photography | Minnesota Prairie Roots

Celebrating four years of blogging at Minnesota Prairie Roots July 15, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 6:00 AM
Tags: Audrey Kletscher Helbling, blogging, Bob Collins, life, Minnesota, Minnesota Blog Cabin, Minnesota Prairie Roots, Minnesota Public Radio, MinnPost, NewsCut, photography, writing

Me and my camera, a tool in the writing profession I love.

FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY, I launched Minnesota Prairie Roots.

As the adage goes, “time flies when you’re having fun.” After writing more than 1,400 posts, I’m still passionate about blogging.

My approach to blogging hasn’t changed since publishing that initial post on July 15, 2009. I pledged then to write from the heart—about everyday life, about places I visit, things I do, observations I make about the world around me.

I told you then, and I’ll repeat now, that my writing reflects my down-to-earth personality and my appreciation for the simple things in life. I am the real deal. I really do like small towns and gravel roads, the prairie and sunsets and endless skies.

I’m the woman who hangs clothes on the line, relishes a good book, shops garage sales, savors the tang of rhubarb crisp, breathes in the intoxicating scent of freshly-cut alfalfa and appreciates Minnesota, the place I’ve called home for nearly 57 years.

Via my posts, I strive to show you those ordinary, yet extraordinary, people and places often overlooked.

To you, my readers, thank you for supporting Minnesota Prairie Roots via your readership and your comments. Some of you have become my real life friends, an unexpected blessing along this blogging journey.

I am also grateful to individuals like Bob Collins at Minnesota Public Radio for featuring my work in his online NewsCut column and to the folks at MinnPost for often choosing my posts for Minnesota Blog Cabin. Both have introduced my work to wider audiences.

Twice my work has been Freshly Pressed, meaning my posts have been selected as among the best in the world for a single day on WordPress.com.

Four years ago I was averaging about 50 daily views. Today that number is close to 700.

I also owe deep thanks to my dear husband, Randy, without whom I could not continue to pursue my passions of writing and photography. He has always been my strongest supporter and I am grateful for his encouragement.

My goal remains to someday earn money from blogging. Unrealistic? Perhaps. But a writer and photographer can dream. I’ve already sold quite a number of photos through my blog. So if you need/want a photo for professional or personal use or need a proofreader, editor or writer, contact me. You’ll find my email on my “About” page.

In all I write, photograph and do, and how I live my life, I remain true to my values and upbringing rooted deep in my native Minnesota prairie.

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In North Morristown: A photo essay of Minnesota’s oldest July 4th celebration July 4, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 9:12 PM
Tags: Americana, celebrations, Fourth of July, holiday, Minnesota's oldest Fourth of July celebration, North Morristown, photo essay, photography, photos, Rice County, rural Minnesota, travel

The bluegrass band, Monroe Crossing, has performed at North Morristown the past seven years, presenting two concerts at the celebration this year.

NORTH MORRISTOWN, MINNESOTA, is about as rural Americana as you’ll find anywhere in these United States of America on the Fourth of July.

The event is held at the North Morristown picnic grounds in southwestern Rice County.

Trinity Lutheran Church and School sit across the road from the picnic grounds.

Here, on the picnic grounds of Trinity Lutheran Church and School, generations of families have gathered for 121 years to celebrate our nation’s birthday with family and friends at our state’s oldest Independence Day celebration, begun in 1892.

The vintage car ride for kids.

The day brings old-fashioned games and rides for the kids, bingo, music, a scavenger hunt, a parade, a patriotic program and more. Fireworks shot over farm fields cap the day’s festivities.

Enjoying a pork sandwich and a beer.

And the food, oh, the food. Homemade pies. Savory hot pork and beef sandwiches, burgers, thick onion rings, and more.

A large crowd enjoys a free afternoon concert by Monroe Crossing.

What a day. What a celebration.

One section of a pole shed is dedicated to bingo and a silent auction.

The bingo callers.

Fun for the kids in the games and rides building.

A ticket for the fish pond.

Filling the squirt gun in the duck pond.

Riding the old-fashioned barrel train.

The day’s proceeds benefit Trinity Lutheran School.

Homemade pies and ice cream are served from the pie building.

Blueberry pie.

Hot pork and beef sandwiches and cold beverages are served from this stand.

Visitors stopping by the ice cream shop can drop donations for the entertainment into a drop box.

Visitors stopping by the ice cream shoppe can drop donations for the entertainment into a drop box.

A peek inside the ice cream shoppe.

Enjoying an ice cream cone.

An overview of the novelties shoppe and games and rides building.

An overview of the novelties shoppe and games and rides and bingo building.

Guess the number of corn kernels in the duct taped jar and win a prize.

A 75-year-old Harley rider arrives at the celebration late in the afternoon.

A 75-year-old biker arrives at the celebration late in the afternoon on his 1977 Harley.

One of several lists thanking supporters.

Garbage pick up by a 1964 grain truck.

North Morristown is set in the middle of farm fields.

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Gathering photos & stories at a Faribault car show June 17, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 8:17 AM
Tags: ambulance, car show, celebrations, Faribault, Faribault Heritage Days Car Show 2013, Kurt Halverson, Minnesota, photography, photos, Scott Thoma, stories, Tracy, Tracy tornado, vintage cars

An idyllic car show setting in Faribault’s TeePee Tonka Park.

SUNDAY MARKED A PERFECT summer-like day here in southeastern Minnesota, ideal for strolling the Faribault Heritage Days Car Show in TeePee Tonka Park.

I love the tree-lined setting along the banks of the Straight River where, on this afternoon, wisps of cottonwood tree seed fluff wafted through the air while I meandered among the vintage vehicles. Fifties music set a period mood.

The truck marking the show.

Although my knowledge of cars is limited, my automotive machinist husband is like a walking encyclopedia of information. He approaches car shows from an automotive perspective. I view them from photographic and storytelling angles.

This ambulance transported patients to the Tracy Hospital and to other hospitals, including in Sioux Falls, S.D.

For example, why would someone like Kurt Halverson of Owatonna own a 1977 ambulance used by the City of Tracy from 1981-1989 and prior to that, Fergus Falls?

The words that caught my attention on this 1977 ambulance. Kurt hopes to drive the ambulance in Tracy’s annual community celebration, Boxcar Days, in September. He recently received an old Tracy ambulance jacket from the Rev. Homer Dobson,pastor at his grandfather’s church.

I was drawn to this particular vehicle by the words “Tracy Ambulance” posted on side windows. (I wrote about Tracy, 25 miles from my hometown, last week on the 45th anniversary of a killer tornado there on June 13, 1968. Click here and then click here to read those posts.)

Kurt, a former EMT, always wanted to own an ambulance. When the Tracy emergency vehicle came up for sale, he jumped at the chance to purchase it. His grandpa lived in the Tracy area, so he knows this small town in southwestern Minnesota well. Owning Tracy’s ambulance is a sentimental connection, he says.

Besides that, this particular ambulance fits into a 7-foot standard garage.

A peek inside Kurt’s ambulance. At one time the funeral home in Tracy, like those in many small towns, provided ambulance service. Kurt belongs to The Professional Car Society, Northland Chapter.

His geographic familiarity with the Tracy area surprised me. I find few people around here who know towns west of Mankato. We instantly connected as we talked about Tracy and he praised Tracy native Scott Thoma’s book, Out of the Blue, about the killer F5 tornado.

Our connection, though, extended beyond Tracy. Turns out Kurt attended Waseca High School with my niece, Tara, and knows my sister, Lanae. Small world.

For me, these car shows are always more about the stories than about the cars…

BONUS PHOTOS (with more to come in a future post):

A 1930s Ford owned, if I remember correctly, by Kurt’s father-in-law.

Because I like to photograph details…

On the front of a Road Runner car.

Lots of trophies to be awarded.

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Dairyland, an old-fashioned drive-in in Fergus Falls June 13, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 7:12 AM
Tags: business, Dairyland Drive In, drive-in, Fergus Falls, food, Minnesota, Pat Connelly, photography, photos, restaurant, travel

I’VE SEEN THIS PLACE BEFORE. I just know I have. On my vintage Candy Land board game. Or in a fairy tale perhaps.

The seasonal Dairyland Drive In opened in 1955. Although I did not ask, I believe the area to the left is the original drive-in, now used for storage and patio dining.

But I haven’t really. Not until this glorious spring evening have I laid eyes on the Dairyland Drive In in Fergus Falls. Now, here I am, photographing this longtime fast food place in the photographer’s golden hour, thrilling in the pop of red against pink-tinged sky, the flash of headlights signaling the end of a Thursday in this west central Minnesota community.

This is as close as I got to going inside the drive in. I should have gone inside anyway, just to photograph the interior. Photographer’s regrets…

If I had even a smidgen of space in my tummy for an ice cream treat, I’d be waiting in line at Dairyland for a hot fudge sundae. But my husband and I have just finished a filling meal of sandwiches and fries at Mabel Murphy’s, across Interstate 94, before touring the town. We are not one bit hungry. Too bad.

A vintage menu is propped outside the restaurant.

So on this visit to Fergus Falls, I must content myself with photographing that sweet gingerbread style building which houses Dairyland, established here in 1955 and now in its 58th year of business.

Pat Connelly

Soon co-owner Pat Connelly notices me and walks across the street. He first worked at Dairyland at age fourteen, when he started with slicing onions. He and his wife, Jean, bought the place in 1997 from his brother, Chuck, who bought the business in 1982 from Bert Skogmo.

Up until 2001, Dairyland still had car hops. Now it’s drive-through or dining inside or on the patio.

Just another view of Dairyland, with the parking lot to the right.

The eatery is still known for its homemade onion rings and for broasted chicken, Pat tells me.

Sandwiches are named after locals and those who worked here. Like the K.C. Ham & Cheese after Kelly Chandler. Or the Borstad Burger.

Pat seems especially proud of all the local teens he’s employed—500-plus through the years. When an elementary-aged girl walks by Dairyland, he greets her, tells me she will be coming with Mrs. Johnson’s class on an end-of-the-year class outing for treats. That’s tradition for most Fergus Falls students.

I can’t help but wonder at the memories they’ll cherish of Dairyland… and pass along someday to the next generation.

HAVE YOU EATEN at Dairyland Drive In in Fergus Falls? If so, let’s hear your thoughts. If not, tell us about a similar old-fashioned drive-in you’d recommend. Note that my husband and I were in Fergus Falls in mid May, when these photos were taken and I met Pat Connelly.

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After the rain June 5, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 7:16 AM
Tags: flowers, Minnesota, nature, photo editing, photography, photos, plants, rain, raindrops, thoughts, weather

AFTER THE LONGEST WINTER I can ever remember in Minnesota, we’re now enduring an especially cool and rainy spring. Clouds hang heavy. Rain drips, sometimes pours. It is enough to dampen the spirits of even the most optimistic among us.

Raindrops on hosta.

So, on a recent evening, after yet another rain shower, I grabbed my camera to photograph post-rain details. This self-made assignment gave me reason to pause, to appreciate the beauty of a single raindrop.

An American flag complements million bells and a geranium in a pot near my front door.

Sometimes you truly must stop, reassess, give thanks that you are dealing only with clouds and rain and cold. Not a tornado or floods or wildfires.

Romaine lettuce in the beautiful evening light.

Lovely spheres of Allium.

Backyard bird bath.

Rain-shined hosta leaves.

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Photographing the midway at Dam Days in Morristown June 1, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 7:25 PM
Tags: carnival, festivals, life, midway, Minnesota, Morristown, Morristown Dam Days, photo essay, photography, photos, small town celebrations

SET ALONG THE CANNON RIVER in Rice County, Morristown, population around 1,000, bills itself as “The Best Little Town by a Dam Site!”

And this weekend, this southeastern Minnesota community celebrates its annual Dam Days, which continue through tomorrow. It’s one of the first summer celebrations in the area, an event that typically draws large crowds, especially for the Friday evening parade.

The compact midway in downtown Morristown.

I’ve never attended the parade, but Saturday afternoon my husband and I toured the historic grist mill and schoolhouse and also took in the carnival and kids’ tractor pull.

Dakota waves to his dad who is photographing his little boy’s ride on the merry-go-round.

As always, I found an abundance of photo ops. Today I’ll show you the midway. Oh, my gosh, a carnival is a photographer’s playground with colorful characters, happy kids, young love, and just so much to take in.

Enjoy.

In front of the local Legion, the choppers.

The coveted prizes hang high.

Young love. No other words needed.

A riot of color.

The Old Town Tavern advertises its Dam Days specials. Great place to eat.

Trying to win a prize.

One of the healthier food choices.

Walking (or falling) in the water balls.

A slow afternoon on the midway…at the Dizzy Dragons ride, originating in Faribault.

Shooting to win.

One final look at the carnival.

If you want to experience a small town celebration, head over to Morristown, located about 10 miles west of Faribault on Minnesota State Highway 60, tomorrow. Click here to read the entire list of events happening on Sunday.

Among Sunday events is the 2nd annual Amateur Backyard BBQ Contest, beginning at 1 p.m. in the park by the river. You can sample five BBQed items for $5.

CHECK BACK FOR MORE POSTS from the Morristown Mill, the old schoolhouse and the kids’ tractor pull.

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A photographic tour of downtown Fergus Falls May 30, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 7:04 AM
Tags: art, businesses, Charles Beck, Fergus Falls, historic buildings, Minnesota, photo essay, photography, photos, sculptures, small towns, travel

A snippet of Fergus Falls’ historic and pedestrian friendly downtown.

I SINCERELY HOPE the fine people of Fergus Falls in west central Minnesota appreciate their historic downtown. It’s a gem.

A stroll through the downtown business district on a recent Thursday evening left me gaping at the detailed architecture, words imprinted in granite, sculpted eagles and sculpted otters, stately brick buildings, a lovely old theatre, quaint signage and art, yes, art.

This Otter Tail riverside community of nearly 14,000 along Interstate 94 an hour southeast of Fargo impresses me. Join me on a photographic tour and I expect you will feel likewise.

The Kaddatz Galleries features the work of noted Fergus Falls artist Charles Beck, known for his woodcut prints.

Kaddatz Galleries features, among other art, the work of noted Fergus Falls artist Charles Beck, known for his woodcut prints.

Examples of Charles Beck’s woodcut prints in the Kaddatz Galleries.

Words chiseled in granite on the front of a building. I would love to know the story behind this.

Words chiseled in granite…I would love to know the story behind this. The inscriptions cover the bottom front of the building.

A Mexican restaurant adds a jolt of color to the downtown.

When I inquired at Kaddatz Galleries about the identity of this street corner statue, I didn’t get an answer. The gracious gallery tender says plans are in place to identify public art. Good idea.

I spotted The Fergus Falls Daily Journal tucked into a door handle downtown.

Another stately corner building.

I stared for awhile at this sculpture atop the historic River Inn before realizing these are otters. The inn sits along the banks of the Otter Tail River.

I stared for a while at this sculpture atop the historic River Inn before realizing these are otters. The inn sits along the Otter Tail River. I believe this building today houses only apartments and does not operate as an inn.

A downtown barbershop complete with a barber's pole charms visitors like me.

The Uptown Barber Shop, complete with a barber’s pole, charms visitors like me.

This hulking federal building houses courtrooms and the post office.

Stunning eagle sculptures span the entries into the federal building.

Stunning eagle sculptures span the front entries into the federal building.

Audience members filter into an historic theatre for a play presented at A Center for the Arts.

Just another shot of businesses in downtown Fergus Falls.

FYI: To view previous posts from Fergus Falls, use my blog search engine to check my archives. I posted last week and during the week of June 12-18, 2011, on my first visit to Fergus Falls. Also, watch for more posts from this community.

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My blogging approach to covering a Minnesota flea market May 29, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 6:50 AM
Tags: auction, blogging, Dundas, flea market, photography, photos, Rice County Steam & Gas Engine Flea Market, rural Minnesota, travel

An overview of the Rice County Steam & Gas Engine Flea Market Saturday morning near Dundas.

FLEA MARKETS OFFER an eclectic mix of merchandise and people, the two ingredients which make shopping and photographing these venues especially entertaining and enlightening.

Mr. Socko, the sock guy, vends socks from Fox River Mills, which originated in Appleton, Wisconsin (home to the Fox River), before moving to Iowa.

Mr. Socko, the sock guy, right, vends socks from Fox River Mills, which originated in Appleton, Wisconsin (home to the Fox River), before moving to Iowa.

For example, I met Mr. Socko of St. Paul peddling American made socks this past weekend at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market in rural Dundas. Ben Suckow’s (his real name) been selling socks for seven years, driving down to Fox River Mills in Osage, Iowa, to pick up these quality socks to vend at flea markets.

Pigs crafts by Gerald Skluzacek.

At the same event, I spotted whimsical flying pigs (and other) garden art created by Northfielder Gerald Skluzacek, retired owner of a sandblasting company. He also makes jewelry.

Linda Stadler arrived with her mittens to sell in Gerald Skluzacek’s vendor trailer.

On this cold Saturday, his and wife Jane’s friend, Linda Stadler, arrives with mittens she crafted from recycled sweaters. And, yes, the weather was cold enough to warrant mittens. Linda would be minding the Garden Space while Gerald attended a party.

As a bonus, Linda asked if I was “that blogger,” yes, the one who writes about her ventures into small towns. That would be me. Always nice to meet a reader who appreciates your blogging.

Photogenic and personable Albert Remme.

I also had the honor of meeting and chatting with Albert Remme of Dennison, who was bundled in a warm coat, an ear flapper cap and gloves on this windy 50-something degree day as he waited on bleachers for his nephew.

After seeking permission to photograph him, I asked Albert if he was a retired farmer. He was a farmer and a soldier. Drafted between Korea and Vietnam, Albert was sent to Hawaii and thanks God he never saw combat. “I don’t know how you could kill anyone who’s done nothing to you,” he said.

Then I told him about my dad, a Korean War vet who fought on the front lines. “It was kill or be killed,” I shared. Not easy. And Albert just kind of nodded his head in silent agreement.

And that’s how these photo shoots go—I spot an interesting person or object or scene and I either shoot a few quick frames or I shoot, then pause to learn more.

Shopping the flea market…

Every time I attend this flea market, I look for a weird piece of merchandise. This year it would be these horns. Why, I ask, would anyone save these? Would you buy these horns or try to sell them?

Signs tell a story, too, like this on an auction wagon there for the live auction.

The auctioneer solicits bids from his movable auction wagon.

I set my camera on the grass to shoot this image of barbed wire that had been auctioned off as the auction continues.

FYI: Click here and here to read two previous posts from the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market. Check back for one final post in which I will show you my purchases.

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Chains, candles, calendars & more at a rural Minnesota flea market May 26, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 10:37 AM
Tags: collectibles, flea market, Minnesota, photography, photos, Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market, rural life, travel

AFTER SHOOTING 101 PHOTOS in about two hours on Saturday at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market, I was trying to determine how to showcase the best shots here.

So I jotted a list of subtitles and noticed a common denominator in many of the images. That would be the letter “c.” Perfect. A photo essay focusing on items beginning with the third letter of the alphabet. Hey, whatever works…

CAP CLAD CHILDREN and Dad CLASP hands. I just love this photo. And, yes, the weather was COLD with temps in the 50s and a WINDCHILL.

Among all the tools and miscellaneous junk, I spotted this CLOWN light plate switch COVER. Makes me wish I had a kid’s room to decorate.

Sam from COATES, snugged in his COAT, reads CARTOONS in the back of his dad’s flea market truck. The 10-year-old COLLECTS knives and lighters.

Lovely CAKE CARRIERS and COLORFUL CUPS for the COLLECTOR.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is an actual ear of CORN. It is not. This is a CORN CANDLE CRAFTED from beexwax by Bob Draheim of Busy Bee Honey Farm, CANNON Falls. He made a mold from a real ear of CORN. How COOL is that?

I suppose when you purchase CHAINS, the easiest way to CART them around, if you don’t buy the yellow CART in the background or don’t own the red CHEVY Suburban, would be to toss the links across your back and shoulders.

My husband, who works as an automotive machinist at the NAPA store in Northfield, COVETED this $30 NAPA CALENDAR gripped by the vendor after the wind tore it from her hands.

An unusual flea market find: a COAL price list. Who knew there were so many types of COAL?

Hungry shoppers, including one in a COWBOY hat, line up for CHOW (aka burgers and brats) from the Northfield Knights of COLUMBUS food wagon.

CLOTHING, including this t-shirt sporting the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines motto, were on sale in the CLUB’S office.

FYI: Click here to view a previous flea market post and check back for two more posts. One will feature my flea market purchases.

The flea market runs until 5 p.m. today. Maybe. Significant rain is falling in the area, perhaps enough to fold up the flea market. You may want to contact a club officer before traveling to this event today.

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A morning at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market May 25, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Audrey Kletscher Helbling @ 5:39 PM
Tags: collectibles, flea market, Minnesota, photography, photos, Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market, shopping, travel, vintage

The Rice County Gas & Steam Engines Flea Market is located three miles south of Northfield along Minnesota Highway 3.

The Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market is located three miles south of Northfield along Minnesota Highway 3.

ON THIS BRISK SATURDAY in southeastern Minnesota—and I mean brisk as in ya better bundle up if you’re spending any time outdoors—my husband and I hit the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines annual Memorial Day weekend flea market.

Don Atkins of Carver invited me to the Scott-Carver Threshers 50th Harvest Festival on August 2 – 4 in Jordan.

I can’t decide what I enjoy more about this slice of rural Americana. The people watching. Or the shopping. Or photographing the flea market.

Even the old steam engine tractor was fired up for the day.

Photo ops abound at this event located on acreage along Minnesota Highway 3 near Dundas (between Faribault and Northfield).

Vendors galore at the flea market. Allow yourself several hours to poke around.

Despite the whipping wind, the tents, and most of the merchandise, stayed put while all ages perused what some might categorize as junk, others as treasures.

You’ll find lots of vintage signage.

A sweet 1940s vintage plane priced at $1,200.

Wood and lead type, some of which I wanted to buy, but didn’t.

A Minnesota souvenir.

Shovels lined up for the live auction on Saturday.

If you can’t find something here that you like, then you’re not digging or searching hard enough or you just don’t like flea markets. The eclectic mix of old stuff is, well, mind-boggling.

Riding the old merry-go-round near the front gates.

There’s still time to make this event. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Sunday. A tractor pull is also slated for 9 a.m.

Eighteen-month-old Marina, bundled up and riding in a wagon pulled by her dad.

Dress warm.

MORE PHOTOS will be forthcoming in additional posts.

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Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

Celebrating four years of blogging at Minnesota Prairie Roots July 15, 2013

In North Morristown: A photo essay of Minnesota’s oldest July 4th celebration July 4, 2013

Gathering photos & stories at a Faribault car show June 17, 2013

Dairyland, an old-fashioned drive-in in Fergus Falls June 13, 2013

After the rain June 5, 2013

Photographing the midway at Dam Days in Morristown June 1, 2013

A photographic tour of downtown Fergus Falls May 30, 2013

My blogging approach to covering a Minnesota flea market May 29, 2013

Chains, candles, calendars & more at a rural Minnesota flea market May 26, 2013

A morning at the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Flea Market May 25, 2013

Follow Minnesota Prairie Roots via Email

An essay of barn photos & memories; In praise of preserving country churches; & Testing the track during a Soap Box Derby trial run in Faribault

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