WRAPPING UP OUR TOUR of Montgomery, I present several bonus photos from this southern Minnesota community.
A view from a downtown Montgomery alley late on a Sunday afternoon.
These photos don’t showcase anything particularly outstanding. Yet, they reveal interesting buildings or parts of buildings not seen unless you detour through an alley or along a less-traveled street.
I’d always advise you to follow the road less-traveled. Always.
Discovered in that same alley.
Another “blacksmith shop” across town.
The rear handicapped accessible entrance to historic Hilltop Hall which is built into the side of a hill. This entry off a narrow alley leads to the second floor performing arts center space.
I believe the building on the right once housed Montgomery Brewing Company. Can anyone confirm?
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
The title of this post alone, “Slinking Through the Alleys”, got me thinking. As always, the photos are great, but this whole version of one road less traveled is a great spark as I think about spring break with my kid this coming week, taking time to do something different, and, maybe, finding some alleys to look at the backside of things. Hmm. Happy Friday!
Now that would be a novel spring break adventure compared to, say, Florida. In all seriousness, you certainly grasp the point I’m trying to make with this entire series. So much awaits us right here in Minnesota, not always before our eyes on the route usually taken. But still there, none-the-less, if we only choose to slow down, to explore, to look beyond the obvious, to appreciate the small towns, the backroads destinations. Happy exploring.
Florida is overrated for this Minnesota girl! 🙂
Never been there, so I wouldn’t know. But I have heard that from others, too.
So much of a town’s historic personality can be detected by such wanderings. In our town, in the residential allies, there will be the old barn-like structures (now used as garages) that saw their birth 100+ years ago as housing for, perhaps, chickens, a horse (or two) and carriage or Model T. I’m sure that they are ready to “speak” to anyone who would care to listen. Hugs, D
That is so true. Buildings could tell so many stories, if only we stop to appreciate them and imagine, or, sometimes, ask.
I think the “ask” part is really ‘key’. In our town it may mean a trek to the assisted living/elderly apts to find out what story is behind some structures, but, I have found, that people love it when there’s interest shown towards things they value! A blessing for all!
Unfortunately, we often do not realize this, this asking of the elders, until it is too late.
Yes, and persistence is sometimes needed as those who have a story may deem it insignificant/unimportant!!
That is absolutely correct.
I love the road not taken ……usually when we travel that is exactly what we do—look for the unconventional way of getting there! Great shots!
Sister of my heart, you are.
🙂
Take the “Blue Highways,” except now maps show the freeways in blue.
My wife and I are going over next week.
Wonderful, Clyde. Will be awaiting your “report” from Montgomery. We carry an atlas on our Sunday drives, mostly because I don’t like to be “lost” and we have no such thing as a GPS.
I think the GPS is fun. We call her Naomi and our car Ruth. Our daughter uses the English accent on hers and calls it Hyacinth.
Love the biblical reference. Outstanding.
I’ve never really done much snooping in the alleys. Nice finds Audrey! I like that hilltop has the handicap access in the back ally…did you know that before you drove back there?
I don’t often snoop in alleys either, but I may do more of that now. Yes, I knew about the back alley handicapped access because a group of seniors from a nearby assisted living facility were exiting it. They were so thrilled about coming over from Lonsdale to see “On Golden Pond.” A nice afternoon outing for them. The young woman escorting them remembered taking dance classes in the hall.
Thanks for sharing these photos Audrey! I just went to an intimate concert of singer/songwriter Charlie Roth in my hometown of Milaca and he sang a song about his hometown. We may see these buildings hundreds of times but never really pause to think of its history or the stories they tell. You may be able to find this song on You Tube. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and appreciate our everyday surroundings. I absolutely love exploring MN with my family and many of my ideas have come from you. Thanks!
Here is the link to Charlie Roths Music. The first video featured is called Feels Like Home to me. This is near Madison, MN but certainly is a touching song that could speak of anyone’s hometown. http://www.charlierothmusic.com/watchlisten/
Thanks for the link, Erin. I will certainly check it out as even the title entices me.
Erin, with humility I accept your thanks for directing you to those places in Minnesota we may not typically consider exploring. You and I share the same passion for those small town and rural sites which are often overlooked. Sometimes we become so familiar with our environments that we fail to notice the details or the treasures right before us. I attempt through my photos and words to reveal the details. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I am most appreciative of readers like you.
That’s so great! How often do you see a blacksmith these days? Never, that’s how often!
I’m not really sure this was a blacksmith shop or just a sign for one that once existed.
Yeah, quite possibly, but still…pretty neat!
Confirmed. That building was the Montgomery Brewing Company.
Thank you, Chuck. Anything else you can share about the brewing company and/or present day usage of the building?