EVERY PLACE HAS CHARACTER, especially small towns. Or at least that’s how it seems to me, someone with an affinity for rural. I am not a big city girl, preferring quiet Main Streets to city traffic, low-slung buildings to soaring skyscrapers, small gatherings to crowds. I feel grounded, rooted, at home in rural locations.
For me a day trip to explore small towns is as appealing as a day in the big city for someone who prefers cities. We are all different and that is a good thing.
Recently I toured seven area communities in a single day while working on a photo essay column for SouthernMinn Scene, a regional arts and entertainment magazine. I found myself photographing scenes well beyond the scope of my themed essay focusing on small town bar exteriors and signage. With camera in hand, I always scan for interesting photo ops.
Among my stops was Waterville, in the southern Minnesota lakes region of Le Sueur County. Summertime residents and visitors plus bikers pedaling the Sakatah Singing Hill State Trail swell this town’s population well beyond 1,868. Waterville folks definitely recognize the value these people bring to the local economy, to the community.
I realize not everyone sees what I see upon walking through a small town business district like that in Waterville. I tend to notice details, oddities, the small things that make a place interesting. I’ve photographed the heart of Waterville several times, so this trip I mostly zeroed in on different details.
I should note that I’m particularly drawn to signage—handwritten to business signs.
Waterville will soon be home to two new businesses, as noted on signage. Classic’s Pub, a bar and event center featuring displays of vintage cars and motorcycles, is opening in a spacious corner building along South 3rd Street. Waterville has several other bars. But I’m excited about this one (not that I’ve been in the others) because of its vintage theme.
And just across the street, a sign notes that The Cleaver & Corn is opening soon, serving sandwiches, gourmet specialty popcorn from the local The Snack Shack, sweets and more. That, too, sounds like a great addition to the community. And the business name…I find it particularly creative.
As I walked about the downtown, I saw a whole lot of character. In buildings. In signage. In storefronts. Even in a John Deere riding lawnmower driven to and parked outside Harry’s True Value Hardware.
Just across the street sits Waterville Hardware Hank, offering a second option to locals, cabin owners and campers. I’ve been inside this store with its narrow aisles and original wood floors. Not this trip, though.
Rather, I kept my feet on the sidewalk and pavement, opting to photograph downtown Waterville while outdoors only. That focused perspective revealed plenty of character that makes this small town unique, welcoming, a place I always enjoy visiting.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
brilliant snaps that give us the flavor of this little town.
Thank you, Beth. It’s always interesting to see what I find on these small town tours.
what a great tour of the outside of the town. I esp loved the John Deere parked outside the Hardware store. 🙂
Have a great day. hope your eyes are continuing to heal
kathyg
Kathy, thanks for appreciating this glimpse of Waterville.
My eyes are continuing to heal and are adjusting to the new prism-heavy prescription glasses. My double vision is mostly gone. I still deal with some slanting and curving of flat surfaces. My struggle now is seeing things clearly on my computer screen, an essential when processing images. For now, I remove my glasses while using my computer. But I think I will need to purchase computer glasses. I also find that my eyes still get tired if I do too much. My brain and eyes are working hard. Thanks for asking.
I like reading about your adventures and photos from your visits to rural Minnesota. I like exploring small towns too.
The picture of the house squeezed between two buildings is very interesting!
Thanks, Valerie. There’s a story with that small house. I need to ferret that out.
This is a great photo essay! You have really captured the essence of small-town Minnesota — or what’s left of it. More and more often these signs and older buildings are disappearing. I’m really impressed that Waterville is embracing its “small-town-ness” as it will appeal to a lot of people looking for “the simple life” — which, as those of us who grew up in small towns know, is not always that simple. Creating an event center, for example, is very forward-thinking, as long as it is well-run, includes some great amenities and is heavily promoted. I also am interested in that small house between two big buildings. Quirky!
I appreciate your column — keep it up!
Thank you, Sherri. You clearly understand small towns. And, yes, I need to uncover the story about that sandwiched small house.
Kenyon native!
I need to get over to Kenyon with my camera. It’s been awhile.