July 2021 SW MN Sailor

July 2021

FREE

Your Your Summer Summer Guide Guide to to Southwest Southwest Minnesota!

Laura’s Back

The iconic “Fragments of a Dream” pageant will return in July to the banks of Plum Creek. See Page 10 Photo / Per Peterson

Published by Above the Fold Publishing LLC • 207 4th Street • Tracy, MN 56175 • (507) 629-4300 • www.swmnsailor.com

2 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Information Center

330 8th Street Walnut Grove, MN Open April – October 888-528-7298 507-859-2358 www.walnutgrove.org

Dedicated to working to preserve the history of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the community of Walnut Grove.

New for 2021 – Horse Exhibit in the Master’s Store & Hall

FAMILY FESTIVAL Saturdays, July 10, 17, 24 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Walnut Grove City Park Family Activities, Entertainment, Craft Vendors, Food

LAURA-NELLIE LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST

INGALLS DUGOUT SITE Actual location of dugout on Plum Creek Homesteaded by Charles Ingalls in 1874 1.5 miles north of Walnut Grove on County Road 5

6DWXUGD\V -XO\ DW :* &LW\ 3DUN 1:30 p.m. Registration, 3:00 p.m. Contest One contest for Laura, one for Nellie, for girls ages 8-12.

Wilder Pageant “On the Banks of Plum Creek”

2021 Laura Ingalls Wilder Outdoor Theater July 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 9,3 7LFNHWV 5HVHUYHG 7LFNHWV (Numbered Chairs) *HQHUDO $GPLVVLRQ (Bring own chair or blanket. Age 5 and under free in general admission)

S P *DWHV 2SHQ S P 3DJHDQW 6LQJHUV S P )UDJPHQWV RI D 'UHDP 3HUIRUPDQFH /LPLWHG VHDWLQJ DYDLODEOH &DOO QRZ WR UHVHUYH \RXU WLFNHWV COVID safety protocols in place including masks & social distancing adjusted as per state regulations.

Made possible in part by funding from The Robert and Helen Remick Charitable Foundation

FOR TICKETS

For tickets call (888) 859-3102 or visit our new updated website at walnutgrove.org SCAN ME

:DOQXW *URYH +Z\ 0LQQHVRWD

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

/RRVH *UDYHO 0XVLF )HVWLYDO -XO\ VW 7LFNHWV DQG 8SGDWHV RQOLQH DW loosegravelmusicfestival.org

SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021 – 3

A step back in time at the Dinehart-Holt house Fixed at 2812 Linden Ave in Slayton, the Dinehart-Holt House gives visitors a coup d’œil of what small-town livin’ was like in the late 1800s.

As sightseers stroll through the Victorian home that was built in 1891, they step onto black-and-white checkered kitchen flooring, transition into a dining room with red and gold accents, and press their feet against original wood floors that creak with every step to remind one of the home’s renowned age and the family that once took synonymous steps.

Christopher Dinehart, a founder and former President of the State Bank of Slayton, was influenced to build the home after being inspired by the architecture of the original Murray County Courthouse that was also built in 1891.

Owning the first piano in Slayton, Christopher and Flora Dinehart were notorious for being the entertainers of the town, often holding parties, with the community gathering once a week in the home to enjoy music.

Christopher and Flora’s daughter, Florence, continued to live in the home with her husband Harvey Holt and their three children, Harvey Holt Jr., John, and Robert.

Judge John Holt died in 1993, marking the last family member to reside in the home.

The Dinerhart-Holt house continues to regain its originality, as three projects commence this summer that will “ensure the integrity of the house, beautify the exterior and bring a piece of history back to the home,” according to a press release from the Murray County Historical Society.

The home will be closing temporarily as part one of a two-phase reconstruction project commences.

Funded by donations, a grant, and monies allocated from the Murray County Commissioners, the project will secure the foundation by tuckpointing, repainting the exterior, and re-building the exterior basement door, stairs, and Dorothy door.

“They (architecture firm) created drawings for the most critical needs of the house. Because we felt we couldn’t get all of those critical needs met in one year we decided to address the ones that were the most critical of critical,” Murray County Museums Coordinator Janet Timmerman said.

BY TRINA THOMAS

Special to the Sailor

The first phase will be completed in October 2021 due to grant requirements and the cold weather that comes with the attachment of obvious limitations.

The second phase of projects would come into play if they get approved for another grant, which takes time.

“We start the second phase, applying for a grant and starting the process all over,” Timmerman said. “That includes items like storm windows.

They need to be restored and replaced as they were originally, so that comes at a high cost. Some of the sashes, trim, and whatever the construction of those windows are will be the majority of the project.”

One notable addition to the home is the comeback of the original 1890s, Black Forest, hand-carved bears that

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.

were fixated on the grand staircase main newel posts for decades.

After fundraising efforts in August 2019 — root beer float sales at both the Front Porch Musical Series and at the Murray County Fair — the bears were

Schreier’s On Shetek

purchased from a couple who bought them from the Holt family when the home was sold in 1990.

DINEHART-HOLT continued on page 4

CAMPGROUND, INC

2ESORT 2OAD s #URRIE -. s Joe & Marcia Schreier, Owners UÊ V Ê-ÞÃÌi ÊÜ Ì ÊÃi>Ì }]ÊÈÓ½ÊvÀ Ê Ã Ài

UÊ "vwViÉ ÃÌ ÀiÊÜ Ì ÊL> ÌÊEÊ Vi

UÊ ÀÊ ` Ì i`Ê,iVÀi>Ì Ê >

UÊ Ã Ê i> }Ê >V ÌÞ

UÊ i i Ìi`Ê >Ã iÌL> Ê ÕÀÌ

UÊ V Ãi`Ê« V VÊÃ i ÌiÀÊ­Ãi>ÌÃÊ ä®

UÊ *À Û>ÌiÊ-Ü }Ê Ài>ÊÜ Ì Ê,>vÌ

UÊ *À Û>ÌiÊ >ÌÊ VViÃÃ

UÊ > ` V>««i`Ê>VViÃÃ L iÊÀiÃÌÀ ÃÉ Ã ÜiÀÃÊÜ Ì ÊÃ vÌÊÜ>ÌiÀ

UÊ £ÓäÊV> «Ã ÌiÃÊvÀ ÊÌi ÌÃÊÌ ÊvÕ Ê Õ«ÃÊ-i>à > ]Ê Ì Þ]ÊEÊ7ii Þ]Ê } Ì ÞÊ,>ÌiÃÊ Û> >L i

UÊ 7> }Ê/À> Ã

UÊ > ` V>«Ê>VViÃÃ L iÊ >Ì À ÃÉ - ÜiÀÊ ÕÃiÊv ÀÊ ÕÀÊ/i Ì }ÊEÊ* «Õ«Ê - ÌiÃÊ ÊÌ iÊ*i ÃÕ >

UÊ - vÌÊ7>ÌiÀÊÌ À Õ} ÕÌÊ > «}À Õ `

UÊ v]Ê* >Þ}À Õ `ÊEÊ- ÕvyiL >À`

{Êà ÌiÃÊ>Û> >L iÊ ÊÌ iÊ iÃÊ iÃÊ, ÛiÀÊ Ê ÕÀÀ itÊ Ì ÞÊÀi Ì> °Ê9i>ÀʽÀ Õ `Êà ÌiÃÊÜ Ì ÊvÕ Ê Õ«Ã]Ê 7 ]Êà vÌÊÜ>ÌiÀ]EÊVi i ÌÊ«>Ì Ê>ÌÊi>V Êà Ìi°Ê Ài>ÌÊv ÀÊv> ÞÊV> « }Ê ÀÊV ÃÌÀÕVÌ ÊÜ À iÀðÊ

www.schreiersonshetek.com

Setting the Standard in Portable Dock Design Since 1971, Roll-A-Dock has been the fastest and easiest way to get full enjoyment from your waterfront property.

A Step Above The Rest H EWI T T H I G H - PE R F O R M A N C E STA I R C A SE S ALL-TERRAIN STAIRCASE SYSTEM WITH WHITE ALUMINUM DECKING

Hewitt products are built like no other, using stronger materials and smarter design features to give you greater value. Ŧ 0DULQH Ŧ &RPPHUFLDO Ŧ 5HVLGHQWLDO Ŧ $'$ &RPSOLDQFH Ŧ ,QGXVWULDO

Ŧ (DV\ DGMXVWPHQW RYHU D ZLGH UDQJH RI GHSWKV

7,500 Free Circulation Published by Above the Fold Publishing, LLC 207 4th Street, Tracy, MN 56175 (507) 629-4300 • FAX (507) 629-4301 www.swmnsailor.com tara@headlightherald.com per@headlightherald.com Tara Brandl – Publisher/Advertising Sales Per Peterson – Editor April DeSchepper – Ad Composition Julie Johnston – Office Manager

The Dinehart/Holt House in Slayton. Photo by Trina Thomas

Ŧ ş DQG ş ZLGWKV DOXPLQXP RU JDOYDQL]HG VWHHO Ŧ (DV\ WR LQVWDOO DQG H[SDQG Visit your Hewitt dealer today to learn more about the best dock on wheels!

AU TH O R I Z E D

hewittrad.com

0DQ\ GHFNLQJ RSWLRQV and colors available.

OVER 40 YEARS OF QUALITY AND INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURED STAIRWAYS

Visit Your Hewitt dealer today!

D E A L E R :

SCHREIER’S ON SHETEK DOCKS-N-LIFTS 0LOO 6W &XUULH 01

Sales & Service

4 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

Dinehart-Holt Continued from page 3

“Mainly, we’ve been asking for donations for that and we were extremely lucky to get memorial money.

That kind of kicked off our fundraising with that memorial gift. We just did several things in our newsletter, put information in the paper that we were raising funds to bring the bears home, and a family donated a final amount that helped us reach the $10,000 goal.”

It is believed the carved bears were purchased by Christopher Dinehart

while he visited the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, as a business card from the fair and advertising carvings from Brienz, Switzerland were located in Dinehart’s diary. The Chicago World’s Fair was one of the original hosts of the American exhibition of Black Forest carvings.

The town of Brienz is where wood carving began in Switzerland and was the driving force of the industry by the

THE ORIGINAL CARVED BEARS were placed on the main staircase in the Dinehart-Holt House.

Submitted photo

late 1800s.

Representing luxury and wealth, Black Forest carvings were commonly found in Victorian world travelers’ homes, with carvings that depicted American Wildlife as the most popular in the U.S. “We’re hoping that by bringing these bears back and that by getting the restorations done that this becomes a much more pleasant venue for people to not just come and visit and tour but if they are looking for a small venue for an event or if there are organizations that want to host an event there, we’re

hoping that this becomes a better-used site,” Timmerman said.

Originally, the bears had clear glass gaslights, later being wired for electric lamps.

They will be placed back on their original posts to bring back their historical touch to the home again.

“This really was the heart of the social scene of Slayton in 1891. The Dinehart’s were great entertainers and really brought some culture to the society here in town so we’d like to see that continue to be a cultural center.”

THE BEARS that Christopher Dinehart purchased from the Chicago World Fair.

THE PRESENT-DAY MAIN staircase at the Dinehart-Holt House. Photo by Trina Thomas

THE DINEHART family. Submitted photo

:V\[O [O :[YLL[ ;YHJ` 45

*V\U[` 9VHK 4HYZOHSS 45

507-629-3485

507-532-9430

Your Full-Service Garden Center We want our customers to be successful and happy by providing you the best plants possible and exceptional service.

Huge Inventory enwood Nursery TH Helpful Advice Gre EST. 1981 Great Quality Expert Installation Proud Local Business Creative Display Ideas Landscaping Irrigation Design, Installation & Service

Anniversary

Greenwood Nursery Floral Thoughtful & Beautiful Arrangements for Every Occasion & Celebration Call for details or to place your order.

Delivery Service Available

www.greenwoodnurserymn.com

Submitted photo

Looking to Buy or Sell?

Contact Taylor Onken Your L ocal L akeshore Expert! á á á á á

.QRZOHGJHDEOH DGYLFH DQ\WLPH &RQVWDQW FRPPXQLFDWLRQ (IIHFWLYH PDUNHWLQJ VWUDWHJLHV ,QVLJKWV \RX FDQ XVH 6HDUFK HQJLQH RSWLPL]DWLRQ

Call me for a FREE market analysis on your property!

SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021 – 5

Pioneer mothers escaped Indian slaughter at Shetek From Above The Fold: It is our honor to once again be bringing our readers in the region the writings of the late Bill Bolin, an iconic and beloved historian, educator and coach in Tracy for many decades.

Bolin passed away October 15, 2017, and he is missed by so many to this day. Bill started writing for the Sailor in 1997 in hopes of passing down many of his experiences, especially to his children, grandchildren and the many students he encountered in Tracy Area High School from his student teaching in 1956-57 until his final retirement in 2010.

The Tracy Area Headlight Herald, with permission from Bill’s family, is reproducing his popular columns in this edition of the Sailor, as well as in editions yet to come:

“In fact the ladies seemed to know no fear, except for their husbands and children dear” This past Mother’s Day, I listened to a wonderfully thought out and presented sermon. Our minister outlined the various roles “mom” plays in the development of, not only children, but also society in general.

That Sunday my mind raced with memories of my two grandmothers, my mother and mother-in-law, my wife - the mother of our three children, and to the mothers of our seven special grandchildren.

However, the mind didn’t stop there, it kept going, and soon I was thinking of those strong and courageous mothers who along with their husbands brought their children to this vast treeless and unsettled prairie of southwest Minnesota in the mid to late 1850’s.

They were building a new home and a new life in the face of hardship, danger and isolation.

The closest white settlements were over 60 miles in every direction. East across the prairie was the German settlement of New Ulm. To the south had been the early settlements of Springfield (now Jackson), Spirit Lake and Okoboji; these had been decimated

by Inkpaduta’s band in 1857 and virtually abandoned. West was a small development along the cataracts of the Big Sioux River called Sioux Falls; it also was nearly abandoned in 1857 as fear of Inkpaduta spread west.

North on the Minnesota River near the present locations of Granite Falls and Redwood Falls were the Upper and Lower Agencies which included a collection of traders, military personnel, mixed bloods, missionaries and aspiring business people.

These agencies, known also as the Redwood (Chashayapi) and Yellow Medicine (Padjutazi) would play no small role in the events of August 20, 1862. Events at these agencies were to change the lives of the Lake Shetek settlement and the young mothers unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, forever.

These unsuspecting mothers would see their families shattered, scattered and in some instances killed. In late August of 1862 the Eastern Dakota began their final effort to preserve and protect their land, their families, and their way of life. Unfortunate people, on both sides, caught in a tangled web of government greed and corruption.

Does the plot seem familiar?

Most Christians believe that God is both just and colorblind. Our Savior must have wept and mourned as white and red women and children died in even greater percentages than the men fighting in what we know as The Great Sioux Uprising of 1862 (Dakota Conflict). The Minnesota prairie flowed

History Is Life Bill Bolin blood in late August and early September of that year. Places such as The Upper and Lower Agencies, Fort Ridgely, Birch Coulee, New Ulm, Milford and Lake Shetek became destined to live in history.

In 1906 Charlie Hatch was to write a marvelous poem recounting his experiences on that fateful day of August 20th, 1862, at Lake Shetek. That day Charlie’s sister and 2 young nephews were killed and a surviving niece taken captive by the band of White Lodge. In this poem Charlie wrote: “In fact the ladies seemed to know no fear, except for their husbands and children dear; and the bravest deeds I ever knew were some of theirs at Massacre slough!”

In this article, I will recount some of the experiences of one Lake Shetek mother during those tragic and fateful days in 1862.

ALOMINA HURD and her two young sons escaped death on Aug. 20, 1962, at Lake Shetek. Hurd lived into her 80s.

Alomina Hurd lived on the north shore of Bloody Lake. Jesse James, English teacher at Tracy Area High School, now occupies her home site. Jesse played Pa Ingalls for several years in the Walnut Grove Pageant “Fragments of a Dream” and is very knowledgeable about the life of Alomina. Like the Hurds 137 years before he can stand by his home and gaze at 3 nearby lakes…Shetek, Bloody

Welcome to

Currie

and Fremont.

That morning, August 20, at daybreak the Dakota appeared at the home. Her husband, Phinneas, had left for Dakota Territory with friend Bill Jones on June 2nd looking for provisions and possible farmland.

Neither man was ever seen again. Alomina claimed that she recognized their horses with the Dakota band. However, their bodies were never found and their fate remains an unsolved mystery.

At the Hurd site was a hired man, John Voight. Voight is said to have had auburn hair and beard as well as a fiery temper. He had quarreled frequently with the Dakota over trapping issues and refused to associate with them. His life became the first taken by the Dakota at Shetek on August 20th.

Mrs. Hurd and her children, William Henry (not quite 3) and Frank (18 months) – who was one of the first white children born at Shetek – were not harmed, but ordered to “head east to your mother” immediately. A pair of Dakota escorted Alomina and her young boys approximately 2 miles east on a little used trail, close to the farm home of Allen and Cleone Richardson. The three were soon abandoned to fend for themselves.

BOLIN

continued on page 6

The Gateway to Lake Shetek

BAIT & TACKLE f3URSDQH f*URFHULHV f3RS f%HHU f,FH f3L]]D f+RW 'RJV wit Check h us f +RXU 3D\ DW 3XPS the about fishin latest f%XON 'HOLYHU\ g goss ip! z 3UHPLXP *DV z 2[\ z 3UHPLXP *DV z 2FW z 'LHVHO $OO %OHQGV RI %LR'LHVHO z :KROHVDOH RU 5HWDLO z /XEULFDWLQJ 2LO 4XDUWV WR 7UDQVSRUWV z '()

RUPPERT OIL CO. Intersection Hwy 30 & Co. Rd. 38

s Cell (507) 760-1355 Open Monday thru Sunday 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

0LOO 6WUHHW 1 &XUULH 01

$// /2&$/ 9(1'256 +DQGPDGH 0HUFKDQGLVH %RXWLTXH $SSDUHO -HZHOU\ 6RDSV +DQGFUDIWHG :RRG ,WHPV 2ULJLQDO $UWZRUN

)XUQLWXUH )OLSV /DNH 6KHWHN 3ULQWV *LIWV 6RXYHQLUV $QWLTXHV 0RUH

2SHQ 0D\ WKUX 6HSWHPEHU 7XHVGD\ 7KXUVGD\ )ULGD\ 6DWXUGD\ 6XQGD\ 0RQGD\ &ORVHG

Rooster’s #URRIE -. s

OFF-SALE LIQUOR STORE ON-SALE SPORTS BAR Check out our Fantastic Selection of Wines!

05+,7,5+,5; /64, 6>5,+

You Know Us…We Know You! Full Service Bank 3LUKPUN (;4 4HJOPULZ :H]PUNZ 0U[LYUL[ )HURPUN *+Z Member FDIC

4VY[NHNLZ *OLJRPUN 4VIPSL )HURPUN 4VIPSL +LWVZP[ )\ZPULZZ )HURPUN

4PSS :[YLL[ *\YYPL 45

: 4PUULZV[H (]L 6RHILUH 45

www.curriestatebank.com

6 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

Bolin: Prairie flight left them weak, hungry Continued from page 5

Her story of their journey across the prairie is heart wrenching. For 2 days, hungry, cold and wet and swollen by insect bites they wandered lost on the vast prairie. On the third day they luckily stumbled on the New Ulm – Sioux Falls mail road. It was nothing but a trail, but for the first time Alomina knew where she was.

Eventually Alomina became so weak that she could hardly nurse her baby and young William Henry became too weak to walk.

She decided her best chance to make Dutch Charlie Zierke’s cabin, located just north of the old Westbrook church, was to carry one child a quarter to half a mile, lay it in the grass and return for the other. In this manner she made the approximate 12 miles to Dutch Charlie’s. She, of course, traveled 36 miles. She found carrots and onions in the garden and a small piece of spoiled ham. With this slight nourishment their strength improved and they soon trudged on. Two days later the tragic trio was within sight of the Brown house, 25 miles distant and just east of present Springfield.

There the mail carrier, Mrs. Eastlick and sons Merton and Johnny overtook them.

Her husband John and two sons had been killed at Slaughter Slough. Ironically Mrs. Eastlick died believing a third son had also perished but miraculously he had survived and was eventually taken by another family to California where he lived the rest of his life.

Tommy Ireland who had lost a wife and two daughters in Slaughter Slough and had two other daughters taken captive by the Dakota was also in the party. They stayed at the Brown House while the mail carrier and Tommy Ireland sought relief in New Ulm, which at the time was under siege.

Relief arrived 10 days later and the party was rescued.

Mrs. Hurd eventually reaches her parents in New York and later marries Elbridge Woodward and raises not only William Henry and Frank, but seven of their own children and an adopted daughter in Roulette, Pennsylvania. Alomina died in 1922 at the age of 88.

Two cousins William and Emory Hamm follow her to Minnesota and eventually settle near the town of Balaton. A bit of interest to me is that a former Balaton teacher, H.J. Hibschman, wrote a pamphlet in 1901 and a Mary A. (Pew) Hamm sent it on to a relative back east for Alomina to read.

Alomina Hamm (also known by Almena Ham) was born in the western part of New York State in 1837 to Chauncey and Louella (DePui) Hamm. They moved to Steuben County, New York near Caton where she spent her childhood.

In 1857 she married Phinneas Hurd and moved to LaCrosse, Wisconsin. There in 1859 their first child William Henry was born.

Y R T N U O C & N W O T E I R CUR

JULY 3 & 4, 2021 IV Play

Street Saturday Dance 9 p.m. t , July 3 o 12:30 a.m.

4th of July Picnic & Membership Drive Sunday, July 4 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

S FISRunEdWay,OJuRlyK4

at uDrrieusTokwn & Cnotuntry

d by C ire Departme Sponsore ie F and Curr

VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT July 4 at City Park.

Contact Katie Furth (507) 227-3290.

BEAN BAG TOURNAMENT

JESSE JAMES lives at Alomina Hurd’s homesite today. Like the Hurds 137 years ago, James can look out at three lakes. Southwest Sailor photo ca. 1999.

Soon they continued west planning to settle in Nicollet County, Minnesota near St. Peter. They changed their minds and came on with other settlers and settled on the north end of Lake Shetek between Bloody, Fremont and Shetek. In late 1860 at Lake Shetek their second son Frank was born.

In the next Sailor, Bill Bolin will write about another early Shetek mother who was not as fortunate as Alomina Hurd. Almira Hatch Everett lost two of her young sons at Slaughter Slough, and her own life. Her surviving daughter was captured by the Dakota only to be rescued by the Fool Soldier band of Lakota some three months later.

Calendar of Events Summer fun is in full swing! Check out the local happenings in the area and soak up the fun.

• June 21 - 27: Wood Duck Days Fulda Youth track meet, youth baseball, music, supper in the park, carnival, kiddie parade, bingo, axe throwing, fireworks, 5K run/walk, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, Wood Duck grand parade, firemen’s pancake feed, kiddie tractor pull, car show, and more. Visit the Fulda Area Community Club Facebook page for more information and schedule.

• June 23 - 27: Riverside Days Springfield Hidden word quest, kiddie parade, SAL burger and beer stand, Concertina band, “Generation Gap” concert, grand parade, town team baseball, street dances Friday and Saturday night, 5K run & walk, vendor fair, bean bag tournament, pork chop feed and more.

For a full list of activities visit www.

springfieldchamber.org or our Facebook Springfield Riverside Days.

•June 26; Shetek Lutheran Ministries Quilt Auction - Lake Shetek Friday quilt preview and picnic, Saturday quilt auction and themed baskets silent auction, fun run, pulled pork dinner, ice cream, kids day at camp.

For more information visit www.shetek. org • July 1-4: Balaton Fun Fest - Balaton Events include Little Miss and Mr. Balaton, The Borchert Challenge at Balaton Bay Golf Course, Balaton Foundation burger feed, music by Red Hat Gypsy, fireworks, fun run, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, chamber breakfast, kiddie parade, grand parade, kid’s events, jr. and adult bean bag tournaments, firemen’s dance, Trinity Church picnic dinner and more. Check Facebook for updated events and times.

CALENDAR

continued on page 7

July 4 at City Park.

Contact Sam Carlson, 605-690-4371

Join us for

DUCK RACES

Food Truck Thursdays Live Music Amazing Wine Delicious Food Unforgettable Memories

July 4, 1:30 p.m. at Des Moines Bridge.

Big Cash Prizes

INFLATABLE BOUNCE HOUSES FOR KIDS Further details will be available…

Check posters in town!

Sponsored by Currie Town & Country Booster Club SOBER RIDES COVER CURRIE & 15-MILE RADIUS

For more information contact Ed Sweetman 507-763-3659, Shari Thomas 507-829-4039 or Kari Torkelson 507-829-7442

OUTSIDE SEATING Call for reservations 507.626.5203 www.paintedprairiewine.com

Currie, Minnesota

SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021 – 7

Calendar of Events • July 3-4 - Currie Town & Country July 4th Celebration Spectacular - Currie “IV Play” street dance, volleyball tournament, bean bag tournament, duck races, 4th of July picnic, inflatable bounce houses for kids, fireworks. For more information, check out the Currie Town & Country Facebook page.

• July 7: Tracy Area Garden & Quilts Tour - Tracy Garden and quilts tour sponsored by St. Mary’s CCW 2-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and include St. Mary’s pie & ice cream served at The Caboose in Tracy. Tickets can be purchased at the Caboose during the event. Rain date is July 8.

• July 9-10, 16-17, 23-24; Wilder Pageant - Walnut

Grove The Wilder Pageant is a family-oriented outdoor drama based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove. It is a live performance each night with all the characters from the Walnut Grove area. For more information or tickets, visit walnutgrove.com/pageant • July 10, 17, 24; Family Festival - Walnut Grove Demonstrations, activities, food, craft vendors, music, and more. For more information visit walnutgrove.org/ family-festival • July 22-25, 28-Aug 1 - “Grease,” Lake Benton Opera House Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, and Danny Zuko, the school’s coolest greaser, have a

SLAYTON MURRAY COUNTY M

I

N

N

E

S

Continued from page 6

O

T A

secret summertime romance – but when they get back to school, everything is different. Sandy attempts to navigate the tricky Rydell High School social waters and catch Danny’s attention again, but Danny is chiefly concerned with maintaining his tough-guy reputation.

In the end, the Pink Ladies help Sandy figure out how to win back the leader of the Burger Palace Boys. For tickets visit, lakebentonoperahouse.org • July 29- Aug. 1 - Water Tower Festival, Pipestone Kids’ Pedal Pull, Pipestone Jr. Ambassador Contest, Bean Bag Tournament, Food & Entertainment, Free Street Dance, Arts & Crafts Fair, Parade, Kids Inflatables, Care Show and More. Visit pipestoneminnesota.com for more information

THINKING BIG WITH YOU IN MIND đŏ %4! ġ 0!ŏ +*2!*0%+* (ŏŏ đŏ 1) +ŏ +.0# #! đŏ &1/0 (!ġ 0!ŏ +*2!*0%+* (ŏŏđŏ ŏ + */ đŏ ŏ +.0# #!ŏŏ đŏ ŏ %* * %*# đŏ ŏ +.0# #!ŏ đŏ +)! ! 5ŏ .+#. ) Marilyn M. Carlson

(507) 836-6552 cell (507) 360-9721

Mortgage Consultant NMLS# 368053 Licensed in MN, SD & IA

Marilyn.Carlson@cambriamortgage.com

Left Bank Roasterie & Café %URDGZD\ $YH 6OD\WRQ 01

www.leftbankcoffee.com

)UHVK 5RDVWHG &RȑHH E\ WKH FXS RU E\ WKH 3RXQG

$"31&5 t 7*/:- t 800%

Professional Measuring & Installation

Ca appoill for an ntmen t!

+HDOWK &RQVFLRXV %UHDNIDVW /XQFK 6RXSV 6DODGV 6DQGZLFKHV 6SHFLDOW\ 'ULQNV ² /DWWHV &DSSXFFLQRV ,WDOLDQ VRGDV PRUH 0RQGD\ WKUX )ULGD\ D P ² S P 6DWXUGD\ ² D P

t $FMM .BQMF "WFOVF t 4MBZUPO ./

Southwest Minnesota’s

“Hub City”

+V^U[V^U :SH`[VU 45 t V^U[V^U :SH`[VU 45 t /V\YZ! 4VUKH` u -YPKH` " :H[\YKH` hutgiftshoppe.com

x x x x x

7LVP >SP_PV .WZ_STYR /PNZ] @YT\`P 3ZXP /PNZ] 2TQ_^ .WZ_STYR 5PbPW]d 6T_NSPY 2LORP_^ 7TYPY^ -]TOLW =PRT^_]d

7DNH D 'LS DW 6OD\WRQ·V RZQ 6XPPHUWLPH ¶%HDFKµ

SLAYTONA BEACH WEST 7+ 675((7 6/$<721 01 OPEN DAILY AT 1:00 P.M.

8 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

ADDING SOME COMFORT TO CAMPING

Almost everyone has dreamed about quitting a job, selling anything and everything they own, and living life as a full-time traveler. The weight of obligations that have, for so long, been carried on their shoulders, almost instantly diminishes once someone takes the dive and begins their new life on the road.

For Steve and Sharon Schell, that dream is right at their fingertips. The 16-year residents of Marshall purchased a $1,200, vintage, 1972 Winnebago camper in 2018 and put in $800 of work themselves to add a personalized flair.

“We’ve been camping for about 20 years with a pop-up camper, bringing the kids all over the United States,” Steve said. “We finally decided we wanted something else after the kids graduated and went away.”

While camping, the duo would see vintage campers and glampers at the campgrounds which sparked the conversation between them about how fun a project like that would be considering they have always enjoyed completing renovations together throughout the years.

When initially looking online for used campers, the Schells agreed that there were some non-negotiables like having a bathroom, ensuring the camper was tandem with two axles, four wheels, and little to no water damage.

BY TRINA THOMAS

Special to the Sailor

AVID CAMPERS STEVE AND SHARON SCHELL stand in front of their 1972 Winnebago camper that they invested hundreds of dollars into to add to their camping experience. Photo / Trina Thomas

During their pursuit for a camper, Steve was having cold feet about the purchase but Sharon was able to talk a

Your Way to Fun! /,)( -$&.(76 :$7(5 0$76 38// 78%(6 025(

seller down in price and meet her in the middle at $1,200, so she retrieved the Winnebago from Pierre, South Dakota with her sister because the offer was too good to pass up. After her arrival, she discovered a half-inch of dirt, dust, and dead insects at the bottom of the floor.

Although unpleasant, cleaning up the interior wasn’t going to be a problem, and the Winnebago checked the boxes for their list of non-negotiables. Sharon towed it back to Marshall, officially making it their own.

Steve is a project manager for a firm that renovates schools and Sharon enjoys sewing and craft projects and when both sets of skills were brought together with $800 cash, the pair flipped the camper to give it a blend of contemporary and vintage.

Sharon chalk painted the camper’s inside, created hand-made covers for the cushions and curtains to hang in the windows.

“We poured ourselves into it for about a month,” Steve said. “Tore out old flooring that was soggy and wet, put a new subfloor in, and finished the floor.

Replaced the lights inside and outside and ordered most of the replacement

parts online. There’s always a project to do so I don’t think you’re ever really done.”

Downsides were inevitable with the age of the camper, and tearing out the furnace was one of the bigger challenges for the Schells. The worst part for Sharon was when they had to remove the furnace and build a fake infrared heater with molding to make it look real. Other obstacles included the water heater.

“We blew out the hot water because we didn’t drain the camper correctly in the winter,” Sharon said. “It froze and expanded so we had to disconnect the water. It’s great to have a toilet now instead of peeing in a bucket, but the bathroom is so small and you can barely stand in there and then the curtain goes around your body and it’s a little shower head. Body wipes work really well and you can go days without a shower. Since we don’t have hot water we just don’t use the shower.”

The walls were initially redone with peel and stick tile placed behind the stove and kitchen sink. After watching

CAMPING continued on page 9

&ROG 'ULQNV æ )ULHV æ %XUJHUV æ :UDSV æ 6WHDNV 6DODGV æ $SSHWL]HUV DQG PXFK PRUH

%2$7 6725$*( %2$7 6(59,&( 5(3$,5 COVID SAFE DINING EXPERIENCE 301 S. Hwy. 23 Marshall, MN

OPEN 10 A.M. – 11 P.M. DAILY

507-532-9649 www.yourwaytofun.com

Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30 Sat. 8-2

; 1EMR 7X w 1EVWLEPP 12 (507) 532-3875

CALL 507-532-3875 OR ORDER ONLINE AT WOODENNICKELMN.COM

SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021 – 9

Camping Continued from page 8

a show, they saw a type of siding that they wanted to try behind the sink that they bought at Menards for $7 and threw it on as an alternative to the $50 peel and stick they initially used.

“When Sharon brought the camper home the wheels were almost dead with dry rot from sitting in the farmer’s field for 6 or 7 years so we replaced the tires right away, took the rims off, and packed the bearings with grease. We then found some hubcaps that looked really good that ended up helping out a lot.”

The price to install new trailer tires was less expensive than car tires, with the total being approximately $250. The exterior was in remarkable shape, which only required a little scrubbing and polishing. Two windows didn’t work so great that they needed to be sealed shut.

“Our biggest argument was decorating it because he doesn’t want it to look too girly and I don’t want it to look like a boy fort,” Sharon said.

Steve said that after seeing so many women featured in vintage camper magazines that are buying campers and making them look like “dollhouses” just wasn’t for him.

“Sharon’s really let me man-cave it quite a bit. I’ve got lights that hang in the window that look like trout instead of flamingos or something. With our last name being Schell we found a Schell’s Brewery light that hangs in the main window inside that has a glow at night.”

“We did talk a lot about modernizing the exterior like a lot of people do but since it was in great shape we decided we wanted it to look original and we’re glad we made that decision now,” Sharon said.

The classic camper has the “W” for

A BEFORE AND AFTER image of the dining area in the Schell’s revamped RV.

Winnebago on the sides and back and they are often asked to get a tour of the flip. When traveling to campgrounds, the Schell’s often come across milliondollar campers as they roll in with their $2,000 Winnebago, and people often opt-in to see theirs.

“One of the best things about camping is all the people you meet,” Steve said.

After purchasing an electric bike, the couple considered locking it up on camping trips, but after camping for 25 years without even one instance of a robbery, they decided not to worry about locking the bike up.

“I’m not saying that people should just leave everything unlocked but campers have this epic thing where they watch out for each other,” Sharon said.

The duo will be visiting Two Harbors to visit one of their sons over the Fourth

of July, but they also hope to do some long-distance traveling in the future.

“If Steve could ever stop working, we wanted to go to the West Coast for 3 months and stop at breweries and wineries and of course follow weather patterns so that we are always in good weather and then the next trip would be the East Coast,” Sharon said.

“We’d like to do one each summer,” Steve said. “There are a lot of wineries that are letting you camp overnight at

...because the journey matters We’re proud that our staff has received the Silver Quality Award presented by the American Health Care Association.

Our goal is to enrich the lives of those we serve by...

LEFT: The Schell’s RV features a small fireplace. RIGHT: A look at the old kitchen, even before the new flooring was installed. Submitted photos

'8$1(¶6 %2'< 6+23

t "VUP #PEZ 3FQBJS 3FöOJTIJOH t "VUP (MBTT o *OTVSBODF $MBJNT

their campsite and it looks pretty cool.”

Although they spend a lot of time together in the small space that their 19’ camper has to offer, the couple who have been married for 36 years continue to enjoy their time with one another in such an intimate space.

“You’ve gotta love the person you’re working with because you’re going to spend a lot of time together,” Steve said.

“He is the joy of my life,” Sharon said.

CARING FOR THE WHOLE PERSON

Welcome to Prairie View Senior Living. We’re located in Tracy, Minnesota, in the heart of the southwestern agricultural region.

Our 45-bed Skilled Nursing facility offers a wide range of services and the medical clinic and hospital are directly across from our facilities.

Respect everyone for who they are and who they may become.

Recognize that every person is unique and has their own set of values, beliefs, ideas and own way of doing things.

Respond to all your concerns, needs, and ideas.

MEDICARE/MEDICAID CERTIFIED 24-HOUR SKILLED NURSING SERVICES – Short term rehabilitation – Hospice – Activity Programs

– Dietary services – Wound/Skin care – Physical therapy

– Occupational therapy – Speech therapy – Worship Services

DUANE OURADA, owner Westbrook, MN

WK 6W W ( 7 WK 6WUHHW ( 7UDF\ 01 01

FROM PANDEMIC,TO PAGEANT

10 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

‘Fragments of a Dream’ returns live July 9

Bill Richards, who has been involved with “Fragments of a Dream” for most of its 44 years, still wears a shirt that sarcastically reminds him of 2020.

It features a cartoon-like image of the Ingalls family, with masks on. That’s about the only reminder Richards needs of last year when “Fragments of a Dream” was cancelled because of COVID-19. Now, he and everyone else involved with the pageant, are only looking forward to and hoping for a big summer in Walnut Grove in 2021.

“It was a very difficult decision,” Richards said of cancelling last year’s shows. “When (the State) shut down the state fair, we knew we had to go.

It wasn’t even a choice. But there were still people on the committee that said, ‘What if?’ We had to shift gears, and we thought about that last March — that we had to prepare ourselves.”

Like the Ingalls family of a past era, organizers of the pageant have had to deal with unforeseen circumstances over the last few years. In 2018, a flood washed out opening weekend of the event. Then, after a very successful and star-studded 2019, a global pandemic hit the United States in early 2020, essentially erasing every planned event on everyone’s calendar, including the

BY PER PETERSON editor

BILL RICHARDS

LAURA, MARY and the entire Ingalls family will be back in person this summer on the banks of Plum Creek, entertaining throngs of Wilder fans throughout the world. Tracy Area Headlight Herald file photo

traditional pageant.

In an effort to keep fans engaged and entertained, organizers of the event quickly changed gears last year, offering a series of six Facebook Live “Little House” programs.

“It was a real challenge for everyone,” Richards said of last year. “We were able to go in real small groups and do most of the stuff outside. Nobody knew what was going on, but we wanted to have something out there. The actors all wanted to do something.”

Rehearsals last year were done via Zoom, which Richards called “less than adequate,” but the actors, for the most part, all rolled with it. Richards said one silver lining of last year was the fact that the virtual nature of the performance opened some eyes in how the program is put out there to the public.

“This might be another tool to a wider audience,” he said. “We did nine hours of live programming over six weeks … we brought in people from all over.

Stars jumped in and helped us out. Then we followed it up with the PBS thing, and we had 8,000 people checking this

out. We knew we needed to keep going — you take a year off and come back.

You have to keep your name out there.”

Richards said while the cast wanted nothing more than to be on stage as usual they made the best of a bad situation. Still, there was a substantial financial hit absorbed by the organization that oversees the pageant — somewhere in the neighborhood of $100,000, Richards said.

“We had zero income; we did have a couple donations,” he said. “Keeping everything going is about 30-grand — all the insurance we have to have, the electricity … even if you’re not using it, you’re still paying.”

That was then, and this summer, the pageant will return for its 44th season in all its home-spun glory. In-person rehearsals began in 90-plus degrees heat on June 7. Richards said going the Zoom route again for rehearsals brings up some unique technical challenges that everyone wanted to avoid.

“Everyone is excited,” Richards said. “Zooming was very difficult; the connections out here are not always

Borch’s SPORTING GOODS — borchs.com —

( &2//(*( '5 0$56+$// 01

0 ) 6DW 6XQ

10% OFF

Tubes & Skis

15% OFF

Life Jackets

good, so we’re ready for a more normal year. And I think a lot of people are going to be really happy to get out.”

“Fragments of a Dream” Director Erin Altmann, Richards’ daughter, said she is thrilled about returning to live performances.

“I am excited to be back out at the pageant site with all the cast together,” she said. “I have been working on making small changes here and there and working with new people as well as people in different parts. I am looking forward to connecting with the cast and crew. My favorite part of the pageant has always been the people coming together and that’s what I look forward to most. I wouldn’t call last year frustrating, so much as a learning experience and a time to try out some new and different ideas and scenes.”

There will be some noticeable changes at this summer’s programs. Richards said there will be two chairs separating each group attending the pageant.

Plexiglass panels will also be installed in

PAGEANT continued on page 11

Check out our se lection Sanda of Polos ls, Shorts, & Sw imsui ts

SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021 – 11

Wilder Museum eagerly awaiting a big summer

The pandemic not only took its toll “on stage” in 2020 for “Fragments of a Dream,” it also hurt business at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum.

Coming off a rough 2020, Wilder Museum Director Amy Foster said despite fewer school tours than normal in May, 2021 has so far been a really good year — from the museum’s open house on Memorial Day, to regular business hours.

“It was a really good May,” Foster said. “People are out and about, they’re excited to get out. The families are breaking out like crazy, and they’re shopping, too, which is good.”

AMY FOSTER Foster said the museum has fielded many phone calls from people asking about museum hours and if the annual “Fragments of a Dream” pageant is taking place.

“I see this as being one of those comeback-type years,” said Foster.

Foster used the word “awful” when describing what 2020 was like at the museum. Instead of opening in April last year, the museum didn’t open until June.

Also, admission prices were lowered to $2 because only four out of the museum’s eight buildings were open to the public. Plus, all the hands-on activities for families had to be closed down.

“Some of the buildings just have too many things, so we just closed the buildings,” she said. “It just wouldn’t work to take things out. This year, we removed some of the hands-on items, but we had more time to figure out how to

BY PER PETERSON editor

MARY AND LAURA are two of the main characters who make up the “Fragments of a Dream” pageant, held annually near Walnut Grove. Tracy Area Headlight Herald file photo

Pageant Continued from page 10

the concessions area, and all concessions workers will be wearing masks.

“That’s a congested area,” Richards said.

Richards said it is recommended that people attending the shows who are not vaccinated wear a mask and that everyone respect social distancing rules and practice good hygiene. Then there’s the cast, and Richards has some concern about possibly losing a cast member because of the pandemic; even though the performances are outdoors, dressing rooms are confined which could potentially cause a problem.

“We don’t have back-ups,” he said.

“And I know we have anti-vaxers in the cast. And we have a lot of adults who have health problems, and some of them are not vaccinated because they don’t believe in it. We do recommend anybody that’s not vaccinated wear a mask to protect themselves and everybody else. We have masks and COVID test kits.”

On the public relations side of things, it was a slow start to the summer when it comes to advertising, Richards said, because of all the unknowns surrounding the pandemic.

“Fragments of a Dream,” which started in the summer of 1978 in the Walnut Grove School, will begin the weekend of July 9-10, and will run for the two weekends following — July 16-17 and July 23-24. Gates open at 7 p.m. each night, and pageant singers perform at 7:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 8:30 p.m.

COVID-19 protocols will be in place, including masks and social distancing, as per state regulations.

Richards said the pageant has been fortunate to receive various grants to help offset its losses because of the pandemic, including from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council, the Walnut Grove Area Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Remick Foundation.

“We’ve had a couple very difficult years, with the flood — we lost huge money that year, and we’re still rebuilding,” Richards said. “So it’s time for a good year.”

Richards said a rewrite of the pageant is in the works, and the show will eventually be extended to a three-year show in hopes of not only being able to draw more of a return audience, but to tell a more complete story.

“I think having a trilogy will give us a better return audience,” he said. “There is a lot more information about Laura.”

‘FRAGMENTS OF A DREAM’ CAST FOR 2021: Ma Ingalls: Beth Danielowski Pa Ingalls: Errol Steffen Mary Ingalls: Madison Alexander Laura Ingalls: Messina Lessman Carrie Ingalls: Olivia Sazama Grace Ingalls: Brylee Dambroten-Gielczyk Old Laura: Heidi Morgan James Kennedy: Daryl Hrdlicka Margaret Kennedy: Wendy Rogotzke Nettie Kennedy: Jada Schmidt Christy Kennedy: Autumn Thomas Sandy Kennedy: Henry Plaetz Cassie Kennedy: Fiona Bayer Daniel Kennedy: Alex Hrdlicka Edwin Kennedy: Ethan Alexander Elizabeth Kennedy: Konsondra Duerksen Alice Kennedy: Brylee Dambroten-Gielczyk William Oleson: Daniel Desmith Margaret Oleson: Julie Danielowski Willie Oleson: Cal Lessman Nellie Oleson: Adilee Dambroten-Neu Mr. Hanson: Chris Alexander Mrs. Hanson: Norma Raymond Eleck Nelson: Matt Coleman Olena Nelson: Soni Nyquist Anna Nelson: Skye Nyquist Hjalmer Nelson: Otto Nyquist Julia Nelson: Adyson Morgan Johnny Johnson: Frederick Plaetz Reverend Alden: Lowell Highby Clementina Bedal: Taryn Lessman Eva Bedal: Isabelle Nyquist Grace Bedal: Jennie Clapp Elias Bedal: Daryl Hrdlicka Julie Tower: Maddie Alvstad Doc Hoyt: Lowell Highby Myra Hoyt: Tara Roberts

MUSEUM

continued on page 12

DANIEL DESMITH helps a customer recently at the Wilder Museum just off of U.S. Highway 14 in Walnut Grove. The museum is anticipating a lot of traffic this summer after 2020 kept many Laura fans from visiting the small town of Walnut Grove. Photo / Per Peterson

Grillin’ Chillin’

Great Food Good Times

Throw fresh produce on the grill for something deliciously different!

Fresh Baked Buns Deli with a variety of Salads, Desserts & Homemade To-Go Meals & Orders Large selection of Grocery Items

LP Tank Exchange Open 7 Days A Week 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.

TRACY’S LOCAL GROCERY STORE!

:HVW 0RUJDQ 6WUHHW f 7UDF\ 01

Meat market specials, ready for the barbecue!

12 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

Museum Continued from page 11

open all those buildings, so everything is open.”

Foster, who was part of the pageant back in her high school days, said losing the pageant last year made for the strangest summer of her life since the pandemic not only shut the pageant down but limited the amount of traffic at the museum.

“I’ve been involved basically my whole life — since the sixth grade — and pageant is that huge rush for me,” she said.

“You gear up for it, you’re getting things ready, the staff is ready and then you have those big three weekends and then it’s that fall. The whole July last year was almost like a fall.”

Foster gives credit to the museum board for putting money away in the event that something happens that will curb business.

“We didn’t do bad with the flood, but for pageant

weekends, that definitely changed our numbers,” she said. “We had such a good year in ’19 with the stars, and to have ’20 be such a big fall, that really hurt. It was very strange last year.”

Last year’s total income was about equal to what the museum brought in in July 2019, Foster said.

“July is always our biggest month — usually about a third of our income comes in that month,” she said.

Foster also said purchasing merchandise in 2020 was tough as well, since there was no way to tell how many visitors would walk through the museum doors. But that’s the past, and Foster is looking forward to a big rebound year for the museum.

“I’m excited for the summer,” she said. “The energy is going again.”

FROM LEFT: WANDA, SARAH AND HAZEL FRANK had some big fun visiting the Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove on June 14. The Franks drove from Sutherland, Iowa. Walnut Grove has grown into a destination place year-round for fans of the Ingalls family, but especially in July during the three-weekend-long pageant. Photo / Per Peterson

VALHALLA ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE SHETEK Key Largo

SH SPLADS PAles & Tubes Towab

ON LAKE SHETEK

Open Year ‘round!

Full-service Restaurant and Bar located on beautiful Lake Shetek.

-PUL +PUPUN Spectacular Views Key Largo has banquet facilities to accommodate even the largest parties.

Boats to Fit Your Lifestyle!

Stop in to order your 2022 Tahoe Luxury Pontoon!

SERVICES

U,i Ì> ÃÊ­* Ì ÃÊEÊ Ã }Ê >Ìî }Ê U >ÃÊ Ê V ÊÊU-i>à > Ê- «ÃÊU*À «Ê,iLÕ ` }Ê i U >À iÊ VViÃà À iÃÊÊU7 ÌiÀ â }ÊU-Ì À>}i OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK K

48$/,7< )5

(6+ /,9( %$ ,7 7$&./( /,&(16(6 ,&( ),6+,1* &2 17(67 *52&(5,( %(9(5$*( 6 6 3,==$

PETE’S CORNER

6 MILES NORT H OF SLAYTO N AT THE JUNC TION 59 & 30

(507) 836-627

9

SALES - SERVICE - INSTALLATION - REMOVAL BOATS & MOTORS DOCKS & LIFTS Valhalla Island, Lake Shetek – 507-763-3171 – shetekmarine@yahoo.com “Selling & Servicing The Lakes Area Fun for Over 40 Years!”

>,++05.: 3(9., 4,,;05.: -(403@ 69 /0./ :*/663 9,<5065: 9,/,(9:(3 +055,9: )09;/+(@: (550=,9:(90,: )(*/,369 )(*/,369,;;, 7(9;0,:

=(3/(33( +90=, :3(@;65 45 ^^^ RL`SHYNVSHRLZOL[LR JVT RL`SHYNVL]LU[Z'MYVU[PLY JVT ^

Large selection of OFF SALE

9DOKDOOD 5G f 6OD\WRQ

6XPPHU +RXUV 6XQ 7KXUV D P S P )UL 6DW D P S P

f &RQYHQLHQFH 6WRUH f %DLW 7DFNOH f *URFHU\ ,WHPV f 3LFQLF 6XSSOLHV LICENSES f )LUHZRRG SOLD HERE! f 3URSDQH

24-HOU PUMPS R

SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021 – 13

IT’S 2021 — ROAD TRIPS ARE BACK!

There is nothing better out with home decor, gift in the summer than a items or clothing every road trip. After staying time I go. The staff is home so much last year, wonderful there. this summer screams for 3. Fulda - If you travel Tara Brandl a road trip. However, life down 59 a little further Publisher is busy and it’s hard to and want a sweet treat, sneak away. The best part stop in to Antonio’s. The about that is you don’t have to go far to first time I was through Fulda, I thought discover a great day or two away. This it was an Italian restaurant. Instead it’s summer, explore southwest Minnesota a great cafe and has fantastic ice cream and don’t pass by the small towns. They treats for a warm summer day. If you’re are full of treasures. through town early in the morning (they One of my favorite parts of publishing open at 6 a.m.) get one of their caramel or the Sailor is delivering to all the small cinnamon rolls - YUM! towns in our area. It makes for a lot of 4. Walnut Grove - You could spend miles, but there is so much to explore in almost a day in Walnut Grove between these little towns. Pack up the car and find the museum, Junk with Purpose, Fond out for yourself! Almost every town has Memories and Nellie’s cafe. There are a gem of a boutique or a local restaurant plenty of treasures to find at all the shops with home cooked delights. No need to and Nellie’s has the best breakfast. Home pack a cooler for this road trip. Actually, cooked breakfast at it’s best. leave your vehicle as empty as possible 5. Lamberton - Erickson Furniture. so you have more room for the things This one takes you past town on a little you find along the way. Here are my gravel road, but it is worth the drive. top five favorite stops around the area if From furniture to home decor to fun I only have a couple hours to spare. As tumblers, they have it all. The shop is you explore this summer, I’d love to hear located right on their property and there yours. is always something unique.

1. Currie - Mo Than Antiques. This cute shop not only features a wide variety These top five are a quick trip from of vendors, it’s saving an old building Tracy. Tracy also has great restaurants, in a small town too. Clothing, carvings, some unique shops downtown and candles and so much more. It will take plenty of parks for a picnic. As I review you a while to browse all the findings this list, obviously I like to plan my road there. And say hi to Ramona too, she’s a trips around eating. But it is worth the treat. drive.

2. Slayton - Downtown. After you’ve I can’t wait to venture further out to had your stop in Currie, head over to see what places like Luverne, New Ulm, Slayton and visit their downtown. Some Marshall and more have hidden in their of my favorite spots are Left Bank Cafe downtowns. I’ve been there before but which has a fantastic home cooked it is time to take a walk downtown and special every day and great coffee. explore. It’s time to find the locally owned Slayton is also home to the Plaid Moose hidden gems that make each community which offers a great variety of treats great. As you venture around the area and coffee. My favorite there, if you are this summer, whether on vacation or a stopping for lunch, is the Orchard Salad. day trip, what hidden secrets are you You can have it as a wrap too. Nestled finding? What local businesses make the between the two coffee shops is The Hut. stop unique and fun? Let me know so I I challenge you to go in there and not can add them to my list. find something you love. I could walk Happy Exploring!

Tara’s Takes

Whether you’re buying or selling, get the right real estate team on your side for lightning-fast service and local market expertise.

NEW !

LISTING

2 Rosemary Lane Lake Shetek

286 7th Street Westbrook, MN

/8;85,286 &86720 %8,/7 5$1&+ 67</( +20( RQ RI ORZEDQN VKRUHOLQH RQ EHDXWLIXO /DNH 6KHWHN %5 %$ KRPH LV JUHDW IRU HQWHUWDLQLQJ ZLWK DOO RI WKH DPHQLWLHV VLWXDWHG RQ D SULYDWH ORW ZLWK DFUHV 2SHQ IORRU SODQ FXVWRP RDN FDELQHWV FHQWHU LVODQG LQ WKH NLWFKHQ ODUJH ZLQGRZV ZLWK JRUJHRXV ODNH YLHZV *DV ILUHSODFH 2XWGRRU GHFN LQ WKH OLYLQJ URRP 0DVWHU 6XLWH 7ULSOH DWWDFKHG JDUDJH ZKLFK LQFOXGHV D KHDWHG VKRS

(1-2< 7+( &219(1,(1&( 2) +$9,1* (9(5<7+,1* <28 1((' 21 21( /(9(/ :,7+ 12 67(36 (DV\ OLYLQJ ZLWK WKLV RQH RZQHU SDWLR KRPH WKDW KDV EHHQ ZHOO PDLQWDLQHG DQG IHHOV OLNH QHZ &DPEULD FRXQWHUV WLOH EDFNVSODVK 2Q\[ VKRZHU FXVWRP EXLOW NQRWW\ $OGHU FDELQHWV DQG WULP DQG KHDWHG ILQLVKHG JDUDJH 2SHQ FRQFHSW IORRU SODQ 7KH VSDFLRXV PDVWHU VXLWH IHDWXUHV D SULYDWH EDWK DQG ZDON LQ FORVHW

Dylan’s Lookout Lake Shetek

21 Lake Shetek Dr. Lake Shetek

/,)( ,6 %(77(5 %< 7+( /$.( (VFDSH WR WKH ODNH WR EXLOG \RXU ODNHVLGH JHWDZD\ RU VHW \RXU FDPSHU RQ RQH RI WKHVH ORWV ORFDWHG RQ WKH ZHVW VLGH RI EHDXWLIXO /DNH 6KHWHN 6SDFLRXV ORWV LQFOXGH ZDWHUIURQW ORW DQG EDFN ORWV ZLWK ODNH DFFHVV SURYLGHG E\ WKH RZQHU 7KH GHYHORSHU ZLOO SURYLGH D GRFN ZLWK D VSRW IRU HDFK RZQHU WR SODFH D ERDW VOLS FDOO IRU PRUH GHWDLOV $FFHVV WR WKH VKDUHG ZHOO DQG SXEOLF VHZHU LV DYDLODEOH 67$57,1* $7

+$5' 72 ),1' $&5( /27 ZLWK D 9,(: ORFDWHG LQ D EHDXWLIXO HVWDEOLVKHG ODNH FRPPXQLW\ MXVW VWHSV DZD\ IURP /DNH 6KHWHN 7KLV EXLOGDEOH ORW KDV GHHGHG ODNH DFFHVV DQG LW V MXVW PLQXWHV IURP D PDULQD SXEOLF ERDW ODQGLQJ HQWHUWDLQPHQW DQG GLQLQJ %XLOG \RXU GUHDP KRPH RU ODNH UHWUHDW DQG VWDUWLQJ HQMR\LQJ DOO WKDW /DNH 6KHWHN KDV WR RIIHU

14 Benjamin’s Rd. Lake Sarah

Wildflower pointe summit lake :,/')/2:(5 32,17( ,6 $ 6(5(1( 3($&()8/ '(9(/230(17 RQ WKH QRUWK VLGH RI 6XPPLW /DNH LQ +DGOH\ 7KH ORWV DUH QHVWOHG DORQJ WKH VKRUHV RI 6XPPLW /DNH 3ULYDWH /DNH $FFHVV $OO ORWV KDYH DFFHVV WR FLW\ ZDWHU DQG VHZHU 7KH GHYHORSPHQW FRQVLVWV RI DHVWKHWLFDOO\ VKDSHG ORWV ZLWK ORWV DOUHDG\ VROG /276 67$57,1* $7

After a summer without county fairs, they are back! Check out all the entertainment, carnivals and 4-H projects at the area county fairs!

• July 15-18: Redwood County Fair, Redwood Falls Midway, Grandstand Entertainment including demolition derby, Redwood Speedway Races and Parmalee, 4-H events, Kent Family Circus, Chain Saw Artist redwoodcountyfair.com • July 22-25: Yellow Medicine County Fair, Canby 4-H Events, Demolition Derby, Great Plains Tractor Pull, Baja Races, Midway ymcfair.org • July 28 - 31: Rock County Fair, Luverne 4-H Events, Grandstand Shows, Midway and more rockcountyfair.org or on Facebook Rock County Fair MN • July 29 - Aug. 1: Lincoln County Fair, Tyler 4-H events, lincolncountyfairmn.com • Aug. 4-7: Pipestone County Fair, Pipestone Livestock Shows, Exhibits, Midway Rides, Grandstand Shows pipestonecountyfair.com

• Aug. 4-8: Nobles County Fair, Worthington Entertainment by Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry with Lake & Lyndale, Shane Martin, Midway, Races, Horse Areas, Grandstand. noblescountyfair.org • August 11-15: Lyon County Fair, Marshall PRCA Rodeo, Ralco Enrichment Center, Entertainment including Beer & Bands, White Sidewalls, Cody Hicks Band, Jason Pritchett, Red Dirt Road; Midway, Demolition Derby, 4-H Events lyoncountyfair.com • Aug. 11-15: Brown County Fair, New Ulm Carnival, Demo Derby, Kids Day, Live Music including Drop Tailgate, Rhino, Dain’s Dutchmen, Sandra Lee & the Velvets, Bockfest Boys; Tractor & Truck Pull browncountyfreefair.com • August 18-21: Murray County Fair, Slayton Carnival rides, 4-H events, Tractor Pull, Pie baking contest, Cattleman’s Association supper, Cash of Cash entertainment, Kiddie Tractor Pull, Kids Bean Bag tournament, Stock Car Races in the Grandstand, KJOE Summer Fun, Enduro Car Race in the Grandstand, IV Play entertainment, Fireworks murraycountyfair.com

SALE PENDING!

/(9(/ /27" &+(&. )$17$67,& /$.( 9,(:6" &+(&. 7KLV 6KRZ 6WRSSHU HFKRHV JUHDW VW\OH DQG LW ZDV EXLOW WR WUXO\ HQMR\ OLIH RQ WKH ODNH ([SDQVLYH ZLQGRZV LQVSLULQJ VWXQQLQJ ODNH YLHZV 2SHQ FRQFHSW ZLWK TXDUWHU VDZQ RDN FDELQHWV DQG ZRRGZRUN YDXOWHG NQRWW\ SLQH FHLOLQJ PDVWHU VXLWH ZLWK IXOO PDVWHU EDWK D ZDON LQ FORVHW DQG KLV KHUV YDQLWLHV VSDFLRXV NLWFKHQ GLQLQJ DUHD ZLWK &DPEULD FRXQWHUV DQG ODUJH FHQWHU LVODQG *DV ILUHSODFH [ FRYHUHG SRUFK

These listings have

1JPOFFS 5SBJM t -BLF 4BSBI

$IFSZM "WF t -BLF 4IFUFL

recently

SOLD! 3PCCJOT %SJWF t 'PY -BLF

-JNF -BLF %S t -JNF -BLF

Let us get you the best price for your property!

Stacy Like

Kimberly mannon

Broker/Owner

Realtor

(507) 920-7630

REATIVE

(507) 227-0059

THREE, INC.

#SPBEXBZ "WF t 4MBZUPO ./ t

www.creative-three.com

14 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

Camden Love Letters – Earliest Times

Editor’s note: Bill Palmer’s columns, called “Prairie Lives,” are a special feature of the Sailor.

Camden State Park is our wilderness, so far as we may find wilderness in Southwest Minnesota. I spent my childhood years in and around Marshall where my most common experiences of being immersed in nature are all about camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, and exploring all that Camden had to offer a kid.

This kid, now inhabiting a much older body, still frequents Camden to recharge his batteries by absorbing snowy silence in the winter; by hiking, biking, camping, and enjoying birdsong in the warmer months; or by simply breathing woods-scented air in any season.

Many of us have Camden stories that reflect the special place it occupies in our lives. Today’s column begins a series of love letters about and to this special place and to everyone who seeks recreation and relaxation in the forested valley and prairieland of Camden State Park.

We who love time spent in Camden’s woods, waters, and prairies are only the most recent people to value and visit this place. These lands are a part of the ancestral lands of the Dakota Oyate

BY BILL PALMER

special to the sailor

THE CAMDEN STATE PARK Highway 23 entrance and contact station, ca. mid-1970s. Image courtesy Pat Demuth

(nation) many of whom returned to the area again and again across many generations, drawn by the renewable resources these lands offered and on which they relied and thrived.

A.P. Rose’s “History of Lyon County, published in 1912, restates an account of Dakota life in the Camden area given

by Parker I. Pierce, who passed through Lyon County in the 1860’s. Mr. Pierce apparently collected accounts of Dakota life in the area prior to Euro-American settlement. We need to recognize, however, that relying on a non-Dakota

Bird Central Famous for Miles Around…

Largest selection of bird feeders and bird food in Southwest MN!

Patzer’s

:HVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW %HDXWLIXO 'RZQWRZQ 0DUVKDOO

source for an account of Dakota life always carries a risk of misrepresentation.

“At Lynd there were about 1,500 acres of timber (most of it later being cut by settlers), consisting of oak, bass, and sugar maple. This timber was paradise for the [Dakota], furnishing shelter and fuel for the winter and a feeding ground for their ponies. In the summer they would hunt and kill the buffalo and dry the meat for winter. After the cold weather set in, they devoted their time to trapping the fur-bearing animals such as otter, mink, and muskrats, which were abundant.”

“As I said before, there were plenty of sugar maples and the [Dakota] women made hundreds of pounds of sugar. In the spring the surplus would go to the Indian trader and shortly would be traded back to them for furs and robes. Each band of [Dakota] had their allotment of trees. The troughs that were made to catch the sap remained under the trees until the following spring; then the same ones would go back to their camping ground. The [Dakota] were happy and rich with ponies.”

Rose’s history identifies the first white household in what later became Lyon County as occupying a site near Camden.

“A white man first established a home in Lyon County in 1835. He was Joseph LaFramboise, a trader in the employ of the American Fur Company and his post was in the Lynd woods on the Redwood River. There for a period of two years he

+Z\ *DUYLQ 01

Great Food & Pizza Menu Off Sale Banquet Room For Rent Carry-Out Available Open Daily 4 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. bittonsroadhouse.com

lived with his family, engaged in trade with the [Dakota].”

Rose also relates an account about how the noted western traveler and painter of Plains Native Americans, George Catlin, visited the LaFramboise family at their Lynd trading post in 1837. Catlin stopped while enroute to visit the Pipestone quarries to the west.

Rose’s history later identifies the first long-term, white resident of what became Lyon County as another trader.

“It was during the month of May 1855 that James W. Lynd established his trading post on the Redwood. The original site was on land which, when surveyed, was found to be the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 5, Lyons Township – land which was later taken as a homestead by Charles E. Goodell. The groves along the Redwood had always been a favorite camping ground of the [Dakota] and the site was a model one for barter with [them]. The fur trade was a profitable one and Mr. Lynd is said to have carried on a successful business, trading sugar, blankets, calico, tobacco, ammunition, and possibly whiskey for pelts of the numerous fur-bearing animals.”

When I consulted a map of Lyons Township, the general site of Mr. Lynd’s trading post as described in the Rose history places it in the heart of Camden State Park.

Rose’s account of the location of Mr. Lynd’s trading post was confirmed during the 1930s, when the state bought the land by eminent domain and developed it as a state park. The Master Plan Report of Camden State Park, published by the park’s National Park Service landscape architect, Mr. R.A. Skogland, in 1936, described the location of the former trading post.

“The first building within the present park site was a Trading Post which was reported to have been built prior to 1850. A Mr. Lynd operated this post for a number of years. Its former site is indicated on a plan just west of the present swimming pool. It is reported that a fire destroyed the original building.”

“In the [1880’s], a farm residence was constructed on the old trading post site.

Several owners occupied the premises prior to its purchase by Mr. A. H. Dale.

The Dale family occupied this residence until the purchase of the area by the state.”

But this beautiful valley location enjoyed a widespread reputation as a great picnic location long before it became a park.

I welcome your participation in and ideas about our exploration of prairie lives. You may reach me at prairieviewpressllc@gmail. com.

SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021 – 15

PIPESTONE MINNESOTA 32nd Annual

Pipestone

Summer Cruise-Ins THURSDAY, JULY 1 5:00-7:30 pm, Downtown THURSDAY, AUG. 5 5:00-7:30 pm, Fairgrounds THURSDAY, AUG. 26 5:00 – 7:30 pm, Dahl Motors THURSDAY, SEPT. 9 5:00 – 7:30 pm, Downtown

FREE FUN!

FOOD AVAILABLE BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK!

PipestoneMinnesota.com Call the Chamber at (507) 825-3316

Water Tower Festival Pipestone, Minnesota

JULY 29 – AUG. 1 THURSDAY EVENING Kids’ Pedal Pull Pipestone Jr. Ambassadors Contest

FRIDAY EVENING Bean Bag Tournament Food & Entertainment

FREE STREET DANCE “REWINDER” SATURDAY

Arts & Craft Fair Parade - 10 a.m.

2PKZ» 0UÅH[HISLZ

Car Show -VVK 4VYL

3LSHVWRQH0LQQHVRWD FRP

Handmade Tribal Arts & Crafts Pipestone Carving, RawStone Beadwork Supplies Dreamcatchers Sage, SweetGrass Drums & more Ăůů ϱϬϳͲϴϮϱͲϯϳϯϰ ĂďŽƵƚ sŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌ KƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚŝĞƐ͕ WƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƚŝŽŶƐ͕ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉƐ͕ ƐƵŵŵĞƌ ĐĂŵƉ ĂŶĚ ŵŽŶƚŚůLJ ĐƌĂĨƚ ĐůĂƐƐĞƐ ϱϬϳͲϴϮϱͲϯϳϯϰ

16 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

BRINGING SOME LIGHTNING TO LAKE BENTON

BY PER PETERSON

‘GREASE’ CAST:

editor

R

eady to do the hand jive?

Singing and dancing, 50s style is coming to the Lake Benton Opera House in July, when the players present their rendition of the timeless musical “Grease.”

“We have a cast of 27 at this moment, but hope to add four to six more for the group songs,” said director/producer Mark Wilmes.

This won’t be the first time “Grease” has been performed in Lake Benton. Back in 2003, the Opera House broke its attendance record with “Grease,” which was before online ticket sales, “so it was a crazy summer for Jean Carr of Lake Benton who fielded all of the phone calls for reservations at the time,” said Wilmes, who directed that production and played the “Teen Angel” for the show. This year that part will be played by Tom Schmitt of Porter.

“The last few years it has gotten more difficult to recruit young men to be in

Sandy Dumbrowski: Crystal Enga – Lake Benton Danny Zuko: Connor Klimeck – Brandon, SD Jan: Doria Drost – Tracy Marty: Babylon Bakker – Ruthton Betty Rizzo: Sommer Schaap – Edgerton Frenchy: Brenna Nuese – Hendricks Doody: Jackson Jeremiason - Minneota Roger: Rion Moat - Russell Kenickie: Travis Trooien – Toronto, SD Sonny Latierri: Austin Kulm – Flandreau. SD Miss Lynch: Miranda Gravley - Russell Patty Simcox: Gabby Thooft - Tyler Eugene Florczyk: Donavan Skorbinski Hendricks Vince Fontain: Taylor Holck – Ruthton Johnny Casino: Benjamin Kulm – Flandreau, SD Cha Cha DiGregorio: Ellie Frahm – Tyler Teen Angel: Tom Schmitt – Porter

CRYSTAL ENGA of Lake Benton will play Sandy Dumbrowski and Connor Klimek of Brandon, SD, will play the part of Danny Zuko in the Lake Benton Opera House’s upcoming rendition of the popular musical “Grease.” Submitted photos

the summer shows,” said Wilmes. “They all get jobs, so it is hard to compete with a steady paycheck. We had to do some heavy duty recruiting and had a great network of people who helped get the word out.”

Playing Sandy Dumbrowski this year is Crystal Enga of Lake Benton, who Wilmes said has been in many of the Opera House’s past productions and will be recognized by its regular ticket buyers. Danny Zuko will be played by

Wheels Across the Prairie Museum

Connor Klimeck of Brandon, SD. “He was one of the recruits who heard through the grapevine we were looking for guys,” Wilmes said. “It will be Connor’s first time on our stage.”

Wilmes said while the movie version of “Grease,” starring Olivia NewtonJohn and John Travolta is familiar to almost everyone, the stage version is a little different, but the audience will hear most of the songs from the movie as well as a couple that are exclusive to the stage show.

“We were able to add a couple of the most popular songs from the movie — ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ and ‘You’re the One That I Want,’” said Wilmes. “It is great to be back in business after the pandemic. Until May of this year, the Opera House hadn’t produced a live

Ensemble/Dancers Cari Baune, Tyler Zoey Greer, Lake Benton Jacey Jorgensen, Arco Carrie Eng, Marshall Natalie Nielsen, Ruthton Emma Lipinski, Ivanhoe Sabel Christensen, Lake Benton Katherine Kulm, Flandreau, SD James Drietz, Flandreau, SD Matthew Drietz, Flandreau, SD ••• Director/Producer: Mark Wilmes, Tyler Accompanist: Stacy Bosveld, Ghent Costumes: Sandy Hanson, Tyler Orchestra: Justin Condelli, Marshall Sound: Alan Riedel, Sioux Falls, SD Light tech: Nate Gates, Brookings, SD Set Construction: Alan Riede, Sioux Falls, SD Stage Manager: Kathy Holck, Ruthton Choreographer: Robyn Condelli, Marshall

show since December 2019.”

Those wishing to attend can go online early to get a reservation at lakebentonoperahouse.org.

ELIZABETH MORGAN OF PIPESTONE and Brent Buse of Tyler played Sandy and Danny in the 2003 Opera House production of “Grease.”

www.wheelsacrosstheprairie.org Located on West Highway 14 – Laura Ingalls Memorial Highway 86 +Z\ 7UDF\ 0LQQHVRWD

8 Buildings! Plan to Stay the Day! June, July & August — Wednesday thru Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Gear Up for a Perfect Day

Live Bait

Fishing & Hunting Equipment Camping Supplies Grilling Headquarters Carhartt Clothing Red Wing Shoes & Boots

$IWHU +RXU 7RXUV RU 6SHFLDO 7RXUV DYDLODEOH &DOO IRU DQ DSSRLQWPHQW Jon 507-626-1949

MIDWEST SUPPLY OF TRACY #2!)' !6%.5% 42!#9 -. s Open Mon. thru Fri. 8 – 5:30; Sat. 8 – 5; Sun. 11 – 3

SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021 – 17

BUILDING A FOUNDATION SHETEK LUTHERAN MINISTRIES T

BY PER PETERSON editor

ucked between the waters of one of the

largest bodies of water in southern Minnesota, Shetek Lutheran Ministries has

grown to become arguably the most popular

campground in the entire state. And it’s about to get even better.

On May 23, Shetek Lutheran Ministries broke

ground on a more than 3,200-square foot adult/

youth lodge. The project, which also includes the addition of two new year-round cabins, is the

centerpiece of a multi-phase plan that will drastically change the landscape at the camp.

“This is kind of a long time coming,” said Marv

Nysetvold, executive director at SLM. “I feel like we had to make sure that we had constituents

AN ARTIST’S RENDITION of the new adult/youth lodge at Shetek Lutheran Ministries.

and board members on the same path, because

this was a process. “We are building on over 70

years of ministry and preparing for the next 70 or more years of ministry at Shetek.”

Nysetvold said facility upgrades are needed,

as cabins are about 80 years old, but also because the public’s expectations have changed over the years.

“We would hear feedback from campers and

parents about the cabins, and mostly it’s not a big deal because all they do is sleep in there, but if

we wanted to do more year-round programming, then we do need more winterized facilities,”

Nysetvold said. “All the new construction will all be winterized.

Everything will have its own bathroom and shower, so eventually we would get rid of the bathhouse.”

When Nysetvold came to SLM in 2009, work had begun on additions to two of the current cabins. The additions essentially added a meeting space onto those cabins. That work, he said, inspired more dialogue about the future and what could be done to improve the grounds even more.

“Do we just keep doing additions on cabins? Do we combine or put an addition to connect the two cabins that would include a meeting space? Or do we do something completely different?” Nysetvold said. “It eventually evolved into updating our strategic plan, and part of that plan was to get a new master site

FOUNDATION

MARV NYSETVOLD, executive director at Shetek Lutheran Ministries, looks over a layout of the camp on Lake Shetek and its future additions. Photo / Per Peterson

continued on page 18

Tracy Country Club UÊ >ÀÌÊ,i Ì> Ê Û> >L iÊÊ " Ê>Ê Ìi`ÊL>Ã Ã

The Cleanest Toilets in the Area!

DAILY - WEEKLY - MONTHLY RATES

s3PORTS %VENTS s0ARTIES s#ONSTRUCTION 3ITES s!UCTIONS s(AND 3ANITIZERS s0ORTABLE 3INKS s(ANDICAPPED 5NITS

DARWIN BARTLOW, TOILET TECHNICIAN

3ERVING ALL OF 37 -INNESOTA ,OOK US UP AT WWW SWSANITATION NET . TH 3T s -ARSHALL -.

“Locally Owned and Operated”

By Dan & Scott Ritter

(877) SWTRASH (507) 532-4500 e-mail: swsan@iw.net

*; *65;( ) < ;/, *3 6 NOW ; 9 @6< )662 : 7(9;0,

<7 ;6 7,673,

UÊ À Û }Ê,> }i UÊ iV Ê ÕÌÊ ÕÀÊ`À Ê EÊ}Àii ÊviiÊëiV > ÃÊ Ì À Õ} ÕÌÊÌ iÊ-Õ iÀ UÊ Ã Ê>L ÕÌÊ ÕÀÊ iÜÊ{äÊ9i>ÀÃÊ EÊ9 Õ }iÀÊ ÃV Õ ÌÊ> `Ê ÕÀÊ Ì ÞÊ*>Þ i ÌÊ* > Ã

/PNO^H` 4PSLZ ,HZ[ VM ;YHJ`

Call (507) 629-4666 for Tee Times

18 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

Foundation Continued from page 11

plan.”

A feasibility study showed that if improvements were done in phases, the first one that would include the youth/adult lodge, plus two new cabins would cost about $1.5 million. That price includes moving a current cabin.

A fundraising campaign — dubbed “Building on the Foundation” — which began in 2019 and involved current donors and supporters has so far garnered $1.2 million. The next part of the campaign would focus on the 105 member congregations that support camps at SLM. Nysetvold said SLM had a number of visits to church councils planned in 2020, but those have yet to take place because of the pandemic.

“Our challenge goal is $2 million, and if we get to $2 million, what we would do is remove cabins 1, 2 and 4, and cabin 3 would stay and be remodeled into a yearround arts and crafts center,” Nysetvold said.

Lindberg Construction of Currie was the lowest of three bidders for the project. Nysetvold said the hope is to be able to use the new lodge this fall, possibly in mid-October. The two new cabins, he said, would potentially open in 2022.

The area that will be home to the new adult/youth lodge — the former sand volleyball courts just to the west of the shoreline — is staked off and ready for development. The lodge will include a spacious gathering area with sleeping areas that each have their own bathroom areas.

“It’s about 400 square feet bigger than we originally thought because there are certain requirements that you have to meet for lodging,” Nysetvold said.

The construction site will be fenced off, so SLM can continue to host campers this summer. The only possible concern is getting materials from Extreme Panels in Cottonwood down to the construction site.

“We’re gonna have to have (the semi) come in from the north and essentially back down and unload,” Nysetvold said.

Along with new structures above ground, SLM is working on upgrading its water treatment system to remove iron from the water there. That system, Nysetvold said, could be online this summer.

SLM, which draws campers from eastern South Dakota as well as all over southern Minnesota, dates back to 1933 when a transient camp was built on the north end of Keeley Island. The first three-day camp session was held there in 1945. The property was purchased from the State of Minnesota for $40,100 by the then-newly-formed Lake Shetek Lutheran Bible Camp Corporation, and in 1950, the Chapel was dedicated with Gov. Luther Youngdahl giving the main address in front of a crowd of about 3,000 people.

••• Ground on the new adult/youth lodge was broken on May 23.

“So many of you have helped make this possible,” Sandy Ludeman, chair of Shetek Lutheran Ministries’ Building on the Foundation campaign, said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “We really appreciate it. We’re up to $1.2 million, still have a little ways to

SHETEK LUTHERAN MINISTRIES STAFF took part in Sunday’s groundbreaking for the new adult/youth lodge, from left: Jane Wahl, Amanda Randall, Katie Chapman, Nora Dahlhoff, Marv Nysetvold and Tom Carlson. Photos / Per Peterson

A BLUEPRINT DETAILS THE LARGE GATHERING area in the new adult/youth lodge, as well as the numerous bedrooms and bathroom facilities.

go, but we can get this building started then move on to the cabins.”

Sandy and his wife, Peg, have strong ties to the campground they once attended, as did their children and grandchildren. Sandy said during his fundraising efforts, a person asked him why he would donate as much money as he has to the camp.

“I said, ‘Well, I believe in the outdoor ministry, I believe in young people, I believe in camps changing

focus with multi generations now,’” he said. “I think it’s a place where things happen, and I think this place does make a difference in people’s lives.”

Shetek Lutheran Ministries has provided more than 70 years of ministry on Keeley Island, but is facing some challenges with space limitations and its aging buildings. The answer to those issues is the two-phase project that will begin soon.

July 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31 7:30 p.m.

July 25, 31, Aug. 1 at 2:00 p.m.

RENT AN APARTMENT TODAY & ENJOY YOURSELF IN AFFORDABLE COMFORT. Ȉ Ȉ

ȈͶ Ȉ 5(17 285 &20081,7< 5220

Only $50 rental includes use of kitchen facility.

Showers, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Graduations, Holiday Gatherings.

Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Tracy Call to reserve your date! :HVW 0RUJDQ 7UDF\ 01 ($50 damage deposit 507-629-3160 required)

Admission $15 Adults, $14 Students & Senior Citizens, 12 & Under $10

Presented by

Lake Benton Opera House Tickets available online at www.lakebentonoperahouse.org

Southwestern Minnesota’s Premiere Community Theatre!

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the SW MN Arts Council, thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural fund.

It is also made possible in part by support from the Lake Benton Area Foundation.

/DNH %HQWRQ 01 Call (507) 368-4620 for Reservations (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) lakebentonoperahouse@gmail.com

SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021 – 19

MAKE A

AT THE

Tracy Aquatic Center Wa Faceb tch ook f o New Speci r al Event s this summ er!

t Discoun 40 Pass – $ for 10 s Punche

Adult Morning Swim - $3 Daily Pass - $6 Evening Swim (after 5 p.m.) - $3

HOURS: Adult Swim Mon.-Fri. 7-8:50 a.m.

Open Swim 1-7 p.m.

Located in Sebastian Park 2nd St. E. & Elm Streets, Tracy (507) 629-5537

OFF SALE Ask about our Loyalty Club

CHECK O OUR UNI UT BEER CA QUE VE!

/$5*( 6(/(&7,21 2)

%((5 :,1( 63,5,76

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

+:< 7+ 67 75$&< 01

Show this a 10% OFF d for or 5% OFF WINE BE & SPIRITS ER Cannot be ! combined with a r or reward ny s.

other offe

20 – SOUTHWEST SAILOR, JULY 2021

Sell? oday! o t g n i k sis t Loo et Analy

Call for a

k Free Mar uyers! b e We hav

From finding the perfect home to finalizing the sale, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

L ERCIA M M O C ERTY PROP

52 Tepeeotah Rd., Tracy, MN Bar & Restaurant, 8,124 Sq. Ft.

$499,000 1615 201st St., Garvin, MN

Lighthouse Lane, Slayton

651 Pine St., Tracy, MN

4BR, 3 Bath, 2,7374 sq. ft.

Bare Lots, Electric, Sewer & Water connected

3 BR, 1 Bath, 1,437 Sq. Ft.

$265,000

$60,000

Call for info & pricing

SALE PENDING!

SOLD!

826 Cedar Ave., Westbrook, MN

224 State St., Tracy, MN

419 4th St., Currie, MN

4 BR, 3 Bath, 2,318 Sq. Ft.

2 BR, 1 Bath, 1,194 Sq. Ft.

3 BR, 2 Bath, 1,462 Sq. Ft.

4 BR, 3 Bath, 2,700 Sq. Ft.

$78,500

$73,500

$75,900

$164,900

954 9th St., Westbrook, MN

Meet our Team

SALE PENDING!

SOLD!

250 Elm St. N., Balaton, MN

700 4th St. E., Tracy, MN

4 BR, 2 Bath, 1,540 Sq. Ft.

3 Br, 2 Bath, 2,800 Sq. Ft.

$128,900

$159,000

REAL ESTATE INSURANCE

Treating you like part of our family!

Jody Lehnhoff

Pamela Schreier

Keith Engelkes

(507) 829-3999 Tracy

(507) 360-2314 Slayton

(507) 828-8499 Tracy

130 3RD ST., TRACY 2500 MAPLE AVE., SLAYTON 141 MILL ST., CURRIE

(507) 212-6688 (507) 836-6996 (507) 763-3700

www.murraylandagencyinc.com SEE KALA, LAURA OR BILL FOR YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS!

INDEPENDENT HOME OWNED

YOU KNOW US…WE KNOW YOU!

Bill Lundy Slayton (507) 227-1169

Kala Larson Currie (320) 290-8908

Laura Post Okabena (507) 360-6616

4PSS :[YLL[ *\YYPL 45 : 4PUULZV[H (]L 6RHILUH 45

www.curriestatebank.com

PRODUCTS & SERVICES U iV }ÊU->Û }ÃÊU

½ÃÊU i ` }ÊU Õà iÃÃÊ > } U L iÊ > }ÊU , ÃÊU L iÊ i« à ÌÊU - ÃÊU" iÊ > }ÊU /

TRACY 130 3RD STREET – (507) 212-6688 CURRIE 141 MILL STREET – (507) 763-3700

SLAYTON 2500 MAPLE AVE. – (507) 836-6996 OKABENA 117 S. MINNESOTA – (507) 853-4421