EACH TIME I TRAVEL through Sleepy Eye, I notice this old house situated on a corner along U.S. Highway 14 east of downtown.
A quick snapshot of a patriotic house in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.
I could lament at the need for a little exterior TLC.
But rather, I focus on the patriotism, that always-there “WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS” sign.
Within the walls of this old house lives someone who’s perhaps served or has a loved one serving our country or who’s simply just proud of our military. Maybe all three.
I love the genuineness of this patriotic display. I imagine the homeowner shopping for the bunting and the flags and those little whirligigs.
I imagine, too, the long search, or maybe even a special order placement, for that can’t miss royal blue carpet.
This old house shows me patriotism at its grassroots basic. From the heart. From the home.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
That royal blue carpet really makes the entry “pop.” That home does have some interesting character – I’ve never seen an awning like that over a bay window. Interesting.
I didn’t notice the awning until you mentioned it. I wish I would have a better shot of the entire house. But this is one of those drive-by shots. If we stopped every time I wanted a photo, we would never reach our destination.
We’ve never not reached a destination, but we’ve arrived several hours later 🙂 I typically tack on a few extra hours when we travel long distances as we usually stumble upon something interesting.
That’s a great idea to tack on extra time. Sadly our time is often limited and we don’t have the luxury of slow travel, unless we are out for a leisurely Sunday afternoon drive.
I can see why this house catches your eye. I love the displays of patriotism that I see across our country. It always warms my heart to know that others are proud of their country, too.
That’s how I feel, too. And those displays of patriotism are so prominent this time of year.
I even bought two mini American flags to stick in my front step flower pots. Unfortunately, they were made in China.
Of course they were made in China. Were there 50 stars??? 🙂
Randy counted them.
Actually, it is against the law in Minnesota to sell an American flag made in a foreign country. I pointed this out to the clerk at the grocery store where I purchased the two flags. Of course, then I went ahead and bought them anyway. I had been looking for flags about this size and they were the first I found with the fabric sewn around the stick rather than stapled to it. With the whipping winds, I didn’t think staples would hold the fabric. Anyway, point is that I was a bit of a hypocrite, condemning the sale of U.S. flags not made in America and then buying them anyway.
I had no idea it was illegal to sell American flags made in a foreign country ! I need to find out if Iowa is one of those states, too!
Here’s a link to the Minnesota law: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=325E.65&year=2013&keyword_type=all&keyword=American+flag
Great Capture! There needs to be some flower pots on those black plant hangers – look a little barren without. Happy Hump Day 🙂
Details, details.
Not only do I love the patriotism, but I think the house itself is fascinating. I really love old houses, and wonder about it’s history.
I love old houses, too.
Love the little roof and detail over the bump out window, and the love for patriotism goes without saying for this home owner. I have never been as far west as sleepy eye on Hwy 14…. I’ve got some exploring still to do 🙂
Oh, Jackie, you need to travel at least as far west as Walnut Grove on Hwy 14. Are you a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House book series? I rank them as among my favorite books. Anyway, Walnut Grove holds an outdoor pageant based on Laura’s books and has many other activities going on. Your grandkids would love the Family Festival at the city park. This year 10 of the stars from the TV series will be in Walnut Grove on the last weekend in July.
Go west, young woman, I say.
Hi everyone. I don’t know quite how I stumbled upon this blog, but I wanted to mention that I actually know the people who live in this house. They are the sweetest people you could ever hope to know.
They are two sisters and their brother, all three retired. After their parents passed away some time ago they remained together living and working in the community. One of the sisters was my nanny growing up. She and the other sister also were our maids (I guess I grew up with money).
Their father had served in the armed forces, either in WW2 or Korea. I don’t recall which. They are very proud of their country and their community. Their house could massively use TLC inside and out. However their love for God, country, community, and family is the purest around.
Next time you pass through I strongly recommend knocking on their front door and saying hello to them. Don’t worry, they don’t have any guns. They don’t have a mean bone in their bodies. They will however talk your ears off about anything and everything
Michael, thank you for telling me about the people who live in this patriotic-themed house. I can tell how deeply you care for them and what wonderful people they are. I expect they are well-loved in Sleepy Eye. Has anyone in town (a church perhaps) ever considering doing something for them, like painting the house exterior or helping with other home repairs?