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December 2015
Your Holiday Guide to Southwest Minnesota
Is He here yet?
Like countless children across the region, Carlyn Olson can’t wait for Christmas to arrive.
Published by Tracy Publishing Company, Inc. • 207 4th Street • Tracy, MN 56175 • (507) 629-4300 • www.swmnsailor.com
2 – Southwest Sailor, December 2015
The “Memory tree” featured military “dog tags” honoring veterans.
Themed-Christmas trees to twinkle in Slayton
Antique toys, like this “Tippee Toes” doll will be displayed throughout the Murray County Museum and Dinehart Holt House.
The Murray County Historical Society’s annual parade of lights open house will take place Sunday, Nov. 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. About 30 decorated Christmas trees will adorn the Dinehart Holt House and the Murray County Museum. Local organizations, groups, businesses and clubs are decorating the trees. “Last year a daycare center had a ‘Don’t bug me about Christmas’ tree, it was covered in bugs!” said Janet Timmerman, Murray County historical society director. Groups sometimes request where they want their tree placed. The Slayton Community Band likes to use the
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Dinehart Holt: See page three
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museum’s music display. The Friends of the Library chose the courthouse booth. “We try to please everybody,” said Gaylene Chapman, Murray County museum site coordinator. In 2014, the Murray County Museum had a WWI exhibit displayed. In honor of that, the Historical Society sold dog tags to those who wanted to honor a veteran family member and displayed them on a special dedication tree. “It was really special,” Chapman remembered. The Women of Today decorated a
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Styrofoam angel started collection
Southwest Sailor, December 2015 – 3
By Carolyn Van Loh
brown tones in the grooves. Then she very carefully finished each figure with What do you remember about bygone a bit of gold leaf. Family and visitors Christmases? An important part of this never ceased to “Ooh” and “Ahh” over holiday season for most people is the her nativity grouping. When I was a newlywed, my husband time spent with loved ones. But let’s and I moved to South Carolina. The focus on the decorations that contribute day we left, Mom presented me with a to memorable times. I grew up on a small southwestern wrapped birthday gift and instructed Minnesota farm in the Fifties & Sixties. me to not open it until my birthday in Decorating a real Christmas tree was early November. To my surprise, Mom a family affair. Mom or Dad would had made me a nativity like hers. That carefully place an angel at the top. How was 47 years ago. One figure may have well I remember carefully hanging the a broken leg, and an angel may have fragile silver tinsel after the colorful an injured wing, but each piece bears glass balls were hung. Often we had Mom’s initials and date on the bottom. to untangle the individual strings, Displaying that nativity set is my pride and Mom would caution us kids to be and joy at Christmas. My younger sister Wendy now careful. We certainly couldn’t ruin the treasures Mom’s nativity set that has fragile tinsel that had been used for inspired her to collect other sets. I haven’t years. My parents never succumbed to the rage of an artificial silver tree with counted how many sets in various sizes the 3-color rotating disk that changed she now has scattered around her house during the Christmas season, but she’s the tree’s color. My tree now may be artificial with like many women who collect nativities year round. A new set pre-lit branches, but makes a good attaching ornaments is souvenir when a trip down memory traveling, and lane because all of sometimes them are special. it will be a The extra meaningful special ones gift for a are from school friend. Wendy students or coeven has a workers, some nativity set on a hand made and low table for her others store bought. grandchildren to A couple small pipe play with. cleaner ornaments One of my “mysteriously” Mr. and Mrs. Snowman oldest son’s bring extra cheer to the Christmas dinner table. first appeared on art projects in my tree after two grandchildren came to visit. My sister preschool was making a Styrofoam angel. gave me several small angel ornaments That angel prompted me to find more many years ago, and friends have given angels, and I now have accumulated me handmade ones. Although the color a large collection. For several years scheme of my tree is white and gold, one my husband would purchase an angel special royal blue ball commemorates unlike any I had. He took delight in the year I decorated the tree in red/ discretely placing it in my arrangement white/blue in honor of my niece who of more than a dozen angels. They he was home from deployment to the waited to see how long before I noticed a new angel. Middle East with the air national guard. I used to display my angel collection After I graduated from high school for 3 weeks in December, but then I and moved away, Mom began working had to carefully repack them. One year with ceramics. Possibly her first major project was an off white small nativity I decided to continue displaying my set. All figures were highlighted with special angels, so now some of them
A “tree skirt” takes on new meaning at the Dinehart-Holt house.
Dinehart Holt Continued from page two
Two decorative angel plates found new places in a guest bedroom.
spend their time in a corner hutch with a glass door or as part of decorative arrangements in a nook or cranny. My guest bedroom has been my “angel room” for many years. When my quiltmaking aunt saw the room, she sewed a quilt for the bed and appliqued small lace angels on the solid squares that blended with my color scheme. Even after a recent major redecoration project, some of my angel figurines and framed angel prints still enhance the décor. Gift stores and antique stores sell both angels and nativity sets. Sales people tell me that they sell these collectibles year round. When friends discover that you have three or four of an item, you will begin receiving items for your “collection.” I visited Lamberton Main Street Peddler antique store recently and purchased a Mr. & Mrs. Snowman salt and pepper set I found in the Christmas section. Now there’s an item for two types of collectors: snowmen and salt/ pepper sets. Don’t let the frenzy of preparing for Christmas deter you from taking a “time out,” to reminisce about Christmases past and the people you shared them with.
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baseball tree in 2014 and due to the baseball exhibit in the museum this year, the Historical Society is looking forward to seeing that tree displayed again. Creativity has no limit for the parade of trees. The Society had displayed a mannequin last year and made a skirt out of tree branches and decorated the “tree skirt.” The trees are provided by the Historical Society and set up trees the first two weeks of November. Groups are able to decorate their trees during museum hours. Trees are displayed through the Holiday season until early January. Each tree will have a collection jar that invites patrons to vote for their favorite trees by making a donation. Voting begins on Nov. 29 and will end Dec. 30. The group with the tree that attracts the most donations will be able to keep what their jar collected. Money given to the other trees will go to the Murray County Historical Society. The Murray County Museum has a new display of vintage toys. The Society invites people to display favorite toys from their childhood that they still have. So far an iron cast threshing machine, wooden mini bowling set and a doll have been displayed. Each person sharing their toy is asked to fill out a Santa letter thanking him for the gift and what year they received it. They are also asked to share a special memory. These letters will be displayed with their toys. In 2014 the Historical Society had approximately 350 patrons came through to view the trees. “It’s a great way for people to come through,” says Timmerman, “then they want to come back to look at the exhibits.” For more information about the parade of trees in Slaytonvisit http://www. murraycountyhistoricalsociety.org.
Published by Tracy Publishing Company 207 4th Street, Tracy, MN 56175 (507) 629-4300 • FAX (507) 629-4301 www.swmnsailor.com tracypublishing@headlightherald.com Seth Schmidt – Publisher April DeSchepper – Ad Composition Kris Knott – Advertising Sales Kyleen Olson – Reporter Lisa Sell – Advertising Manager Carol Strand – Bookkeeper Alicia Swenhaugen – Office Manager PUBLISHER’S LIABILITY FOR ERROR: The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.
4 – Southwest Sailor, December 2015
The Minnesota winter tradition of ice fishing will soon be in full swing. This ice village popped up on Lake Shetek during the winter of 2014-15.
Perch are wonderful ‘first ice’ fish By Joe LeTendre
Unless you plan to carry a ladder, an 8-foot two by four, or walk with an inflated tire tube around your waist, it is best to avoid venturing out on first ice until you know it is at least 6 inches thick, everywhere! Oh! How silly can I be? I know that all of you knew that, but I just had to say it for those folks who have not fallen into icy water in November. First ice can be a great time to fish. Fish don’t have any idea that you could be standing just above them so they aren’t darting around like a bunch of crazy shoppers on Black Friday. Fish can still be close to shore where they have been eating for most of the fall, so a person can usually walk out from shore to fish first ice. The number one first-ice fish in all of Minnesota is the perch. First ice perch can be the fastest feeding fish you will ever encounter. They are like teenagers, so they travel in packs called schools. Like some kids, the smallest perch usually have the biggest mouths. Matter of fact, the saying “your eyes are bigger than your stomach” was first uttered by a guy removing the 15th small perch from his high priced bait! Sometimes first ice is so clear that fishermen can see the perch take their bait. A friend of mine and I spent the better part of a perch trip moving our wax worms away from small perch so the big perch would bite them. My friend was a firm believer in talking to the perch when they would approach his bait. He would say things such as “No, no you’re too small. You don’t want it!” or “get away from it.” The perch never seemed to hear him because when he was talking to one perch, another was stealing his bait from a second line. On one particular perch trip, we drilled three holes in the ice and set up our portable fish house. We got inside and put 3 lines down and started to put
Opland Singers plan holiday show
The Al Opland Singers will present six performances of its holiday music show, “The Mystery of the Season.” Evening performances at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center are slated Dec. 4, 5, 11, & 12 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are planned for Sundays Dec. 6 & 13 at 3 p.m. The show is directed by Jessica Roskamp, assisted by Sandy Roemmich. For ticket information, call 877-7222787.
Fishing Tips Joe LeTendre tells his fishing tales to audiences statewide.
the wood stove and stove pipe up. Bang, our bobbers were all down and we started to catch fish ----- literally hand over fist because we were fishing with hand lines. Fish on, bait up, fish on, bait up. It went on and on and our holes started to freeze up and our hands were cold from minnows so we were forced to take a break and start a fire in the stove. When our corncob fire finally warmed up the fish house we went back to fishing. We finished the day with two 5- gallon pails each, half full of perch. During the day of first ice fishing we consumed 4 lbs of peanuts in the shell and burned the shells in the stove. Each of us drank a thermos of coffee and ate two hard salami sandwiches.
We didn’t have a thermostat in our wood-fired fish house so we encountered large temperature swings. We did experience some really hot times when the stove’s heat seemed to get away from us. During one of those hot times, we discovered that Styrofoam will melt at high temperatures. Our minnow bucket got too close to the stove and most of our minnows could be seen swimming on the floor of the fish house. First-ice is always a great adventure. Just finding all the ice fishing stuff you used seven months ago is a challenge. Remembering which stuff is yours and failing to recognize some stuff you have that isn’t yours can be confusing. I was part of a group that seemed to have the “yours, mine, and ours” problem every year. Then one of the guys came up with a solution. At the end of each ice fishing season we would have a party at his business and we were asked to bring stuff to the party that we knew did not belong to us. At the first party we had, I got a ice fishing rod back that I hadn’t seen for 2 years and had only used once before it disappeared. Some ice fishing tips include: • Do not go ice fishing wearing
S JOIN U EE R F R O F S SNACK
wingtip shoes. • Bananas freeze. They are worthless in an ice fishing lunch. • If someone bakes cookies for you, request the following cookies: Chocolate Chip, Molasses Crinkles (Ginger Snaps), or Oatmeal Raisin. • If you plan to buy “store bought” cookies plan to either eat all of them or bring along a bag for the leftovers. Once you open a store bag, it cannot be closed. • Tape a plastic spoon to any thermos of soup of chili you bring along. It is impossible to drink chili from a cup. • If someone prepares sandwiches for you, never bring any of the sandwiches back home. • Don’t wear your high school letter jacket when ice fishing. • Ice is slippery. Ice covered with snow is still slippery. If you spin your tires on snow and cut through to the ice, the ice is still slippery. Never laugh at someone who slips and falls on the ice, and they will not laugh when you slip and fall. • Never wear glasses or use a cell phone in a fish house. I don’t have to tell you why!
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Southwest Sailor, December 2015 – 5
Holiday home tour, tree walk set in Marshall By Scott Thoma
Ice-cream cone ornaments top this Historical Society tree.
The Lyon County Historical Society Museum in Marshall will capture your holiday spirits with its two upcoming holiday events. The third annual Indoor Christmas Tree Walk, which began Nov. 21, will remain in place until New Year’s Eve. The museum is also sponsoring the 26th annual Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 6. A festive, holiday spirit also prevails at the museum, where holiday decorations are out, cookies, goodies and refreshments available to the patrons. “The trees inside the museum are decorated by area businesses, non-profit organizations, and service organizations,” said Jennifer Andries, Executive Director of the museum. “Visitors vote for their favorite tree by placing money in a box located at each tree.” The top three businesses/ organizations that amass the most money in their box receive Marshall Chamber Dollars. First place receives $100, second is awarded $50, and third place earns $25. “We usually have around 20 trees entered in the Tree Walk,” said Andries. “The trees LCHS provides are six foot or taller, and are green. Groups can also bring in their own tree of any color. The Christmas trees all have different looks. The county historical society also provides LED lights
or groups may bring their own.” The decorations on the trees have to be family friendly and appropriate. Andries said. “But other than that, anything goes. For the first Indoor Tree Walk in 2013, the Marshall Women of Today dressed up a mannequin for their tree.” Decorated trees often reflect the organization’s mission and purpose. “They often have a theme,” said Andries. “For example, last year the Shades of the Past Car Club had paper ornaments with photographs of classic cars belonging to their members.” Boulder Estates won the Tree Walk last year, with residents making the majority of their ornaments. The theme was “It’s a Sweet Life at Boulder Estates.” Their winning tree featured ornaments of ice cream cones, gingerbread cookies, cupcakes, snow cones, candy garland and a giant lollipop on the top. Home tour The Holiday Home Tour, which began in 1990, is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser. “For the past several years, four homes are featured for ticket holders to view,” said Andries. “This year, we have four homes in addition to St. James Episcopal Church in Marshall.” The tour is $20 with tickets available at the Lyon County Museum and Hy-Vee in Marshall.
The tour runs from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 6. “The museum opens at noon that day and is open the entire time for ticket holders to also view the Christmas Tree Walk, exhibits, and enjoy the cookies and refreshments,” said Andries. “Other than being a fundraiser, the purpose of the tour is to give people the chance to see how the homeowner decorated their homes, the history of the homes, and the architecture of the homes.” Those touring the homes are asked not to take photos and supervise children at all times. Shoes should be removed at each home. Paper slippers and shoe bags will be provided at the first home on the tour, but visitors can also bring their own. For more information, call the Lyon County Historical Society Museum at 507-537-6580.
Many homes on the Holiday Home Tour are decorated for the holidays.
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6 – Southwest Sailor, December 2015
Grandma’s gifts grow more precious Note-This essay was given honorable mention in the Sailor’s Christmas memories contest: By Shirley Ross
HOLIDAY HORSES. The Tracy Chamber of Commerce’s 2014 Parade of Lights celebration included carriage rides. This year’s parade is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m.
Every Christmas my mom, dad and I would go to Mankato to my Grandma’s house for Christmas. My grandma and grandpa had 15 children (two that had passed away), so 13 kids, their spouses and their kids got together at Christmas. The house was so packed. We would eat before gifts. All of the families had to bring a dish to pass. Everyone brought the same food every year and it was all so good. Well, I had this one Aunt that every year brought Glorified Rice. No one liked it! When she left the kitchen, she would say “Now help yourselves to that rice, cause I ain’t taking none home.” We would all take big spoonfuls and put it in a napkin and toss it into the trash. She was so excited we ate it , it was so nasty the words cannot describe it! Anyway on to the gifts, the adults drew names so they got what they wanted because they had made a list, and grandma got gifts from everyone. The little kids got a toy such as a Playschool Little People Bus with the toy people in it. Then came the older kids gifts. Us— the ages 10-16—oh, how we dreaded gift time. The house was so full you could not hide anywhere. There were about nine of us that used to try to hide in the bathroom but you can only spend so much time in the bathroom all together! So finally, we took the (do we have to)
walk into the living room to receive our gift. We all knew what we would get because we got the same thing each year! We put on our smiles and “oh thanks Grandma” and go and give her a big hug. We all knew she did not have a lot of money, but mostly we wanted her to be happy! Tears would come for all of us – the fact that she did get us something was a gift itself. It didn’t matter what it was it, was the thought that she had thought of each and every one of us. Grandma Stoltzman is gone now and I would give anything to hug, kiss her and cry when I said thank you for my gift of a pair of the small mittens or gloves that would never fit us. Ross lives in Tracy.
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Southwest Sailor, December 2015 – 7
first introduced the popular cartoon strip starring Charlie Brown. Another tree will have a Beatles theme to celebrate the band’s popularity in 1965. A third tree will be decorated with photos of the 23 pioneer village buildings, some at their original locations before being moved to the current location, and others when they were first displayed or built at historic Chippewa City, the name designated to this 20-acre location. Between 1965 and 1984, the buildings were donated and brought onto the site to be preserved, or were built on the site. Among the buildings are a pioneer school, church and historical homes. Many of the buildings will be decorated for Golden Christmas in the Village. And in the Village Hall, a scalloped potatoes and ham dinner will be served. Montevideo’s pioneer village will be decked out for the holidays.
Christmas, 1965 in Monte By Scott Thoma
Chippewa County Historical Society selects a different theme for its annual “Christmas in the Village” event held on the first Saturday in December. Since this is the 50th anniversary that the 23-building pioneer village has been located in the Wildwood City Park in Montevideo, the selection of a theme was simple this winter. “Our theme this year will be Golden Christmas in the Village,” said Chippewa County Historical Society Executive Director June Lynne. “So, we’re going to have the theme based like it’s 1965.” In the past, some of the Christmas in the Village themes have been “The Roaring Twenties”, Home Front (World War II), French and English. The Golden Christmas Village will
be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 5. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for 1217 years old, and free to those 11-andunder. Parking is free and the village is handicap accessible. Santa Claus will make the trek from the North Pole to be on hand for kids to visit or take pictures with. There will also be horse-drawn rides throughout the day, as well as candy and bake sales, crafters, and children’s crafts. An old-fashioned radio show, which will date back to 1965, will be held at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. “We have a written script and local actors do the radio show,” Lynne said. There will also be “themed” trees on display. The Peanuts Christmas Tree will celebrate 50 years since Charles Schulz
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There will also be lefse and other goodies for purchase. Christmas events in Montevideo Christmas isn’t being celebrated early just in the Pioneer Village in Montevideo. The Merry Montevideo Christmas Jolly Jump-Start Week begins on Nov. 28 with Small Business Saturday and several retailer open houses. “We do Love Local Punch Card Incentive through Dec. 19 with weekly
winners and grand prize winners announced on Dec. 21,” said Emily Sumner, Executive Director of the Montevideo Chamber of Commerce. There is also a storefront window display decorating competition in which several businesses participate. Local banks and the Montevideo Library host Letters to Santa, the Lions’ Light in the Park is held in Smith Park, and a Supper with Santa is hosted by Montevideo Community Education. On Dec. 3, the ever-popular Merry Montevideo Christmas Lighted Parade is held on Main Street. “The parade starts at 6 p.m. on the south end of Main Street and finishes on the north end of Main,” Sumner said. “Participants decorate floats with holiday décor and lighted displays for this family friendly, fun event.” Santa arrives in Montevideo on a Ladder Fire Truck during the parade and will greet children and pass out treats at the Hollywood on Main Street. Milwaukee Road Heritage Center will offer train rides to children on its “Polar Express” and will also have their small train at the Hollywood. On Dec. 5, directly following the Golden Christmas in the Village, Montevideo hosts the first annual Fruit Cake Toss, as well as the Hotdish Cookoff at 4 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the best fruitcake toss and also for the best hotdish. “There will also be music, holiday spirit and fun for all,” Sumner promises. “We encourage everyone to participate in the community Holiday Happenings all month long in December for Merry Montevideo Christmas, and our Love Local Campaign.”
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8 – Southwest Sailor, December 2015
Daniel O’Callaghan and Andrew Beckman ride camels as they portray kings visiting Jesus. Kevin and Cheyenne Vogel, of Vogel’s Exotic Animals, lead the camels in last year’s pageant.
It’s 30 candles for Springfield Nativity
By Carolyn VanLoh
Thirty years ago, Springfield’s Chamber of Commerce was discussing what sort of event the residents could produce as a community. Sanborn had its Watermelon Days, Tracy had its Box Car Days, Seaforth had its polka fest, and the list goes on. Those were summer events, but Springfield decided to hold an outdoor nativity pageant in December. That idea was successful, and this December marks the 30th performance. From the beginning, individuals and churches have worked together. “The diverse group of people is the glue that holds this together. All the churches are behind it,” said Doris Weber, editor of the Springfield Advance-Press and 30-year member of the pageant committee. In fact, most members of the current steering committee have been volunteering since the first pageant in 1986. In the early years, the pageant was performed on Central Street, the main business district. Spectators stood while
watching the various nativity scenes; the camel and the donkey were close to the audience as they were led through their scenes. After a few years, the pageant moved to the high school football field at Riverside Park. Now pageant goers can sit on the bleachers while watching the cast of area residents, with the assistance of a donkey and camel, present the Christmas story. Riverside Park greatly increased the space for depicting the nativity as well as preventing one of the animals from being spooked. Since attendees aren’t charged admission, fundraisers bring in money to support the pageant. In June Tauer Super Valu Grocery and Gas hosts a burger feed at noon and matches pump perks turned in by customers. Volunteers work the pumps and give the old-fashioned full service. All tips are donated to the pageant. Santa’s cookie sale and soup/sandwich noon lunch bring in added funds. Church members provide the cookies. This year the event will be held December 4 at the
Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the cookies are sold. “We’ve had excellent support from the community,” said Weber. A number of people are already working on preparations. One of the busiest workers probably is Lucy Potter
who has been in charge of costumes for 20 years. Costuming is much easier than the early years when all costumes needed to be made, but repairs and patching are always needed. Some of the original
Nativity:
See page nine
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Jeanette, Jordan and Lorelei Pidde portrayed Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in 2014.
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Southwest Sailor, December 2015 – 9
Springfield nativity Continued from page eight
costumes are still being used. They need to be large enough to fit over heavy coats and snowmobile suits. The cast numbers about 50, so that means lots of heavy, cumbersome costumes. Several friends help her with the sewing. “This year I’m hoping to get a new coat for one of the wise men,” said Lucy. Ben Luense works with the sets and stage. His major work will be done Saturday morning before the pageant when he and about 25 volunteers from the local churches gather to set up the staging. The entire process should take less than two hours. He has worked faithfully for 30 years. “I just enjoy doing it. The pageant is a great gift to the community,” said Ben. Mark Clenom is treasurer for the pageant and is also in charge of lighting
and sound. The pageant now owns all the light and sound equipment, so they don’t need to look for just the right sound equipment. Volunteers want to keep going, but it involves a great deal of time. As Mark put it, “Sometimes we want to quit, but if it brings one person to Jesus Christ, it’s worth it. We want to put Christ back into Christmas,” he said. Another pre-pageant event is planned for the evening of November 29. The dinner musical show will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Springfield’s Nativity. “It’s important to celebrate the success,” said Weber. The pageant will be performed Friday and Saturday, December 11 & 12 at 7 p.m. Be sure to dress warm and bring a quilt or warm blanket because metal bleachers can be quite cold in mid December!
NEW ULM PARADE OF LIGHTS. New Ulm plans its annual parade of lights Friday, Nov. 27. The route along Minnesota Street from Fourth South to Fourth North streets is expected to have 60 plus units lit with thousands of colored lights. The New Ulm downtown will be lined with real garland and live trees decorated for the Holiday season. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and will conclude at the official Christmas tree lighting at City Hall at 7 p.m.
Circle of life blessed Christmas Editor’s note: This is the winning entry in the Sailor’s holiday memories essay contest. By Beth Feltes
It was Christmas for the Jones family. Eleven adults and 2 babies were spending the day in a cozy apartment. The presents were opened, dinner dishes were washed and put away, games had been played and naps had been taken. It had been a wonderful day. Though the babies had been passed around, they had yet to spend much time with Grandma and Grandpa. Determined to get some pictures, Paul (Dad) plopped Allison and Katelyn (15 months old) on the laps of Grandma and Grandpa. We all made goofy faces and waved toys in the air to get the girls to laugh and smile, but try as we might, they cried and cried. While the cameras were flashing, Nain sat down at the piano and began playing and singing “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” As the rest of us settled in to chairs around the living room, I noticed that Grandpa had started singing along with Nain, singing to the babies. “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Grandma’s beautiful soprano voice floated through the air and we teased Nain about choosing such a high key to play the song. As more familiar carols were played, more of us joined in singing. “Joy to the World,” “Up on the Housetop,” song after song we sang together. Allison and Katelyn finally relaxed into their GreatGrandparents’ arms. “All is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and
A heavenly choir proclaims the birth of Jesus.
Mary and Joseph learn that their is no room at the inn.
AnnuAl
Cookie Walk Saturday, dec. 5 (Snow Date Dec. 12)
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Zion Lutheran church 200 Emory St., Tracy, Mn
cookie Walk pail – $12 Bring last year’s cookie Walk pail – $10 Lunch: hot Sandwich, chips, Bar & drink $5.00 Bar & drink – $2.50
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child.” As the words to the songs came off our lips, the tears started coming too. Heavy on all our hearts was Grandma’s recent diagnosis of kidney failure and no possible treatment. We knew this could be our last Christmas with Grandma. What would Christmas look like next year? How much time did we have left with her? Would the little girls remember her at all? How could we possibly soak in every aspect of this holy moment? It was a strange dichotomy of death and new life in the same room together. At dinner we cheered as Allison used a fork correctly and independently for the first time. The joy on her face knowing that she had just learned something new mixed with the tears that flowed freely when Grandma said “I don’t think I’ll get to the cabin again this summer.” The pride Paul has in his two girls as they accurately pointed out the bunny in the “I Spy” book mixed with the concern that weighed on Grandpa all day as he shared about the reality of caring for his dying spouse. The good-bye kisses for the baby girls as they left in their pajamas, knowing we would all be seeing them again soon and the good-bye hugs for Grandma not knowing if there would be another chance to say good-bye or give her a hug. Sleep in heavenly peace little girls. Sleep in heavenly peace Grandma. Thank God for the amazing blessing of family. Thank you for holy, precious moments and memories with our family this Christmas. Feltes lives in Pipestone.
Riverside Park Springfield, MN
10 – Southwest Sailor, December 2015
It’s beginning to look like Christmas, at the Jan and Larry Bornitz home in Garvin. This photo from last winter was selected as the winner in the Sailor’s holiday photo contest.
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Southwest Sailor, December 2015 – 11
Men’s chorus concert schedule
Donovan Hanson directs the SW Men’s Choir during an October practice.
Chorus continues Christmas tradition By Carolyn VanLoh
A number of directors have led the Southwest Minnesota Men’s Chorus over the years. Pat Peterson organized the Marshall Area Men’s Chorus about 50 years ago. A number of directors have led the group since that time, and members of the group have changed over the years. Eight years ago the chorus moved to St. John’s Catholic Church in Walnut Grove for its rehearsals and the name changed to the SW MN Men’s Chorus. Bruce Mathiason, Walnut Grove, who has been singing with the group for 35 years, greatly appreciates the professional directing skills of the past four directors who have been college trained. Donovan Hanson, who teaches music at Tracy Area Elementary School, began leading the chorus in September. “He’s so good at directing, and I’m amazed at what he can hear,” said Mathiason of Hanson’s skills. The chorus draws 26 vocalists from
over a dozen towns: west to Tyler, east to Springfield and south to Slayton, north to Wabasso. Volunteer singers represent a variety of occupations, including farmers, insurance agents, dentists, ministers, attorneys, plumbers, medical doctors, other professional jobs and retirees. Rehearsals start in September and continue through April. Chorus members devote two hours each Thursday night for practice. A quartet, a small ensemble and two trios also diligently practice for performances. It’s easy to appreciate the commitment an individual accepts when he joins the chorus. Reasons for making the commitment are probably as diverse as the singers. Kerry Knakmuhs, Walnut Grove, has been singing with the group for over 35 years. His motivation is simple. “I like to sing, and this group provides relaxation for me.” Mathiason’s reason is similar. “One thing: it’s fun. . . . People who are
undergoing stress need to join a music group because it’s uplifting.” The men prepare for two major “seasons,” Christmas concerts in December and spring dinner concerts. The “Big Sing,” a third event, takes place the end of April. Eleven choruses that are members of the Association of Men’s Choruses of American, Upper Midwest gather in a different city each year. Groups come prepared to present musical selections at a recital on Friday night. On Saturday, attendees prepare for a mass choir concert in the evening. At one time, 450 men joined their voices in song, but today about 250 men sing in the regional chorus. This event enables chorus members to meet other musicians and to enjoy singing, eating and fellowshipping with them. Mark your calendars for a date that fits your schedule and make plans to attend a night of uplifting Christmas music in December.
All concerts begin at 7 p.m. except for the Currie concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. Most concerts are free. Call individual churches for details. Dec. 5: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Currie Dec. 7: United Methodist Church, Lamberton Dec. 8: Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Lucan Dec. 11: St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Marshall Dec. 12: St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Walnut Grove Dec. 14: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Springfield
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12 – Southwest Sailor, December 2015
Lake Benton Christmas Show planned Dec. 5
Tracy firemen escorted Santa in last year’s parade.
Parade of Lights returns to Tracy Downtown Tracy will be aglow Saturday, Nov. 28 for its annual Parade of Lights. The Tracy Area Chamber of Commerce event begins at 6 p.m. Free glow sticks will be handed out to the kids. The procession will begin at The Caboose on Hwy. 14, and then wind through the downtown on Third St. Several holiday events are planned
earlier in the day. A craft bizarre at The Caboose begins at 9 a.m. and continues through 2 p.m. Carriage rides will be offered again this year from The Caboose to the Tracy Public Library, where photos with Santa provided by Devereaux Photography. For more information visit www. tracymn.org.
The Lake Benton Opera House will be performing their annual Christmas Show Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This year marks the 19th time for the production. The 90-minutes show features Christmas songs performed by cast members of past Opera House productions. Performers include Emilirose Rasmussen of Ivanhoe, Maxwell Fleet and Alexis Christensen of Lake Benton, and Paula Nemes, Marissa Condon, and Shania Deutz of Marshall. All told, 50 people will perform. Mark Wilmes of Tyler will direct the show. “A lot of these performers did shows together in the past,” commented Wilmes. “They spend 6-8 weeks together, five evenings a week. You become very close friends, and then go back to their individual lives and don’t see each other. They get to reconnect through this show in addition to do something they all crave, perform before a live audience.” The cast rehearses individually, with a few rehearsals together to learn
Aubrey Cheadle, of Brookings, SD, performing in the 2014 Christmas Show.
group numbers. The show has one dress rehearsal the morning of the production. In between the two shows, the cast gathers for a Christmas party to celebrate. Tickets will be available at the door.
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Southwest Sailor, December 2015 – 13
It’s been grand writing for Sailor As I begin to wind down my Sailor articles at the age of eighty, I thought it might be interesting to reflect back to the 1997 beginning and attempt to categorize the approximately 80 articles I’ve done (with the help of my wife Sandy). I’ve really enjoyed doing them as we have 9 grandchildren whom someday while reading them will have a good idea of grandpa Bill’s interests, experiences, friends, jobs, reading and research. Maybe they will realize how I enjoyed a lifetime here in our beloved area of Southwest Minnesota. Hopefully we can sometime find a way to have all of them reprinted. I know of several area libraries and museums that have collected many, and likewise I’m often asked how they could access past articles? Have they all been archived, etc.? Possibly we’ll be able to work out a grant of some kind to have them reprinted and available to any one interested. In speaking with many friends, I realize that much of what I’ve written could have been done by many boys growing up in the late Thirties having similar interests and experiences. The difference is that few lived in the area for a lifetime or had someone like Seth Schmidt at the Tracy Headlight-Herald encouraging them or early in life to befriend John David Weber at the Murray County Herald. John D. had me do some sports articles between the summer of 1953 and fall of 1957 and it was fun. Looking again at my past articles, I can certainly see where they could have been improved upon with more and better research. However, I always remind readers that my motive and incentive was of getting ideas, experiences and feelings down on paper for our grandkids. I found out several years ago that one of the young grandsons, Joe Hook, now working in Chicago, was far superior to me in writing, research and layout development. The only thing I had was a great many neat experiences and an astonishing memory of people and places over the years. In this article I simply want to categorize the articles as I see them, realizing admittedly that several could be in more than one category. • • • This is my first attempt at categorizing Sailor articles and I have ended with seven different areas, the two largest relating to the Dakota War and sports. My eventual goal is to divide the articles into eight separate areas with approximately 8 to 10 per category. At the present time the titles would be 1. Personal experiences; 2. Special people in our history; 3. The arrival of the first white men; 4. Sports; 5. The Dakota War at Lake Shetek and Minnesota River Valley; 6. Our lakes and rivers; 7. Events we still, and will always remember. All have been fun to write and whenever necessary, I’ve found nothing but help and courtesy. Several of those I talked to while doing the writing are now gone which hurts deeply as I realize what we’ve lost. The information modern technology provides is great, but those having special and memorable experiences can never be replaced. I feel so blessed to have experienced several personal conversations with Richard (Whirlwind) Bryan of Pipestone, Dr. Warner Workman at Tracy, The Phalen brothers of Currie, Herman Balko whose brother Ted was a national corn picking champ, the grandson of William Nobles, who is the legislative auditor for the state
History
is
“Curly” Palmer the University of Illinois, I have to stop: the list is endless. Slayton High School coaches had a lasting impact on my life, Alex Fisher, Duane Baglien and Lyle Hanks were special people as long as they lived. I find this article hard to write as visions and words of the wonderful people in my life will be with me always. I have often been asked, “Which articles brought the attention of the most people?” We have never kept track but it seems that the 15 most popular were: July 1997 – “Joseph N. Nicollet” (1838 Expedition) Aug. 1998 – “There is Nothing Quite Like Heron Lake” (Hunting) Sept. 1998 – “He Go Away, He Come Back Again” (Lake Benton) Sept. 1999 – “That’s Medicine” (Prairie Fire) June 2000 – “Nation’s Most Tragic Auto Accident” (Slayton) June/July 2000 – “John Sweetman Irish/American Colonization” Aug. 2000 – “Lt. Joseph Swan Expedition” (1862 Lake Shetek) Aug. 2001 – “Double AA Baseball in Southwestern Minnesota” June 2002 – “Up the Des Moines” (James Allen 1844)
Life Bill Bolin is a retired history teacher and expert on area history.
of Minnesota, people who personally knew Martin Kuhar of Lamberton and several from the Springfield area that shared so much on the ACO Brick and Tile Company. I enjoyed several hours with Torgny Anderson of Cottonwood. Likewise the fantastic memories and experiences shared by Herman Becker of growing up on Heron Lake. His Armistice Day exploits as a teenager are unbelievable. I treasure the many now deceased individuals I knew personally and who taught me to understand the game of baseball and a lot about life. The experience of being bat boy for four years was valuable in way I never realized until years later: Glen Clark, Jake the Barber, John Caulfield of Harvard, Glen Gostic of the University of Minnesota, Howard
Cousins Bill and Barb Boyer, my sister and I are at the Phalen tile factory in 1939 or 40. Looks like I (as always) was up to no good with the hose.
I was inspired to research ACO silos when a bricklaying employee of my brother-in-law, Ole Hunnes, said the letters meant “Always Call Ole!” While visiting with Doris Weber at the Springfield paper she said that her dad told her that ACO stood for “Apples, Corn and Oats.” This is an ACO silo along Highway 91, north of Lake Wilson.
Nov. 2002 – “Follow the (ACO) Brick Road” Nov. 2004 – “Incredible Duck Hunting is Only a Memory” May 2005 – “In Baseball You Gotta Talk the Talk” Nov. 2009 – “Hot Spots on Lake Shetek” (Tepeeotah) May 2011 – “Golden Years of Golden Gloves” Nov. 2014 – “Love and Place” (Balaton Area) It’s been fun writing about Southwest Minnesota History and I appreciate the many of you whom have expressed interest and enjoyment by notes, comments, telephone calls and even letters from California, Oregon, North Dakota, etc.
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14 – Southwest Sailor, December 2015
Elfin’ Magic craft show set in Redwood Falls Nov. 29 The Elfin’ Magic craft show is coming to the Redwood Falls Armory Sunday, Nov. 29. Around 75 artists and vendors from across the state are expected to take part in the event.
Doors will open at 10 a.m. Exhibits will be open until 3 p.m. Food concessions will be on site. For more information visit http://www. craftsbysharon.com/elfin/elfin.htm.
New to the Treasured Times store is the interactive book and nativity figures in The Christmas Star from Afar.
Main St. stroll reveals Christmas treasures By Carolyn VanLoh
A sunny early November day with temperatures in the upper 60s doesn’t fit the weather pattern of the Christmas shopping mold in southern Minnesota. Visiting shops along Main Street in Marshall for a Christmas news story that day seemed a bit unreal. Most store personnel were thinking ahead to the Christmas season but hadn’t dressed up their shops for the holidays. CoCo Avenue was an exception. Shop personnel had tastefully displayed Christmas accents and gift items appropriate for a cold Minnesota, and the flower boxes outside the shop are filled with artificial winter greenery and accents. Inside, shoppers will find hand knit mittens and cowls to keep the neck warm. These articles are made by a local knitter out of a bulky yarn that creates a unique look. The shop offers a number of vintage, one-of-a kind items for its customers. A large display of jewelry offers many gift ideas. The store also carries its own line of charming women’s fashions and accessories. On a previous visit, Beth Blomme, the proprietor’s niece, said to The Sailor, “We have a lot of talented people making merchandise.” Some of the 20+ vendors are local, but one jewelry vendor lives in Baxter, Tennessee. CoCo Avenue may not be bursting with items related specifically to Christmas, but it’s a great place to look for a unique accessory gift or that extra special gift for a special person on your gift list. • • • Fabrics Plus has Christmas patterns and fabrics on display all year. “We’re one of a few quilt shops that keeps Christmas up all year,” said store owner
Tracy Veglahn. It’s not that Christmas is their favorite season, but according to employee Lori Head, “You need the time.” Time to purchase just the right fabric combinations. Then plenty of time to complete the quilting project, whether it is a table runner, a small quilted accent piece or a larger Christmas quilt. There’s still time for a crafter to find fabric to complete a simple holiday gift or decoration this season. The store’s big Christmas promotion is the Twelve Days of Christmas beginning December 12. Customers can receive small gadgets, tools, or pre-cut bundles of quilt blocks. Visiting the shop and seeing all the quilted projects on display just might inspire the shopper to try her hand at a quilting project. Store clerks are ready to answer customer questions. • • • Strawberry Fields/Orphanage Antiques can be a one-stop shop if you the shopper is looking for the newest gift items and antique treasures. Strawberry Fields, on the first floor, is bursting with new collectibles and gift items. Maybe a
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Southwest Sailor, December 2015 – 15
Christmas tree rises from the middle of the CoCo Avenue shop. An assortment of Christmas quilt patterns and accessories on display in Fabrics Plus.
Marshall: Many gift ideas
close friend or relative collects nativity sets or angels. All sizes and styles are available, and owner Mary Lou Peterson would love to help a shopper pick out just the right gift item. Peterson stocks a Disney series of princess figurines for the young and the young at heart. Shoppers will find a large assortment of table napkins and matching paper plates with a Christmas theme nestled in a corner. The upper floors of the building house Orphanage Antiques for a collector who favors collecting items from yesteryear. • • • Treasured Times offers a combination of scrapbook supplies, Christmas and non-seasonal books and a variety of gift
Continued from page 14
items. “I have a large Christmas section,” said store owner Rachel Deutz. “I absolutely do the best with nativity sets, but I also sell a lot of kids’ Christmas books.” Deutz is excited about a new interactive gift, The Christmas Star from Afar, created by stay-at-home mom Natalie Ard. It includes wooden figures representing nativity characters and a story for parents to read aloud about the twelve days of Christmas. Prior to reading a day’s section, the parent hides a wooden star for the child to find after hearing the story. Scrapbookers are sure to find everything they need to preserve
There’s only one
Balaton
B
Across from Lake Yankton (507) 734-5877
•Convenience Store •Live Bait & Tackle •Clark Gas •Café with Home-cooked meals •Broasted Chicken •Pizza •Subs & Wraps •Catering Available
alaton Bed and Breakfast
Strawberry Fields owner Mary Lou Peterson is excited about the Disney line of princess figurines that her shop carries.
H
ouse
Visit our website for
Holiday Specials A unique Bed and Breakfast just blocks off the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Highway 14.
CheCk out ou r daily SpeCia lS
Open 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday thru Sunday
Merry Christmas from our homes to yours!
Christmas 2015 on specially decorated scrapbook pages, and readers will find a number of Bible study books and other Christian books. • • • Weary shoppers can recover from the shopping spree at The Daily Grind. A large mug of coffee made to suit the shopper’s taste along with a muffin or cookie is sure to energize the shopper so she is ready to check other stores on Main Street. Homemade soups and sandwiches are also available. If the shopper desires a heartier meal, Main Street is home to Italian restaurant Bello Cucina, Chinese Hunan Lion and authentic Mexican food at Mariachi Fiesta.
Five cozy Bedrooms nestled inside this 1910 Victorian-era Home. Restoration includes nine-foot beamed ceilings and narrow oak floors and unique porches. In the yard, there is an original fish pond, perennial gardens and interesting rock structures.
231 Third Street • Balaton, MN
(507) 227-7813 • (507) 734-3338 www.balaton-house.com www.facebook.com/Balaton-House
Happy Holidays May the spirit of Christmas reside in your heart wherever you spend the holiday season. For the time you’ve spent with us this year, we are sincerely grateful.
Rated one of the top three Nursing Homes in Minnesota!
(507) 734-3511
Overlooking beautiful Lake Yankton!
(507) 734-6828
Steve Struchen Agent
(507) 530-6272 Matt Larson, Broker 800 E. Main, Marshall, MN (605) 201-0450
P.O. BOx 219 E. Hwy. 14, BalatOn, Mn
16 – Southwest Sailor, December 2015
Holiday Open House
Friday, Dec. 18, 9 to 3 pm at Currie State Bank in Currie
Register To
WIN A TURKEY
141 Mill Street – Currie, MN 56123 – (507) 763-3262 curriestatebank.com Member FDIC You Know Us... We Know You”
Tracy Area High School Chamber Choir to perform at 1 p.m.
Holiday goodies, sandwiches, coffee and hot cider served throughout the day.
Trinity Pre-School Children from Slayton to perform at 10 a.m. Ten turkeys will be given away at our Open House. Stop by Currie State Bank and register any time.
Member FDIC
www.murraylandagencyinc.com
141 Mill St. Currie, MN 763-3599
May all your hopes and dreams come true this holiday season. For your faith in us, we are forever grateful. 130 Third St. Tracy, MN 212-6688
We wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!