THROUGH THE YEARS, I have photographed numerous patriotic scenes and American flags.
Today, in celebration of the birthday of the United States of America, I bring you American patriotism from…
the Stars & Stripes Garage in Heidelberg, Minnesota;
an historic home in Decorah, Iowa,
the Main Street of Montgomery, Minnesota,
and Anywhere, USA.
Happy Fourth, dear readers! Enjoy this holiday and thank God for the freedoms that come with being an American.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
IT’S ONE OF THOSE SPLIT SECOND moments when you must decide as a photographer, do I or don’t I?
Usually I do.
Saturday afternoon after peeking inside the Contented Cow, an inviting restaurant tucked into an aged stone building along the Cannon River in historic downtown Northfield, I noticed a bridal party arriving for a riverside shoot.
I really wanted to race down the steps for some close-up shots and my husband even suggested I do so. But the photographer in me who has shot perhaps a half dozen weddings for family over the years hesitated. And rightly so. I remembered how difficult it is to have all those family members thronging around, wanting to take their own shots while I tried to hurry things along and get my work done.
Nope, I wasn’t going to intrude on this professional photographer. So I shot two quick frames from near the top of the steps and called it good.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
The Minnesota State Band plays in the Central Park band shell in Faribault.
WHEN THE OLDEST BAND in the state of Minnesota, The Minnesota State Band founded in 1898, performed in Faribault on a recent Thursday evening, the audience was bouncing and tapping and directing from benches and from their lawn chairs scattered across Central Park.
A snippet of the crowd listening to The Minnesota State Band.
I love people-watching at concerts nearly as much as listening to the music.
To my right, an elderly man, hands waving, mouthed the words to Ferde Grofe’s “Over There Fantasie,” a World War I song otherwise known as “Ode to an American Soldier,” as the band kicked off its selection of half American and half British Isles tunes.
Before that, conductor Charles Boody bemoaned the loss of a time prior to and during WW I when folks would gather to sing. With the invention of the phonograph and radio, that musical era ended and he termed that loss “a shame.”
I expect that on this Thursday evening, more than a few of the mostly senior citizen audience members would have agreed with him.
As drums beat, feet tapped and swayed and I momentarily confused the drum beat with thunder. Rain threatened, but never fell.
Some audience members pulled out blankets.
The wind stirred a cool breeze through maple trees and forced some concert-goers to wrap wool blankets around themselves. Lily leaves seemed to dance to the music and a preschooler hip-hop-marched to the rhythm, Grandma keeping an ever watchful eye on her.
A few kids, like Emmett, attended the concert.
At the audience perimeter, Emmett’s sisters brushed chalk from the 20-month-old’s shorts after he plopped onto the sidewalk to roll his toy truck across chalk art created by children during Faribault’s recent Heritage Days.
And the band played on. Selections like “Chorale and Shaker Dance,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “”Knightsbridge March.”
Sirens wailed, more than a few times. A semi truck packed with caged turkeys rumbled by, destined for the Jennie-O Turkey Store blocks away. A biker zipped through the park and a walker walked the sidewalk around the park.
Barbara Sells of Mojoe 2 go prepares fresh lemonade for a customer.
During a brief intermission, Barbara Sells of Mojoe 2 go squeezed lemons for fresh lemonade. It was her first time vending at the concert. She noted that her drive-through business, located by the Faribo West Mall at 190 Western Avenue Northwest, sells more than just coffee. You’ll find lemonade, too, and other cool summer treats. She’ll be back at the park.
Then the band played on.
When conductor Boody stepped up to introduce Arthur Sullivan’s music from the comic opera HMS Pinafore, the repeated shrill of a train whistle quelled his soft voice. He went with the moment, stating how much he likes trains.
Darkness began to fall as the band finished its performance around 8:30 p.m.
And I appreciate evenings like this when I can take in the music of a fine band right here in my community as part of the free, yes, free, Thursday night Concerts in the Park series. The Faribault concert was partially funded by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The Minnesota State Band’s other performances are all in the metro. (Click here to see the band’s schedule.)
The New Prague Community Band plays in Faribault this coming Thursday, July 3, presenting traditional band and German band music at the concert which begins at 7 p.m. (To see the complete concert series schedule, click here.)
A free outdoor showing of the movie, Monsters University, follows that performance. Outdoor movies are new to this year’s schedule with The Lego Movie slated to show after the July 24 concert.
I’d like to see more families at these concerts. When my three kids were growing up, we’d come nearly every Thursday evening to listen to the music. A relaxed park setting offers the perfect opportunity to expose kids to music in a venue where they needn’t sit. I observed numerous concert-goers swivel their heads to observe an active preschooler, smiles spreading across their faces. There’s something about kids and music and the outdoors…
For a $20 donation to support the band, concert goers received a teddy bear.
And there’s something, too, about band members like trombone player Patricia Ireland, whom we applauded after conductor Boody noted that she’s been with the band for 50 years. Remarkable. The Minnesota State Band is the only remaining state band in the country. While once a state-funded group, the band today operates as a non-profit with all-volunteer membership.
And because we clapped with enthusiasm, the band played an encore while a helicopter thump-thump-thumped overhead, aiming toward the hospital.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
JULY FOURTH in North Morristown is like a step back in time, a true grassroots celebration in the heart of rural southern Minnesota farm land.
A large crowd enjoys a free afternoon concert by Monroe Crossing on July 4, 2013. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Since 1892—that’s 122 years if you’re counting—Trinity Lutheran Church and School have observed our nation’s birthday, giving it the distinction as the oldest Fourth of July celebration in Minnesota.
The country church and school, and a cluster of several farm sites, are North Morristown, set among fields of corn and soybeans in Rice County west of Faribault.
The Fourth of July celebration is held at the North Morristown festival grounds, pictured here, in southwestern Rice County. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
At 9 a.m. on July 4, stands and games open at the festival grounds across from Trinity. The grounds remain open until after the 10 p.m. fireworks.
This is an event which offers a day of good old-fashioned fun and memory-building for all ages, including the 10 a.m. parade that runs a block, or maybe two.
An overview of the novelties shoppe and games and rides building. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
I can’t recall how many times I’ve been to North Morristown on the Fourth. But enough that I’d recommend this celebration to anyone, especially those seeking a sense of simplicity, community, history, patriotism and Americana. All define the Fourth of July here.
A peek inside the ice cream shoppe. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
From the parade to the flag raising to the patriotic program, medallion hunt, bingo, music, kids’ games and rides, silent auction and, let’s not forget the delicious homemade food, you’ll find it all.
Enjoying a pork sandwich and a beer at the 2013 Fourth of July celebration. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
The homemade pies are to die for as are the BBQ pork and hot beef sandwiches.
Homemade blueberry pie. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
Just a tip. Don’t wait too long to order your slice of pie or you may not get the type you want. Pie sells quickly.
The vintage car ride for kids. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
I love everything about this celebration, but especially the kitschy kids’ rides that appear to have been around forever. I expect second and third generations are riding these rides. This event is definitely family-oriented.
The bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing, has performed at North Morristown the past seven years, presenting two concerts at the celebration. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
Music comprises a major part of the festivities. The well-known bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing, is slated to perform at 1 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. on the main stage. Also on the main stage will be the Roe Family Singers at noon and 4 p.m. and the Mountain Lake Gospel Singers at 7 p.m. There will also be music in the beer garden.
Zinghoppers, a band focused on entertainment for the preschool and elementary-aged crowd, performs at 2:30 p.m.
The bingo callers. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
Visitors stopping by the ice cream shoppe could drop donations for the entertainment into a drop box at last year’s celebration. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
Just a few other things you should know: Parking and entertainment are free, although I’d suggest you buy a $1 celebration button and/or donate monies to support the festival. Bring a lawn chair, just in case. There are picnic tables and bleachers but those can fill quickly.
Hot pork and beef sandwiches and cold beverages are served from this stand. Burgers and other foods are also available.
Keep your food and alcoholic beverages at home as they are not allowed onto the church or festival grounds. There’s plenty of great food and drink available for purchase. Lock your vehicles. This may be in the middle of nowhere, but…
Homemade pies and ice cream are served from the pie building. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
And did I tell you to order a slice of pie?
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
SEE SPOT RUN.
When I learned to read, I read about Dick, Jane and Sally and their dog, Spot. Plus their cat, Puff, and Sally’s teddy bear, Tim. And let’s not forget Mother and Father.
See Dick run. See Jane run. See Sally run. Did they ever walk?
Such were the exciting words printed upon the pages of my classroom primers.
So when I spot a “See Spot Run” sign along Wisconsin State Highway 21 near Omro, I think of learning to read, not canine services.
But it’s a clever connection, isn’t it? Would you understand this stand-alone sign or would you, like me, have to Google “See Spot Run” to understand?
Then there’s the most amusing of all signs further along the highway. It advertises diesel sandwiches at JB Sales with locations in Arkdale and Necedah. I’m certain the sign maker didn’t intend for the message to be read as “diesel sandwiches.” But that’s how my brain reads the words.
I’m still puzzling over another sign, this for Silvercryst, a fine dining establishment along Silver Lake near Wautoma that boasts GR8 steaks. Why wouldn’t you just spell out “great?” Because the sign is supposed to resemble a license plate apparently.
There are lots of cheese sellers in Wisconsin vying for local and tourism dollars. So you have to make yourself stand out. And one cheese sign in particular, in Omro, catches my eye. Because of the cows.
Finally, you can’t travel Wisconsin without noticing an abundance of fireworks signs. There’s nothing too special about this Highway 21 sign, except the advertising of Demo Night on June 20. Is this demo deal common for fireworks places in Wisconsin? Tell me. I’m from Minnesota.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Vintage Marketplace in Farmington
I HAPPENED UPON a sweet little shop in Farmington today.
Nancy, left, and Nita.
Nancy, the owner, and Nita, who sells at Vintage Marketplace, provided a warm welcome for my husband and me who were out on one of our “drives.”
This occasional shop at 302 Oak Street in the heart of downtown, is packed with antiques, collectibles and crafty goodness.
A summery, patriotic scene outside the shop.
With the Fourth of July only days away, I turned my camera lens to all things red, white and blue. Be assured, though, that this marketplace is filled with lots of great finds, not just Fourth of July related merchandise.
Here’s a sampling of the patriotic goodness you will discover inside:
However…if you want to purchase anything showcased here, you will have exactly five hours to do so. Nancy’s shop opens at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Sunday, June 29) and closes at 4 p.m. Remember, hers is an occasional shop, meaning she’s open only two weekends a month and on the third Thursday for Ladies Night.
When the Vintage Marketplace reopens on July 17, it will be filled with completely new inventory, Nancy tells me.
This is definitely a shop worth visiting as much for the merchandise as the friendly crew who run it.
FYI: Learn more about Vintage Marketplace by clicking here.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
A snapshot scene from the Owatonna Farmer’s Market, which covers one-block square Central Park.
AMONG THE VENDORS selling lettuce and rhubarb, onions and the season’s first strawberries and cherry tomatoes, between those marketing jars of salsa, hunks of cheese, pickled asparagus and root beer jelly, mixed with others showcasing embroidered dish towels and bird feeders and fleece blankets and so much more, there are those who offer something just a tad bit different at the Owatonna Farmer’s Market.
Gene Mosher talks to my husband, Randy, about his jar cover opener.
They are folks like Gene Mosher, who calls himself an inventor. On this Saturday morning, this Owatonna resident has set up a small table to peddle his product, the jar cover opener. Most shoppers simply pass him by.
Gene gives a demo. So the contents don’t spill when opened, Gene suggests screwing the opener onto a board and mounting it under a cupboard, for example.
But I stop to investigate the V-shaped metal tool which Gene claims will open those hard to open jars. He places a jar inside the saw-toothed grip and, with ease, unscrews the lid. I try. Success.
Slashed price.
It’s late morning and Gene’s slashed the price from $15 to $10. This is his first time at the market. He has yet to sell a single opener; he’s always given them away. And he insists I take one, too.
I suggest he market his invention at the local senior center, taking the product to those most likely to purchase it. But Gene doesn’t seem too concerned. Pressed a bit, this long ago printer and then machining model maker will tell you about the mud covers he developed for race cars and the piston ring gapping machine which is now sold all over the world. He’s an inventor and tells me I’ve just made his day by stopping to check out the jar cover opener.
Selling the EZ Tomato Cage, which collapses for storage and also has extensions for those really tall tomato plants.
Just like Gene, gardeners Luther Hanson and Mark Gengler saw a need—for a better tomato cage—and created the EZ Tomato Cage. This 59-inch tall structure made of galvanized steel and aluminum parts appears about as strong as any tomato plant holder-upper I’ve ever seen.
Not that I have a need for this $20 per unit made in America product since I grow only two tomato plants in pots. But I think immediately of my middle brother and his wife who plant dozens of tomatoes and likely would appreciate such sturdy, and collapsible for storage, construction.
Rose Gehrke of Waterville set up a stand to sell her homemade cupcakes.
Nearby, I am impressed by Rose Gehrke, a 15-year-old entrepreneur from Waterville who some day hopes to open a cupcake shop. On this morning, she is at the market with her dad and the 96 cupcakes she baked the day prior. Some 10 hours in the kitchen. Four homemade varieties including the absolutely delectable vanilla with raspberry filling topped by cream cheese frosting and the equally delicious chocolate with a cookie dough filling and cookie dough frosting.
Rosie Cakes cupcakes come with my endorsement.
Inspired by the television show, Cake Boss, and kids’ birthday party cupcakes, Rose learned to bake from her mom. Now she’s got her own business, Rosie Cakes, the start-up for her dream of one day owning a cupcake shop.
And because I believe in dreams and the young people who dream them, I purchase two $2 cupcakes from Rose of Rosie Cakes.
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BONUS FARMER’S MARKET PHOTOS:
Sweet little girls’ dresses stitched by Judy Bliss.
Dean, 11 months, snuggles against his mom’s back while his parents shop at the Farmer’s Market. The family recently moved from Houston, Texas, to Owatonna.
Plenty of plants were available for purchase at the market.
Vicky Mendez of Vicky Lynn Designs was selling her hand-molded LEGO crayons (available in several sizes) plus lots of other merchandise.
Another shot of the busy market, which gets even busier once gardens really begin producing. Then vendors are set up along the sidewalk and on the grass. The massive building on the corner with the green trim is the most famous of Louis Sullivan’s banks and is called “a jewel box of the prairie” done in the Prairie School style of architecture. It’s a must-see if you’re ever in Owatonna.
FYI: The Owatonna Farmer’s Market is open from 7 a.m. – noon, May – October, at Central Park in the city’s downtown. It’s an impressive market.
Wayne Wenzel in the back workshop/office area of Dad’s Good Stuff.
CALL HIM A CHARACTER or the ultimate BS-er or, simply, a man of quick wit. Whichever, Wayne Wenzel truly is all of these.
Dad’s Good Stuff is located on a corner of Broadway in downtown New Richland, Minnesota, south of Waseca.
And to locals, this proprietor of Dad’s Good Stuff, a long ago hardware store age-defined by worn wood floors and a wainscot ceiling, Wayne is much more.
You can get duplicate keys made here.
He’s the key maker, paint salesman, furniture refinisher, window and screen repairman and peddler of all things old in New Richland.
Lots and lots and lots of merchandise.
Poke around here long enough in the stashes of aged merchandise that create for narrow, barely-passable aisles, and you will find something you need.
A stack of colorful Fiestaware awaits a buyer.
Wayne’s store holds some wonderful antique furniture including the Murphy bed folded against the wall behind the white table.
Plenty of collectibles here.
Wayne will open the door of the oven here and show you the “pies” he made. Fake, of course.
Pottery for sale.
From Red Wing chicken feeders to Pyrex casseroles, to a Murphy bed, vintage calendars, Fiestaware, John Deere collectible toy tractors and lots lots more, Wayne’s store is packed with good stuff. That is if you are into antiques and collectibles. Or need paint or paint supplies. Or a key. Or a piece of furniture refinished. Or…a bit of bull.
Wayne likely adheres to this sign.
Throughout the building, tacked on walls and tucked into displays, signs showcase Wayne’s humor. Under a “Complaint Department—Push Button for Service” sign, this jokester has affixed a doctored mousetrap with a button.
High on a wall, Wayne informs shoppers: “This Wagon Tonng Was on the First Wells Fargo Stagecoatch that Came Thru N. R. and Latter Robbed by the James Brothers Frank & Jessy James.”
Now, if you believe that, you’ll believe that Wayne once won the Waseca County Spelling Bee.
My favorite of all Wayne’s signs.
But remark to this jovial man about the handprinted “Our Surveillance.” warning posted next to a portrait of Christ peering downward, and his mood shifts. “He’s been good to us,” Wayne says, suddenly serious.
And I know he’s thinking of his son who died of a heart attack five years ago.
“They say time heals,” he’s told me earlier, his eyes watering. I listen and reassure Wayne that it’s OK to talk about Troy, to cry, that time doesn’t really heal. I wonder then how much pain this barrel-chested man hides behind his humor. The moment passes and he’s back at it, dishing out bull.
I’ve only just met Wayne. But he’s made me laugh more than I’ve laughed in a long time. That is his gift to the community of New Richland, to those who stop by Dad’s Good Stuff for paint or keys or collectibles or BS. Laughter. The good stuff.
BONUS PHOTOS:
Be sure to sign the guestbook next to this horse lamp when you walk in the front door.
Admire the aged wood floors.
Be careful what you touch. The varnish on this trunk was still drying when I visited. Table saws are set up about mid-way through the store for Wayne’s woodworking projects.
These, Wayne tells me, are his “computer files,” handwritten cards detailing customers’ paint purchases.
FYI: Current hours at Dad’s Good Stuff are from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday, from 8 a.m. – noon Friday and Saturday, and Sundays by appointment. I’d suggest calling ahead (507-465-8551) if you’re traveling from any distance to shop here. Tell Wayne I sent you.
Check back for another post from New Richland.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
TIMING IS EVERYTHING. Or so they say.
Glancing out the front window of the Red Leaf Cafe, I noticed the tractorcade rolling into New Richland.
Around noon on Saturday, just as my Philly steak sandwich, fries and coleslaw arrived at my table in the Red Leaf Cafe, I glanced out the street-side window to see tractors rolling into New Richland.
The tractors kept coming, not all under their own power.
The tractorcade, which began three hours earlier 27 miles away at Farmamerica near Waseca, was parading into this southern Minnesota town. And I didn’t want to miss grabbing some quick shots of the tractor enthusiasts and their John Deere, Ford, International, Farmall and other tractors.
Driving through downtown New Richland.
So I darted outside, fired off some frames and then headed back inside to eat.
One of the 20 or so old-time tractor enthusiasts.
Shortly thereafter, all those tractorcade participants filed into the restaurant. Timing is everything.
The BBQed rib special.
Regular diner Robert arrived soon afterward, securing the single vacant table next to the one occupied by my husband and me. But this local senior didn’t have to wait for his food. The crew at the Red Leaf Cafe knows that every Friday, Robert eats the fried fish. On Saturday he has the BBQ rib special. And on Sunday he wants chicken fried steak.
You have to love it—this small town life.
Some of the tractorcade diners.
While the tractor collectors in their worn blue jeans, tractor t-shirts and tractor caps waited to order, Randy and I finished our meals, just as a parade of motorcycles rumbled into town.
Raising monies for those in the military and their families.
Two hundred of them, by one participant’s estimate, riding on a 100-mile Freedom Ride to raise monies for Minnesota’s active duty military families. They’ve raised $100,000 in seven years.
Bikes lined New Richland’s downtown street.
Signs of support and service.
One of the hundreds of bikers.
Taking a break on the 100-mile ride.
Parking along three blocks of Broadway, the bikers, in their worn jeans and leather vests and Freedom Ride and other t-shirts, and with tattoos inked onto many arms, ambled toward a corner bar for beverages, then hung outside in the glorious sunshine of a hot and humid afternoon.
You have to love it—this slice of rural Americana, this appreciation for those who serve our country.
The Red Leaf Cafe in the heart of downtown offered an ideal vantage point to view the tractors and bikes.
In that moment, that afternoon, New Richland seemed the place to be with old tractors to examine and motorcycles to admire.
Checking out the parked tractors.
We lingered and looked. And then, when a whistle shrilled marking time for the bikers to ready for departure, we hurried to our van, wanting to get ahead of the pack heading north, also our direction of departure.
Timing is everything.
A Wagon Train participant readies to leave Otisco.
The drive to Waseca should have been uneventful. But then, to the west, I spotted covered wagons lined up in Otisco as part of the annual Friendship Wagon Train fundraiser for Camp Winnebago. We detoured off the highway, drove through the train and then turned around. A quick look with no time to dally.
Waiting to leave Otisco.
You have to love it—this gathering of horse lovers raising monies for a camp that serves children and adults with special needs.
We did not expect any of this as we set out on our Saturday afternoon drive. But that’s the joy of an unplanned day. The surprise of it all, the timing, the ability to simply enjoy whatever unfolds.
PLEASE CHECK BACK for more posts from New Richland.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
WHAT DO YOU LOVE about Southern Minnesota?
Now Southern Minn Scene, a regional arts publication/entertainment guide, is once again opening up nominations for the best restaurants, bars, music, theater, art, sports/outdoors, retail/services and miscellaneous offerings in our area of the state for 2014.
Who has the best fish fry or catering or BBQ in Southern Minnesota?
Where can you find the best Bloody Marys or happy hour?
Which music festival is a must-attend?
Who’s the best visual artist?
What would you rate as the best campground, sledding hill (yeah, I know, who wants to think winter) or bait/tackle shop?
What’s your go-to antique store?
And, finally, in the miscellaneous category, you can nominate “best ofs” like the best farmer’s market, best place to watch people and best blog/blogger (ahem, maybe Minnesota Prairie Roots).
From now through July 27, you can submit your choices. The top three to five nominees in each category will then be announced as finalists around August 1. Thereafter you will have until Labor Day to vote for the winner.
Simple and fun. And a great way to honor all the great people and places and things of Southern Minnesota.
Click here to begin the process of nominating your favorites in Southern Minnesota.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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