IF YOU GAVE ME THE CHOICE of visiting a big city or a small town, I would always choose rural over urban. In small towns, I feel the most comfortable, the most rooted. I grew up in rural southwestern Minnesota, on a farm a mile south of Vesta, current population around 300.
Because of that upbringing, I find myself drawn to the countryside and to small towns. To explore. To photograph. To see for myself what defines these rural places.
On a recent Sunday, Randy and I did a day trip along back country roads, eventually landing in nearby Elysian, population around 600. We picnicked in a lakeside park shelter before driving downtown. There we walked on a beautiful June afternoon, taking in the aged buildings and sharing our thoughts about them.
Sometimes we have grand ideas. Like turning the “for lease” former creamery into a brewery. Because, well, we like craft beer and the building looks like an ideal fit for a brewery in this community that draws summer visitors to area lakes.
One of my favorite buildings in Elysian is Pribyl Bro’s Garage, its current use unknown to me. But I love the look of this place, which reminds me of a winery in Cannon Falls. There’s another idea.
Further down the street, we paused to read signage posted on the windows of City Hall. I’m always drawn to these local postings, which reveal a lot about a town. I focused on the notice seeking firefighters. Minutes earlier we’d watched the fire department use a tanker truck to fill a residential above-ground swimming pool.
Next, we spotted an outdoor public pay phone, seldom seen in this day of cellphones. It stands outside a stunning mini brick building. (I noticed a lot of brick buildings in Elysian.) Randy pulled out his cell and dialed the number listed on the pay phone, thinking it would ring. It didn’t.
Then he grew weary of waiting for me. “How many pictures do you have to take of a phone?” he asked. Clearly he doesn’t think like a photographer excited about discovering something not often seen. But, he had a point. I framed a few more images and moved on.
We paused on a street corner, me to photograph window boxes crammed with Fourth of July themed décor and flowers. Elysian typically hosts a big holiday celebration. But this year’s events are scaled down to fireworks at 10 pm on Friday, July 3, and the Fourth of July Boat & Pontoon Parade around Lake Francis from noon until 1 pm on July 4. The town sits along Lake Francis. City of Elysian and Lake Francis residents can join the parade, which offers generous cash prizes for creative decorating and enthusiasm by boaters. Plus, the Elysian Area Chamber of Commerce has sponsored a Light-Up July Fourth event encouraging residents and businesses to decorate their homes, businesses, trees, shrubs and more with red, white and blue lights. Judging is Friday with cash prizes awarded.
From those window boxes, I shifted my camera lens to Fischer’s Corner Bar.
And then I swung my Canon to the right and Pamela’s Pet Shop. Probably a bank at one time, we decided, before turning to retrace our route back to the van.
From across the street, I stopped to photograph Trailside Trims, appreciating the bicycles propped out front with flower baskets, a nod to the many bikers who pass through and stop in Elysian while using the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Elysian is the midpoint for this 39-mile paved recreational trail running between Faribault and Mankato.
And, finally, I paused one final time. To study the many names etched into the brick of Pribyl Bro’s Garage. Morgan, whoever she is, wins with her name appearing most often. By writing her name here, Morgan is now part of the history of this place, this small town.
© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Loved talking a look at this small town through your camera lens. I too grew up in the country and love small towns and everything country. I had a lot of thoughts that lined up with what you said about the photos. I love old creameries, this one is in such good shape. Dad and I were just in the small town of Harmony, they too have a telephone booth outside, it’s such a rare thing to see. My first thought when I saw the pet shop was, “I wonder if that was a bank? I love that corner building. Thanks for taking us with you Audrey. I find Elysian to be a very quaint and lovely small town. I wonder how good that breakfast is at Fisher’s corner bar!
We truly share many interests and are always wondering as we photograph. Have you been to Elysian?
I have not. But it looks interesting.
No stoplights! Wow my kind of town thanks for the pictures and stirring up of memories.
You are welcome, Don. No stoplights!
We were in the southeastern part of Minnesota these last few days and it was beautiful too…so green…so many beautiful farms and lush fields of corn, seeing horses and cows and the some Amish working in the fields…it was absolutely beautiful!
I love that region of Minnesota. So glad you got away and enjoyed the stunning scenery of that area.
Really cool tour! Thanks. I think I might have to swing through there next time I visit. Those old brick buildings also tell a story of a former small affluent town. I bet there was a railroad stop there at one time. I think the phone booth was a really cool find! Really! I never see those anymore or if I do the phone has been ripped out. This was a nice blog to read while enjoying my morning coffee and watching my chickens. Stay safe and healthy Audrey!
Great to hear from you, Paula. Your observation about affluence can apply to many small towns, I expect.
You and yours also stay safe and healthy.
Lots of beautiful old buildings. It sure beats a big city any day
I agree.