contact Us

Membership for 2013 To learn more about Memberships for 2013 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

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