IF EVER I DOUBT carting my camera with me nearly everywhere, I need only consider the photos I snapped on Saturday in rural Minnesota. The images show snippets of everyday life, of moments and places that seem not extraordinary at first pause, but which are extraordinary for the stories they tell. This is life. These are the moments of our days, the Main Streets of our towns, the way we live.
And I delight in all of it, in this place I call home, this southern Minnesota.
Mid-morning Saturday, while watering flowers, a mini tractorcade puttered past my Faribault home. By the time I realized what I was seeing and retrieved my camera from my office, I was able to photograph only the tail end of the line. Lesson learned: Grab my Canon before going outside to water flowers.
Over in Owatonna in the afternoon, I shot this signage in the heart of downtown. Walt the Barber. I expect he could spin a story or ten.
Perhaps Owatonna’s best-known historic building, the old National Farmer’s Bank Building, considered by some to be “the most beautiful bank in the world.” I’ve toured it previously and can vouch for the accuracy of that description. Chicago architect, Louis Sullivan, designed the bank, built in 1908. It’s a must-see.
On the opposite side of the street from the bank, I spotted this sign in the front window and this cooler of fresh sweetcorn outside of Party-Plus of Owatonna. My husband had already purchased sweetcorn earlier in the day for more money, so we didn’t need any. If you’re looking for anything party related, this store offers a great inventory of products.
I stopped at family-owned Owatonna Shoe and snapped 40 photos, the best of which I will share in a later post. For now you’ll have to settle for this exterior shot with that delightful OPEN TODAY til 5:00 postscript. I’ll also feature photos from “Steele County: Butter Capitol of the World,” an exhibit at the Steele County History Center and my reason for visiting Owatonna on Saturday.
I love beautiful, historic architecture. Driving by Kristi’s Clothing in downtown Owatonna, I zipped down the window and shot this image of one stunning building. Look at that sweet balcony and the detailed art.
Instead of bar hopping, this bridal party stopped at an ice cream shoppe. I captured this scene as my husband and I were leaving downtown Owatonna and heading back to Faribault via County Road 45. No Interstate 35 for us due to road construction.
The Congregational United Church of Christ posted this message in the heart of Medford. I love these faith-based messages because they always cause me to reflect. Mini sermons, I call them.
Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I could not have stated it [opening paragraph] any better. Life happens; capturing it is always exciting in my mind. I especially like the last church photo.
Thanks, Dan. You and I understand each other well when it comes to photographing life. Readers, be sure to check out Dan’s photography if you haven’t already. His work is incredible.
Thanks for making me smile. I really like this post. And the stop at the ice cream shoppe is a darling idea. 🙂
You are welcome, Lisa. I liked the ice cream shoppe idea, too.
Great Captures – Beautiful Buildings – love that you captured a Wedding party too!!!
The wedding party was a bonus shot. Always need to keep the camera at the ready and eyes wide open.
Oh Audrey?!!! How could you not mention the 2 classic cars in photo 1, with the Tractors? The first car is a Buick 1959 and the classic Pontiac behind the Buick. Just kidding, thought I would toy with your mind. Great photos of “Our State” Town streets. The Wells Fargo Bank building in Owatona is a treasure. As many times as I have driven past it, I never took the time to go inside and admire the stained glass windows! Have you seen them from inside?
Oh, Allan, I did not need to mention the classic cars because I knew you would inform all of us. Thank you. You know your cars.
Yes, I’ve toured the bank. You ought to also. Definitely worth seeing.
The ice cream shot is awesome! That is my favorite one in this group. And some road construction is MAJOR road construction! Took us forever to get home on Friday after picking up Chris’s new car in north Minneapolis. Ugh. He went up tonight to spend the night so he does not have to battle it all tomorrow morning. What a mess 35 is!
I just want to clamp my hands over my ears and shut my eyes when it comes to road construction on Interstate 35.
It is horrible to put it mildly.
Oh, great. I am not looking forward to the upcoming trips to and from the airport.
Loved the ice cream photo, also!!! I90 in our future!! Leaving for the Black Hills on Wednesday. I think it’s a bit quieter on the “super slab”!! LOL!
Here’s to ice cream and clear sailing on I90. Have a safe journey and a great trip.
Thank you……will do! ;-b
I love the ‘mini sermon’ outside the church. I’ve never had a line of tractors pass through my street. The architecture in your town is gorgeous xx
That sermon’s great, isn’t it?
I live in a rural area and along a main route through town. It’s not uncommon to see tractors, combines and other farm machinery occasionally pass by.
The old buildings are actually in Owatonna, a town about 15 miles to the south of my community of Faribault. But my town also has many historic buildings.
Got some great shots Audrey, I really like the “Kristi’s” building, it’s so beautiful and curb-appealing!
I left my camera at home today when we went to visit Rick’s brother family out on Lake Zumbro, it about killed me ( I left it on purpose) I miss so many shots that I now only have in my head….ugh.
I am laughing, Jackie, because I know exactly how you feel. Whenever I leave my camera at home, I miss a shot. I don’t know how I am going to handle not taking my camera to the daughter’s wedding. Maybe Randy will have to hide it.
Randy will have to put it under lock and key, Ha ha. Hopefully your mind will be occupied enough to distract you from your camera…are you chuckling now? I know what you’ll be thinking….”I hope the photographer is getting THAT shot”! (over and over again), I only know that from experience of two children getting married. 🙂
Oh, Jackie, maybe I could just take the camera to church and shoot some pix before the wedding. Would that be OK?
A quick search says that your hometown and my hometown are about 528 miles apart (and only an 8 hr trip to get there!) and yet the similarities are uncanny! My heart is stirred – homesick for my hometown. And I love the sermon-on-a-sign, too.
Marilyn, I love comments like yours, when I know I’ve touched a reader’s heart. Thank you.