Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Stop & smell the roses in small towns, like Kenyon July 8, 2024

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This identifying signage is posted on Kenyon’s city building. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

WHEN IT COMES to branding, everything is coming up roses in Kenyon. Literally.

Welcome to Kenyon and its Boulevard of Roses. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Roses bloom throughout the summer in the boulevard. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
So many lovely roses… (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

This community of just under 2,000 identifies itself via its Boulevard of Roses which is, indeed, a rose-filled boulevard on Minnesota State Highway 60/Gunderson Boulevard. For blocks along this heavily-traveled roadway on the west side of downtown, tree roses grow, blooming beauty into the landscape.

So many beautiful roses in assorted hues. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Whether growing individually or in clusters, these tree roses are glorious. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Traffic whizzes by on both sides as you smell/view the roses. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Recently, I stopped to smell the roses. Literally. I dipped my nose into the perfume-scented flowers, delighting in their fragrance as semi trucks and other motor vehicles blew by me only feet away. Smelling the roses here requires caution. I’ve often wished Kenyon had a public rose garden, allowing for rose viewing, and smelling, in a peaceful setting.

Even a plaque on Kenyon’s city building has the rose brand. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

But that the city has this, this Boulevard of Roses, is a gift. Back in 1962, city employee Lloyd Jystad asked to plant 10 tree roses to spruce up the boulevard. Permission granted. He cared for the rose bushes, which require burying in the ground before winter and then uncovering in the spring. From that initial request, the rose idea grew to include some 100 bushes, which are still cared for by city employees today. The Boulevard of Roses was dedicated in June 1968. That’s a long time of growing and tending roses.

Rose branding on the city liquor store. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Throughout Kenyon, roses bloom. In many ways, it’s remarkable for a community this small to have such a strong identifier. But I saw roses everywhere during a recent visit, far beyond the real ones that bloom along the highway. The red rose symbol graces many a sign in Kenyon.

A sandwich board sits outside a small business well in advance of Rose Fest. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Business branding on a shop door. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Promoting the upcoming Rose Fest car and truck show in a storefront window. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

The city also celebrates roses in August with the Kenyon Rose Fest, this year August 14-18. It’s your typical small town summer celebration with fest royalty, a parade, a car and truck show, vendor and craft market, great food, and more. Mostly, Rose Fest is about connecting people and community. It brings folks together to celebrate small town life.

A fitting name for a floral shop in Kenyon. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

I often wonder if motorists, as they drive through Kenyon in their hurry from Point A to Point B, even notice the beauty they’re passing by in the Boulevard of Roses. I’m here to say it’s worth your time to stop, exit your vehicle and smell the roses. Life is much sweeter when we slow down and appreciate the nuances of small towns like Kenyon with its Boulevard of Roses.

© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Happy Fourth of July from southern Minnesota July 4, 2024

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At the Kenyon Public Utilities building, signage marks the birth and bicentennial of our country from 1776-1976. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

BUILT BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE. I suppose in many ways that could describe the building of America. We are a nation built by the people on the principles of freedom, of democracy. That’s important to remember in the hoopla of the Fourth of July, a holiday synonymous with BBQs, parades, fireworks and a day off from work.

Spotted on a house in Kenyon. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

But the founding of our country, the birth of a nation, is at the core of our July Fourth celebration. Or at least it should be.

A stunning house along Red Wing Avenue showcases beautiful landscaping and the red-white-and-blue. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

On recent day trips to several small towns in southern Minnesota, I noticed the red-white-and-blue on full display. Visual reminders that loyalty to country and liberty are still cherished.

A flag flies at Kenyon’s hardware store. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

I appreciate when people, businesses, governments showcase the colors of this country in ways that honor and respect the integrity of America. Not to make a political statement.

Patriotism in carved eagles and an American flag in a Kenyon neighborhood. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

In Kenyon, a rural community of just under 2,000 in Goodhue County, I found an array of red-white-and-blue. From Main Street to residential neighborhoods, locals have infused the colors of our country into the landscape.

Allan and Connie Turner have lots of kitschy handcrafted art in their yard at the corner of Red Wing Avenue and Eighth Street next to the Kenyon water tower. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2024)
American made sold at All Seasons Thrift Store. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Patriotic bags for sale in the thrift shop. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Flags fly. Kitschy yard art celebrates the Fourth. Even inside a thrift store, American pride shows.

An American and MIA flag fly at the Kenyon Post Office. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
An American flag is barely visible to the right as a sprayer passes Kenyon’s veterans’ memorial. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
A patriotic barn and porch quilt, available at D & S Banner, Sign & Print. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

This is America. From small town to big city. From coast-to-coast. No matter where we live in this big wide country, we are, today, one nation celebrating the birth of our nation.

One of several flag decals in the windows of the VFW. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Happy birthday, America! And happy Fourth of July, dear readers!

© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Land eroding around Faribault Woolen Mill Dam July 3, 2024

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In this cellphone photo from the Second Avenue bridge, you can see the boulders piled across the north edge of the dam, excavator to the right. That’s the Faribault Mill to the left on the Cannon River. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo July 3, 2024)

WHEN I LEARNED late Wednesday afternoon of serious river bank erosion by the Faribault Woolen Mill Dam following recent flooding, one word crossed my mind—Rapidan. Last week the Blue Earth River skirted the Rapidan Dam, eroding the earth and creating a new river channel that eventually claimed buildings, trees and more.

Barricades block access to the area along the river where crews worked to stabilize the bank on Wednesday. The Faribault Mill is across the river. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo July 3, 2024)

Right now I don’t see that happening in my community. The dam, the river, the landscape differ. In Faribault, crews worked to mitigate further erosion by piling boulders on the north side of the mill dam. That’s a temporary fix until water levels drop and officials can check for damage to the dam.

The second dam next to Father Slevin Park is not showing serious erosion, although water is flowing over the bank on the south side. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo July 3, 2024)

I stopped briefly Wednesday evening to see firsthand what is happening at the two dams on the Cannon River. Water levels remain high, although lower than they have been. But more rain is predicted in the next several days. Exactly what we don’t need.

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NOTE: I did not have my 35 mm Canon camera with me so I had to use my cellphone to shoot these photos, thus I could not zoom in to take better, clearer images.

© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Pondering freedom & small town American pride

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American pride displayed at a brewery in Montgomery, Minnesota. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

A flag flies from the popular Franke’s Bakery in downtown Montgomery. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

How often have you sung those words, heard those lyrics, considered the meaning of our national anthem? Perhaps, after time, the words have become simply rote, voiced without much thought of their meaning.

A flag rock in a flower garden at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Our nation’s birthday seems a good time to ponder the depth of bravery required to attain and maintain our freedom. It’s come at great cost with loss of life and physical, mental and emotional trauma. And, at times, with events that have rocked the very core of our democracy.

A flag flies near The Monty Bar, a mammoth building anchoring a corner. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Through everything, our flag still waves—sometimes tattered, torn and abused—but still there. A symbol of our country and the freedoms we live.

Patriotic art on Legion Post 79 is part of The Montgomery Wings Mural Walk. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

It always amazes me how small towns, especially, fly so many American flags. Take Montgomery, a southern Minnesota community that honors its veterans with photos and bios of them posted throughout the downtown area. Montgomery also flies a lot of U.S. flags.

To the far right in this photo, an oversized flag flies along Main Street Montgomery. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Those flags mostly grace lampposts, but also flagpoles, businesses and flower gardens. The red-white-and-blue flashes color into Main Street and elsewhere, creating a visual of patriotism. There’s something about a crisp, new American flag publicly displayed that swells the heart with love of country.

Another flag rock in a Most Holy Redeemer garden. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

My country ‘tis of Thee, sweet land of liberty of Thee I sing…let freedom ring.

A flag drapes on a pole outside The Rustic Farmer on Main, an event center and community gathering spot in Montgomery. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Let freedom ring, unsuppressed by anyone who may attempt to silence it via words, actions, ego, authority. Let freedom ring strong and loud in this land.

Even small flags like this in the storefront window of a cleaning service make an impact. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Let the flag fly as a symbol of a free people, a free country, where democracy is to be valued, cherished and respected.

Montgomery has a lot of drinking establishments and a lot of American flags. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

This Fourth of July, the 248th birthday of the United (emphasis on united) States of America, let’s remember the freedoms we have and vow to always honor them. Always.

© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Symbols of freedom in small town southern Minnesota July 2, 2024

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This eagle graces the veterans’ memorial in Morristown. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file June 2024)

AMERICAN FLAGS, eagles, freedom, democracy…those symbols, those words imprint upon my vision, upon my mind as I consider our nation’s 248th birthday on July 4.

Outside the Morristown Legion, a place to dispose of worn out American flags, which are then burned in a special ceremony held by Legion members. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Admittedly, recent years have proven challenging on so many levels in our country. Division, chaos, discontent have been all too common. That cannot be denied. But, on the Fourth of July, I hope we can all pause, set aside our differences, and appreciate the freedoms we have as U.S. citizens. I hope we understand, too, that our freedoms should never be taken for granted. Ever.

Eagle art on the exterior of the Corner Bar in Waterville. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
A message spotted on a house in downtown Waterville. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Patriotism in the front window of Twin Lakes Auto Parts in Waterville. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

On recent day trips to small southern Minnesota communities, I captured images that express love of country. I appreciate those displays of American pride seen along Main Streets. From flags to messages to art, these are reminders that our democracy is to be cherished and celebrated.

Nearby July 4 celebrations are promoted on the Morristown Legion sign. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo 2024)

All across my region of Minnesota, small towns host July Fourth celebrations. Families and neighbors gather for backyards BBQs. Kids wave flags. Fireworks erupt in the black night sky.

Posted in the window of Bridge Square Barbers in Northfield. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

There is reason to feel jubilant and hopeful and proud to be an American.

© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Flags & the Fourth in southern Minnesota July 1, 2024

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American flags fly on and near a bait shop in downtown Elysian. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

AMERICAN PRIDE RUNS STRONG in many small towns. At least that’s my take after a recent tour of several communities in my area.

A flag flies high outside, Tucker’s Tavern, a popular restaurant and bar anchoring a downtown corner in Elysian. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Take Elysian, a lakeside community of 724 year-round residents in Le Sueur and Waseca counties. The summer-time population swells well beyond that as cabin owners, campers and others flock to the area.

Flags fly in downtown Elysian. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Walk through the several blocks of Elysian’s downtown, and you’ll see American flags flying from lamp posts, buildings and flagpoles, lending a patriotic feel to this southern Minnesota town.

As expected, an American flag flies by the Legion. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Flags line the street in downtown Elysian. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)
Flying the flag outside The Thirsty Beaver. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

In a community that celebrates the Fourth of July in a big way with six days of events running from July 2-7, the prolific flag display seems especially fitting. July 4th and the American flag are, of course, synonymous. As are days packed with July 4th events that draw crowds of locals and visitors.

Red, white and blue in a beer delivery truck and an American flag. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Elysian has an impressive array of activities planned: pageants, a medallion hunt, turtle races, street dances, street and boat parades, arm wrestling, kids’ fishing contest and power pedal pull, flea market, chicken and pancake feeds, bean bag and cribbage tournaments, car show. July 5th fireworks… (Click here for more information.)

One of my favorite old buildings in Elysian, graced by a flag. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo June 2024)

Love of country and love of community merge to create this July Fourth celebration in Elysian, a small town where patriotism shows in the American flags that fly, in the gathering to celebrate our nation’s birthday.

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The popular bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing, performs in North Morristown in 2016. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo July 4, 2016)

FYI: Other area communities also celebrate the Fourth in big ways. That includes the 131st July 4th celebration in North Morristown, where a parade, patriotic program (including a flag raising ceremony), games, kids’ rides, food stands (including homemade pies), music (including the ever-popular Monroe Crossing, with performances at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.), fireworks and much more define July 4th. Events are held on the festival grounds across from Trinity Lutheran Church and School in North Morristown, a spot in the middle of farm fields in southwestern Rice County. (Click here for more information.)

To the south of Owatonna in Blooming Prairie, this small town hosts its 50th Old Fashioned 4th of July beginning on July 3, then continuing on July 4 and 6. It truly is an event for families, with lots happening for kids. Games, pony rides, races, a kids’ pedal tractor pull, inflatables, painting, etc. Adults will find plenty to do also with a fine arts fair and vendor market, music, a tractor pull, parade, fireworks and more. (Click here for more information.)

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NOTE: Check back to see more photos of U.S. flags gracing other small towns in my area of southern Minnesota.

© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling