DOWNTOWN OWATONNA, MINNESOTA:
The word reads “GREEN.”
But the visual is blue…
Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Entrepreneurs, inventors & more at Owatonna Farmer’s Market June 27, 2014
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.
Minnesotans remember the Holocaust in traveling exhibit June 23, 2014
I READ IT IN THEIR STORIES. Courage. Hope. Strength. Fortitude. Survival.
I see it in the lines that etch deep into their faces, in their piercing eyes, in their hands. Courage. Hope. Strength. Fortitude. Survival.
Panels showcase portraits and stories.
They are men and women, now living in Minnesota, who survived the Holocaust.
On a recent Saturday, in Owatonna, a rural Minnesota community far removed from the horrible history of Nazis and concentration camps and atrocities against Jews, I was introduced to brave souls who endured almost unimaginable experiences to emerge with spirits still strong, hope alive, lives to live.
Holocaust survivor Leo Weiss.
Eva, Ella, Sam, Walter, Paula, Anne, Joe, Trudy, Leo…
The Steele County History Center, 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna, is hosting “Transfer of Memory” through August 17. Museum admission charges apply.
Thirty-five impressive portraits by photographer David Sherman and accompanying information written by Lili Chester tell the stories of these Holocaust survivors in the traveling exhibit, “Transfer of Memory.” The show, created in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, will remain at the Steele County History Center until August 17.
Their stories will touch you.
I’m especially pleased that this exhibit is showing in Owatonna, offering southeastern Minnesota residents like myself the opportunity to view the portraits and read the stories without traveling into the Twin Cities metro.
Panels of portraits and stories define “Transfer of Memory.”
As I perused the panels of photos, plucking laminated story cards from below the portraits, I found myself immersed in the personal stories of survival and lessons learned. Hands gripped to prevent separation. Warnings given to save lives. Lying about age and religion to save one’s self. Death and marches and sickness. Horrible horrible stories.
In their words: hope.
But always hope. Hope and faith and more allowed these individuals to survive such awful atrocities.
I wonder if I would have possessed the willpower to continue on, to overcome, as they did.
Survivor portraits and stories impress.
These Holocaust survivors offer not only their experiences, but their introspection. Therein lies the power of this exhibit:
Don’t hate, it is a terrible thing. Everyone is born innocent. There is no reason to hate.— Eva Gross
The United State presents to me and all our sons and daughter (s) an equal opportunity. Have patience, make an effort and be tolerant.— Sam Rafowitz
The potential of (evil) is there in all of us if we do not remember the past.— Lucy Smith
FYI: If you are unable to view this exhibit in person, click here to see the portraits and read the stories online.
Permission was secured from curators Laura Zelle and Susie Greenberg and from photographer David Sherman to use these photos of Sherman’s work and the exhibit quotes published here. Original exhibit photos and text are copyrighted.
Mistaken identity April 14, 2014
One of the dogs spotted in a truck at the alpaca expo. Photo edited to make the dog more visible through the side passenger window.
EXITING OUR VAN at the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna recently to attend the Minnesota Alpaca Expo, my husband and I did a double take.
An alpaca appeared to be seated in a Ford Excursion hitched to a livestock trailer.
But, no, that couldn’t possibly be.
And it wasn’t. Upon closer inspection, we discovered two shaggy dogs (sorry, I don’t know breeds) inside the SUV.
An alpaca.
From a distance, though, they look remarkably similar to alpacas.
Now lest you are concerned that these canines were in danger and we should have phoned animal control, not to worry. Windows were open and temps were in the low sixties.
They did not appear to be in any distress. Just confusing folks like us with their shaggy locks…
Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Incredible quilt art in Owatonna April 9, 2014
The entry to the Owatonna Arts Center, inside the former Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children, later renamed the Owatonna State School. The City of Owatonna now owns the site, today called West Hills with the OAC located at 435 Garden View Lane.
HE EXPRESSED IT so well, the quilter’s husband waiting outside the Owatonna Arts Center Sunday afternoon for invited guests to arrive from Rochester.
A quilted work of art bursts with color.
Quilting, he surmised, has evolved from a homemaker’s craft to a recognized form of art.
The quilter’s husband and the quilter view the extensive collection of quilts.
He’s so right.
If you appreciate art and quilts, you will want to see “Quilts in Bloom”
“Quilts in Bloom,” featuring around 80 quilts stitched by members of the local Piecemakers Quilt Guild, blossoms in the nooks and crannies of gallery space in an exhibit that runs from now until April 27.
Baskets of blossoms and more.
This show simply blooms with creativity:
A close-up of the traditional Dresden Plate pattern in the foreground with a second quilt in the background.
A contrast of modern geometrical to the traditional Sunbonnet Girls.
This block from the 1930s Sunbonnet Sue pattern features quilting and embroidery.
I really like this pairing of wood sculpture with quilt art. The earthy tones in each complement one another.
For $1, you can buy a chance to win “Stars in My Garden.”
A block in a teapot themed quilt.
During the opening reception, musicians performed in the venue space, where several quilts are displayed.
Whimsical art.
A Faribault quilter and his wife tour the exhibit on opening day.
Floral design at its quilting best.
Quilt art lines a hallway.
From the playful to geometric, abstract, traditional, whimsical and more, you’ll discover an array of eye-pleasing colors and patterns here.
Artist Lois Doyle created “Mountain Laurel,” a quilt she started 25 years ago. She has several quilts in the show. Laurie Spindler machine quilted this quilt. Even with arthritic hands, Lois still quilts. Remarkable.
The talent of these quilters impresses me. Truly, they deserve the title of artists.
This sign posted at the quilt show says it all.
FYI: This marks the 10th annual Piecemakers Quilt Guild show, which is held every three years. You can tour “Quilts in Bloom” during gallery hours, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday. A $3 donation is suggested. Click here for more information.
BONUS PHOTO:
While at the show, stop to appreciate this beautiful space connecting the Owatonna Arts Center to the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum. I’d suggest allowing time to tour the museum and nearby cottage. Check hours before coming as they may differ from gallery hours.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
It’s ice cream season in Minnesota April 7, 2014
Long lines form to the two serving windows at Blast Softserve, 206 West Rose St., Owatonna.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND THE LINES at Blast Softserve in Owatonna stretch sometimes 15 deep.
Lots of dogs waiting with their owners. Some of the canines got ice cream, too.
Families and couples and teens and dogs (yes, canines, too), all waiting for ice cream treats. No one complaining. No one seemingly in a hurry. Not even me, Ms. Impatience.
A peach pie flurry.
But after this Winter of Our Discontent—the winter that has blasted us with too much cold and too much snow—I am delighting in the 64-degree weather. No snow, although I order a peach pie flurry. Winter still on the brain, apparently.
Taking an order at the outdoor service window.
I am still dressed in warm threads, too, a flannel shirt, while some here are baring their winter white arms and legs.
So many choices…including grasshopper treats.
The mood is jovial. My husband jokes with a boy, about nine, that getting grasshoppers for a grasshopper treat may be difficult given they are out of season.
His father, quick with the wit, shoots back: “Maybe they bring them (the grasshoppers) in from South America.”
And they all laugh.
The building that houses the ice cream shop and Rose Street Pizzeria. Lots of loitering going on down the sidewalk to the right at the walk-up ice cream window order area and patio.
You can’t help but feel happy here at this hometown ice cream shop.
Lots of kids lining up for ice cream treats.
Sun and clouds. Kids and dogs. Shirt sleeves and shorts.
Kitschy signage.
Bikes parked in the bike rack. Stenciled letters. Kitschy art.
Just in case…
A bell to ring.
A blueberry sundae.
Dripping ice cream cones. A mother wiping chocolate ice cream from her son’s face. Temporary brain freeze.
Stenciled on the roof overhang above the serving windows.
Life is good on a Sunday afternoon in April in southern Minnesota.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Owatonna exhibit celebrates Steele County: Butter Capitol of the World October 8, 2013
MILK COURSES through my veins, for I am the daughter of a dairy farmer.
Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo from Ron and Diane Wegner’s rural Faribault dairy barn.
Growing up, I labored in the barn beside my dad and siblings—feeding cows, bedding straw, lugging pails of milk to the bulk tank, washing milking machines, scraping manure and more.
I smelled of cow, watched bovines’ tails flick flies and rise to release streams of splashing hot pee into barn gutters.
Sandpaper rough tongues sometimes grated across my skin. Cold, wet noses dampened the sleeves of my chore coat.
I carried gallons of frothy fresh milk to the house for pasteurization and consumption.
The Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition is a part of Minnesota culture. A current exhibit at the Steele County History Center features photos of past county dairy royalty, including 1978 princess Kari Schroht, left, and 1976 princess Kathy Zeman, right. Earlier this year, carved butter heads from recent past princesses were displayed in borrowed glass door freezers at the history center.
I knew cows and milk and once competed for Redwood County, Minnesota, dairy princess, a title I coveted but could not win because I lacked the poise and confidence and beauty to represent the industry.
A banner welcomes visitors to the Steele County: Butter Capitol of the World exhibit at the Steele County History Center in Owatonna.
These memories flit through my mind as I consider a recent visit to the Steele County History Center in Owatonna to tour the featured exhibit, Steele County: Butter Capitol of the World.
The exhibit is interesting and educational.
It’s a must-see exhibit which will trigger memories for those who grew up on dairy farms and educate those who didn’t. And, even with my dairying background, I learned a lot about the history of dairy farming in Steele County.
A vintage sign promoting butter in Minnesota.
For example, Steele County gained its world-wide Butter Capitol reputation after Owatonna Manufacturing Company invented the mechanized butter churn in 1893, revolutionizing the dairy industry.
But two decades prior, in 1873, the county was well on its way to establishing a strong dairy reputation with four local cheese factories producing 150,000 pounds of cheese, more than any other Minnesota county.
Information and artifacts from the days of bottled milk delivery.
At one point, Steele County boasted two dozen-plus creameries.
Hope Creamery, south of Owatonna, still produces coveted, award-winning Grade A butter in small batches. Butter boxes from Steele County creameries are displayed behind glass in the exhibit.
In December 1926, thieves stole 19 tubs of butter valued at $700 from the Steele Center Creamery.
Two Steele County women, Mina Holmes and Marianne McRostie, won numerous national awards for their hand-churned butter.
Images of some spectacular Steele County barns are showcased.
Yes, so many accomplishments led to this southern Minnesota county holding the title of Butter Capitol of the World from 1898 – 1940, says Jerry Ganfield, who along with a committee of four women involved in the dairy industry, created this remarkable exhibit. Ganfield, holds a background in communications and marketing, grew up in Iowa and worked one summer during college as a milkhouse operator. Today he lives in a barn turned house near Bixsby and volunteers with the Steele County Historical Society, serving on its board of directors.
A portion of the expansive exhibit on Steele County’s dairy industry.
Work on the Butter Capitol exhibit began in January with the historic display debuting in mid-July. It runs through November 10. Eventually, many of the items will be returned to the farm machinery building in the Village of Yesteryear (next to the Steele County History Center) where most were previously displayed.
Visitors can get down low and check out the udder on a model cow.
Perhaps I am a bit biased being a dairy farmer’s daughter and all. But this exhibit is one of the most impressive, thorough, detailed and interesting I’ve seen in a county history center.
Just another view of a portion of the exhibit.
Steele County: Butter Capitol of the World is well worth a drive to Owatonna to peruse. Just give yourself two hours, minimum, to tour the display.
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BONUS PHOTOS:
Vintage signs are abundant in the exhibit.
This tin toy barn, right, caught my eye. The exhibit also features a handcrafted replica of a barn.
A familiar site to me, a cow in a stantion.
Also familiar, those Surger milkers in this display. My dad used these before he installed a pipeline.
Indian Maid Feeds memorabilia is displayed in glass cases along with an impressive collection of butter molds and other items. Indian Maid Feeds was sold from the late 1950s – 1984 by Owatonna Elevator Company. The brand pictured an Indian maiden to recall the legend of Princess Owatonna, whose health was restored by drinking the mineral spring waters of the area. The exhibit also features a large wooden logo of the princess that once rested atop the elevator. You’ll need to visit the exhibit to see that vintage art.
The Steele County History Center encourages kids to join its Time Travelers Club and History Detectives. The detectives meet at 10:15 a.m. and the travelers at 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the History Center, 1700 Austin Road, Owatonna.
Click here to read a Minnesota Public Radio story about Hope Creamery.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
In Owatonna: Celebrating the old-fashioned shoe store September 10, 2013
I CAN STILL FEEL the taut cotton string snugged around the shoebox, knotted and clamping the lid in place, the smell of polish and leather locked inside.
I can taste, too, the sugary sweetness of the sucker tied to the shoebox, a treat for any child getting a new pair of shoes.
A back-to-school display at Owatonna Shoe.
Leather and lollipops are as much a part of my childhood back-to-school memories as a Big Chief tablet and boxes of sharp-tipped Crayola crayons and lace-edged anklets.
They’ll measure your feet at Owatonna Shoe.
Back in the day, there were stores that sold just shoes or retailers like Montgomery Wards which featured sizable shoe departments with full customer service. Employees measured your feet then disappeared behind a cloth-covered doorway only to return with stacked boxes of shoes.
A clerk carries a box of shoes for a customer.
I remember feeling like a princess of sorts as the clerk slipped a shoe onto my foot, sometimes yanking shoelace ends before tying a tight bow. I would wiggle my toes upon command as the salesman bent low, pressing on the tip of the shoe to assure the right fit.
Nostalgia today draws me to places like Burkhartzmeyer Shoes in Faribault, a third-generation family-owned business. It’s my favorite shoe store as much for the service and quality of shoes as for the people who work there.
Owatonna Shoe is located next to another long-time business, St. Clair’s for Men, in the heart of downtown Owatonna.
Recently I checked out another area family-owned shoe store, Owatonna Shoe at 121 N. Cedar Avenue in Owatonna, 15 miles to the south of my community. I didn’t need shoes. Rather I simply wanted to poke around, to see for myself why others have raved about this place.
I found the look of an old-fashioned shoe store in the basement, complete with what appear to be vintage chairs.
I found what I expected—a down-home friendly place with a welcoming atmosphere and great customer service.
On display: Buster Brown memorabilia.
As a bonus, I also discovered bits of the past in a collection of Buster Brown collectibles…
Colorful vintage chairs and shoes in the basement.
…vintage chairs…
Tom Brick purchased this mechanical horse for Owatonna Shoe in 2010. Its original history in Owatonna stretches back to Duffy’s Fairway Food Store, where it entertained generations of children from 1946-1990. The horse still works.
…and a mechanical horse for the kids to ride.
Stacked boxes of shoes fill the store.
Owatonna Shoe’s business motto, published on its website, says it all:
“We don’t just want to make the sale, we want to make a customer for life.” It’s a long time philosophy of Owatonna Shoe. We pride ourselves in providing unparalleled customer service, unique product offerings, and personalized attention in a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
BONUS PHOTOS:
This place pops with color and pride for the Owatonna Huskies.
A shoe sale in the back room in the basement.
A nod to Owatonna’s namesake, the legendary Indian Princess Owatonna. As the story goes, the maiden drank from the healing natural spring waters in the current day Mineral Springs Park.
The store carries the ever popular Red Wing brand of shoes made in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Colorful shoes, colorful signs.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
A photo essay: Life on a Saturday in southern Minnesota September 8, 2013
IF EVER I DOUBT carting my camera with me nearly everywhere, I need only consider the photos I snapped on Saturday in rural Minnesota. The images show snippets of everyday life, of moments and places that seem not extraordinary at first pause, but which are extraordinary for the stories they tell. This is life. These are the moments of our days, the Main Streets of our towns, the way we live.
And I delight in all of it, in this place I call home, this southern Minnesota.
Mid-morning Saturday, while watering flowers, a mini tractorcade puttered past my Faribault home. By the time I realized what I was seeing and retrieved my camera from my office, I was able to photograph only the tail end of the line. Lesson learned: Grab my Canon before going outside to water flowers.
Over in Owatonna in the afternoon, I shot this signage in the heart of downtown. Walt the Barber. I expect he could spin a story or ten.
Perhaps Owatonna’s best-known historic building, the old National Farmer’s Bank Building, considered by some to be “the most beautiful bank in the world.” I’ve toured it previously and can vouch for the accuracy of that description. Chicago architect, Louis Sullivan, designed the bank, built in 1908. It’s a must-see.
On the opposite side of the street from the bank, I spotted this sign in the front window and this cooler of fresh sweetcorn outside of Party-Plus of Owatonna. My husband had already purchased sweetcorn earlier in the day for more money, so we didn’t need any. If you’re looking for anything party related, this store offers a great inventory of products.
I stopped at family-owned Owatonna Shoe and snapped 40 photos, the best of which I will share in a later post. For now you’ll have to settle for this exterior shot with that delightful OPEN TODAY til 5:00 postscript. I’ll also feature photos from “Steele County: Butter Capitol of the World,” an exhibit at the Steele County History Center and my reason for visiting Owatonna on Saturday.
I love beautiful, historic architecture. Driving by Kristi’s Clothing in downtown Owatonna, I zipped down the window and shot this image of one stunning building. Look at that sweet balcony and the detailed art.
Instead of bar hopping, this bridal party stopped at an ice cream shoppe. I captured this scene as my husband and I were leaving downtown Owatonna and heading back to Faribault via County Road 45. No Interstate 35 for us due to road construction.
The Congregational United Church of Christ posted this message in the heart of Medford. I love these faith-based messages because they always cause me to reflect. Mini sermons, I call them.
Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Kids doing good in Owatonna August 8, 2013
ALL TOO OFTEN we are quick to see the negative, to despair about the world today, to worry about what the future holds for our young people.
But then along comes something uplifting like a project undertaken by students from Lincoln and Washington elementary schools in Owatonna and my confidence and hopefulness are restored.
While accompanying my husband on a recent stop at St. Clair’s for Men in Owatonna to pick up his suit for our eldest daughter’s wedding, I noticed a basket filled with colorful art.
Of course, I inquired about the handcrafted pins, earrings and magnets and was pointed to a sign explaining the project.
Owatonna students, upon learning about the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy and the lives lost in that fierce storm last fall along the East Coast, decided to help. Thus the “Houses for the Homeless” fundraiser, initiated several months ago.
With mat board, markers and hand-painted papers, the young artists designed mini houses, a visual of the rebuilding process.
Already, I’ve been told (although not confirmed with project organizers), the project has raised $3,000 for Hurricane Sandy relief from those $5 per artwork piece sales.
If you’re feeling cynical today, or tomorrow, or the next day, about young people, then consider this fundraiser and these elementary school kids from Owatonna.
Students today, unlike those of my childhood, are growing up in a much different and bigger world. I don’t recall ever undertaking a single compassionate project during my school days. Activities such as “Houses for the Homeless” teach kids to think beyond themselves and their wants and needs. And that is a very good thing.
FYI: “Houses for the Homeless” pins, earrings and magnets are available for purchase in Owatonna at St. Clair’s for Men, Kristi’s Clothing, Cedar Floral Design Studio and Central Park Coffee Co.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
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