A snippet overview of First Street in downtown Montgomery late on a Sunday afternoon.
EARLY ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON in the dead of a Minnesota winter, downtown Montgomery, except for vehicles clustered around Hilltop Hall for a theatrical performance and around locals bars, is mostly quiet.
A mural depicts downtown. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
The occasional pick-up truck cruises First Street, the main north-south route through the heart of this Le Sueur County farming community of nearly 3,000 noted for its strong Czech heritage.
Although this self-proclaimed “Kolacky Capital of the World” lies only about 25 miles northwest of my Faribault home, I’ve never really explored the town except to attend three plays at Hilltop Hall and to write a magazine feature story about Franke’s Bakery. The 99-year-old bakery specializes in kolacky, a folded Czech pastry filled with poppy seeds or fruit.
Franke’s Bakery. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
On this Sunday afternoon the bakery is closed. And so are most other businesses. Without distracting vehicles, I can fully appreciate the historic architectural qualities of this downtown. From the aged brick buildings to the vintage signage to the woodframe storefronts that always remind me of something out of a Western, I am smitten with these buildings, this business district.
I must, I tell myself, return to Montgomery when these businesses are open. I can only imagine what discoveries await me.
I love antique shops and thrift stores, so you can bet Sweet Repeats Resale Shop is on my list of places to check out.
Look, another antique shop, La Nette’s Antiques’n Lace.
Lots of super cool vintage signage in Montgomery.
Because my eldest daughter is in love with a Schmidt boy (nothing to do with the beer), I had to photograph this sign. The striped building is the local meat market.
On the National Register of Historic Places, the historic Westerman Lumber Company office and house is home to Pizzeria 201. The restaurant makes homemade pizzas, a wide selection of Italian foods and more. I’ve heard rave reviews about the food.
So small town: burgers and a meat raffle promoted on a whiteboard in a restaurant window.
I don’t expect I’ll get inside this vintage 1800s house tucked between businesses on First Street, but I could try. That’s the office of the local newspaper, The Montgomery Messenger, on the left.
I absolutely love these small towns that have kept their historic buildings like this one dated 1896.
TOMORROW, IN THIS FIVE-PART SERIES from Montgomery, I take you to Hilltop Hall, which I’ve visited thrice. After that, we’ll go inside Franke’s Bakery, with photos from my 2010 visit there; I don’t expect much has changed. Next, I’ll show you how this community honors its veterans in a unique way. And then, to end my five-part series on Montgomery, I’ll show you several bonus photos from the town.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Very neat to see this small town with all the history that has to be there. The thrift shops and antique stores look very inviting to me…teapots…teapots….
I agree about the thrift/antique stores, which is why I need to return when these are open. Mostly, I love how so many old buildings remain in Montgomery.
Oh you know I’m in love with this little town, never been there, but your photo’s are enough for LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 🙂
I have noticed that more and more murals are popping up in these small towns, great outlet for the local artists. The vintage signs are very cool and I got a chuckle when you mentioned the “schmidt boy” very clever! Isn’t it crazy how much there is to explore right here in Minnesota. I love that! Looking forward to your five-part series 🙂
I know how much you appreciate small towns and historic buildings. And, yes, so much to discover right here in Minnesota. Oftentimes we do not appreciate what exists right in our backyard. I need to find out when those antique shops are open in Montgomery. There’s also an import shop (probably Czech, but can’t immediately recall) off Highway 13. I know I could easily spend a day poking around Montgomery.
I did not realize they actually have a town anymore. Unexpected.
Oh, yes, Montgomery is very much a thriving farming community.
We often drive 99 across but have never turned off into Montgomery. We could go have pizza but I an GF. How did your poetry event go here in Kato? (I was buried in the move and the date slipped by without my notice.)
Well, next time you are in the area, detour into Montgomery. It’s worth a look. I did not get to the poetry reception in Mankato because of the snow predicted for that evening. Turns out the weather forecast differed from the actual beginning of the snowfall, so I could have attended. But… Still hope to make it over to Mankato to see the exhibit.
This place has not changed much from my high school years growing up around that area – thanks for sharing and the memories! I miss the Czech pastries though:) Happy Monday
Where did you grow up specifically? Franke’s Bakery will ship kolacky, just FYI.
My wife is born of Russian Orthodox, Russian-speaking Czechs. Complicated place, that part of the world. Well, half Scandinavian and half whatever you call that half of her family. Russian? Czech? Russoczech?
You just make me laugh sometimes.
I really hate to admit this but, when I read this post it seemed that the words “Franke’s Bakery” were in much larger type and were actually speaking to me. That happens to me often, at least where there’s food/baked goods involved!!! LOL!
Nope, same font size. Wait until I take you inside the bakery…
Mmmmmmmmm!
Never before have a heard of a meat raffle.
I’m not sure what they are either, but I have heard of them. Hmmmmm, inquiring minds…