MOTHERS AGAINST BOYHOOD COLLECTIONS!

My husband complained for 50 years about the fact that his mom "disposed" of his collection of sports cards and comic books when he left for college.  He's not alone in his grumbling since often when men of a certain age gather together and speak of their lost childhood treasures, it always goes back to "mom's fault."  Wow--what was/is the deal?  I must admit I've never encountered any women who lamented that their mom's threw away Barbie dolls, paperdolls, china dishes etc. etc..  So what was wrong with little boys and teenage boys collecting things as ordinary as baseball cards with famous athletes or comics such as westerns, sports heroes, funnies and a few Superman or Batman books?  My husband had hundreds of collectibles that he kept in his dresser drawers or the fruit cellar in the basement-- which, by the way never held homemade canned goods.  Best friend Dick used to join him in the backyard alley behind the downtown upstairs apartment where the family lived, and they  created  a "comic book" store where one comic was traded for two with neighborhood kids. This was in a small town, population about 1,000 so there wasn't  a lot of activity for young boys.  In those days comics sold for 10c at the local drugstore;  Dick and Duane sold used comics for 5c. Some baseball and football cards escaped the housecleaning but none of the comics.  To replace them today would cost a lot more than 10c and try as he might, my husband can't even find some of those comics he knows were the most valuable.  At one point he  started collecting again so he wasn't without a considerable supply!  Now,  I, as the wife, was not without guilt-----I insisted that he get rid of all of his sport's magazines in an attempt to create a bedroom for one of our boys.  Oh oh, I joined the ranks of those wives/mothers who are into a cleaning frenzy, but only as it pertains to the belongings of the male members of the household.  My decorating magazines survived the purge!!!  However, I did vow that I wouldn't throw items belonging to our three sons-----well sort of.  Every once in a while someone will "remember" a certain toy or game and wonder whatever happened to it.  Probably sold at a garage sale, boys.  At least my mother-in-law donated the cards and comics to a good cause --- the church rummage sale.  So - is that better?

CURTIS WELCH AUCTION FIND

We attended an auction recently at which everything in sight went for big bucks.  I found an old scrapbook which contained a calling card with a name I recognized from my great grandmother's extended family so I was hoping to bring it home.  I actually was able to buy two scrapbooks filled with miscelaneous trade cards, calling cards, pretty pictures of flowers, birds and lovely  children..  Back in the day---whenever that was---creating scrapbooks became a favorite hobby which probably replaced the samplers of colonial times that taught young women the art of sewing as well as a way to decorate one's home.  A fellow in front of me was also bidding on 4 scrapbooks being held aloft by the auctioneer's helpers, but he dropped out and I was able to "score" the bid.  My husband and son were with me and we immediately started paging through to see what wonderous things there were inside and the other bidder was also interested in checking it out, so there we were with our collective heads hovering over the pages.  One item in particular, drew the attention of the guys---a little picture of Curtis Welch, centerfielder for St. Louis showing him in all of his vintage glory in the baseball uniform of the time.  My son, with his smart phone, was able to pull up some info about his playing days and we were quite impressed with his stats.  1889--hit 39 doubles, finished in top 10 in stolen bases for 6 seasons,  49th in career stolen bases.  More can be found in his biographical info on line.  I did find one little tid bit which made me laugh---according to a source, he hid cases of beer behind billboards of Sportsman Park and consumed them during home games. He was born in 1862, made his playing debut in 1884 at age 22, played his last game when he was 31 in 1893.  He died at the young age of 34 in 1896.  Since I am a history buff and love detecting, I started googling to see what I could find about the cards-----and wow, was I surprised!  These little cards were a series of 18 players and were probably meant to be kept in scrapbooks, glue and all. Some are doubles, connected with a paper tab, but even individual ones are worth a lot since they are so rare.  Several auctions have yielded impressive prices. 

                                 Now what will I do???  That's the question.  Save it?  Sell it?

Grandma Winnie's knick knacks

My paternal grandparents lived in a house that Winnie's parents,  Jacob and Dorthea Triese had lived in previously, and the story goes that they had it moved in from the country about 1915-18.  Over the years there were updates and remodeling  done  that reflected changes in lifestyle due to old age and for convenience.  From the time I was very young I was fascinated by the little objects that graced the corner shelves on either side of the kitchen window----the same type of shelves later appeared in the ca 1940s house built by my parents.  At any rate they were always there and very seldom were they removed for cleaning  while I was in "house" or certainly not for me to play with!  Since I was an only child and only grandchild, I could often coax my elders into granting me a little leeway, but not with grandma's knick knacks.  There was also a large wall length bookcase that was added in the living room which replaced a window on that side of the house.  Here was a multitude of things that included lots of interesting books my aunt collected and brought home when she came to live with my grandparents.  There were unusual covered dishes, fancy cups and saucers and other artifacts that had belonged to my great grandparents.  There were also my favorites----figurines.  A boy minus one hand balancing an apple on his head, a little cart drawn by pigs, a chalkware cat and a truly ugly homemade cloth dog  stuffed with straw which had been used as a toy by my dad when they lived in Pomme de Terre.  It really is in rather remarkably good shape for it's age, but then he spent most of his time playing outside fishing in the river, skiing, skating and trapping.  One of the strangest items is a little rubber doll that looks very much like the painting called "The Scream", due to the loss of the squeaker mouthpiece, I'm sure.  There was also a little hand held game called Cootie which is from WWI era.  Perhaps the oldest items that I have are a little tea set given to my grandma by her parents and a glass stein used by her father, Jacob.  All of these items are now displayed in a built in bookcase in my living room.  Recently a friend asked what I was going to do with all of this stuff. ( meaning what are my kids going to do) My answer was that my sons would have to deal with the issue when the time comes.  For now I'm going to enjoy looking at the treasures and knick knacks and honor the memories of my ancestors.

Ashby, Mn restaurant: no wild game served here

The owl that started it all!
 

There is an institution in  Ashby, Mn. population about 450 (give or take a few) that is well known far and wide.  It has had various names through the years as well as quite a few owners, some of whom have been related.  No, it wasn't passed down from one generation to the next but there were several years separating the relatives.  At any rate, the City Restaurant has been a gathering place since at least the 1930s, if not before.   Ca 1938, it gained noteriety (?) fame (?) distinction (?) when someone shot an owl thinking it was a duck, had it stuffed and it became the first of an extensive collection of waterfowl that are native to this area of Minnesota.  There is a three ring binder that identifies each of the thirty  birds with additional information about its nesting grounds, feeding habits etc.  Over the years some owners have thought of changing the decor but there arose such a clamor of dismay that these momentary lapses in judgment were quickly quashed.  At some point other taxidermied items were added to the display and these include a huge northern  (which many have claimed to have caught), a sly red fox and a bear family that sports appropriate decorative items depending on the season or time of year.  There are also lots of photos of "the locals", many posed showing their catches or shoots of the day.  This area used to be one of the greatest fly- ways for canvas backs in North America and drew famous as well as infamous hunters from far and wide.  Now who would mistake an owl for a duck you ask?  Well, must have been one of those city slickers who stayed at the lodge near Lake Christina----certainly not one of the local Joes!  .  Still serves the locals plus lots of out of towners during hunting season and the fishing opener.  There are always new folks awed by the one of a kind displays.  Sadly, at this time in 2025,  the city restaurant has been closed for several years and it's future is uncertain.  

Signs of the times

Oh, oh, did I just use a title from the song of a famous Minnesotan???  Have to admit, I was never a big fan so guess I should be forgiven for not knowing very much about such things.  I love signs because they certainly meant something at the time they were created.  From street/road signs to traffic to business to products, a lot of time often went into the creation of an eye catching colorful sign. It's truly amazing how popular these have become and how much these metal or paper collectibles bring at auctions or antique shops.  With the advent of "Man Caves" or "Mantiques" the demand for anything beer has gone through the roof.  Unfortunately, that usually means that antiquers are in direct competition with those people who are looking for a decorating item----and yes, guys are decorating their get-aways.  These special places might even be in fish houses or garage turned "cave."  Often there are signs with names of long ago businesses with  the name of the merchant, or Doctors and Dentists marking their locations.  Today we see digital flashing signs on bill boards or the side of buses or on benches where people gather for conversation or waiting.  I once hit a mother load of signs when cleaning out a shed on my father's farm.  How many times had I walked over them as I inspected drawers and high shelves or turned over cans of nails and tools?  One day I looked down and saw a bright color just under my foot and immediately knew what it was, since I had sold several in years past----and I bought them at auctions.  These even had the name of a local merchant.  Wow, what more could I ask?  Obviously, we sold them too cheap since we came across several near the twin cities marked up about three times more than what we had priced them!  Of course, since they were still in the shop, maybe they would eventually be marked down.  Guess that's the fun of the hunt and one never knows what's right in front of their face or under foot------------

popular farm seed product.

Customer recognized his neighbor!

Once knew a Dr. Barr, but don't think this one is related.

Wonderful original Red Cross recruitment sign.

Travel along parts of the original Abecrombie Trail

Just for fun garden sign.

 Fill in the blank-----how many miles to go?

Olina Peterson Strom

Olina and her sister Karen (Carrie)  sharing secrets?

Olina and Steven, Olina and children, Olina and Marie

Olina Strom's keepsakes; quilt she pieced in later years

Olina Strom was my greatgrandmother on my mom's side.  She has always been a source of interest for me since I started collecting material for family geneology.    Olina lived with my mom and her parents for about 10-12 years in Ashby, Mn but I never learned very much about her other than she was quite tiny, was a widow for 50 years and raised three children on her own.  Sometime between 1875 and 1880, according to the state and federal census, Steven apparently died.  He was 35 years old in 1875 and Oline 29.  They had one child, Carl, age 2.  In 1880 Olina is a widow with Carl 7, Henry 5, and Mary (Marie B my grandmother) 2.  Years ago I copied a plat showing the Strom and Larson's Addition to Lake Crystal, Mn. With Steven and Olina listed with others, as owners of property in that community in the year 1875.  I have searched many other records, including cemeteries but have never found anything about Steven. My mom, in annecdotal stories said that he died of a sun stroke while working for the railroad.   How Olina managed to keep her family together in the 1880s and raise them to become successful adults, I cannot imagine.  Carl became a lawyer and my grandmother, Marie, a teacher.  Don't know about Henry.  According to Olina's obituary, she was born in Modem Norway 1845, came to America with her parents in 1868 and settled in Lake Crystal.  Married to Stephen Strom who came from from Sweden.  She was survived by two brothers and a sister and at one time I received  family history from their descendents.  But I do have some little treasures that belonged to her and so her memory lives on through the possessions she cherished.  My grandsons have a dresser so they are the 6th generation to honor her.   Olina is buried in Pelican Lake Cemetery in Ashby, Mn. overlooking a small wooded ravine and I often stop to remember with her.

Wilford and Larry

Albertus Schaffer home, Wilford in the goat cart?  Pre Larry

?

No this isn't about a comedy team or a musical act.  Several months ago I was asked if I had knowledge of  an Albertus Schaffer, or if he was a relative because she had a newspaper article.  Well, being the genealogist that I am,  I knew the name and had filed away a little information about the family.  In the Community section of the Hoffman, Mn newspaper there appeared a story by Jim Belgum about "A boy and his pony" and the boy's name was Wilford/Wilferd, son of Albertus and Louisa (Caesar) Schaffer/Schaeffer.  Sometime between ca 1905-1940 the publishers of Farmer's Wife Magazine promoted a contest awarding prizes to children who could sell the most subscriptions.  The grand prize was a shetland pony with a saddle or small cart, but this offer was viewed with skepticism by many, so the company also included the requirement that each winner needed to submit a photo in addition to a short story about his or her new  pony.  Wilford wrote a charming description of his life with his new buddy, Larry, which included details about riding to school where he patiently gave rides to students, going to the village drugstore where the proprieter handed out treats such as ice cream cones, pop and root beer and even gum; the pony partaking of these goodies while standing at the counter!  In reading several of these stories, it was obvious that the ponies became like a pet dog or cat and spent time with their new families in the house.  Larry  was also attached to the goat cart or was coaxed into the cart for rides around the yard. (I actually found a picture of the goat cart in front of the family home in Pelican lake Township.)  While looking through my collection of family Christmas postcards--which I just wrote about ----I found A POSTCARD OF WILFORD ON LARRY'S BACK---sent to my aunt Elaine!!! The message:  "Dear Elaine, come over sometime and we will have a gay old time."  Wilford's father Albertus was descended from Abraham and Marie (Losack) Schaeffer of Saxony Germany and I am descended from his brother August and Minna (Caeser) Schaeffer  Love family trees!  google Pony Club and read about some of the 500 stories that were collected.

Christmas postcards from the past

Tis the season-----for searching out those favorite treasures that are packed away for most of the year.  There are a few things I like to keep close at hand so they can be enjoyed throughout the months.  Since everyone in my maternal and paternal family trees were "savers", I have many things that have a special place in my heart and bring me much pleasure.  I feel so fortunate that several albums of postcards were faithfully preserved throughout years that extend back to great grandmothers, grandmothers and finally to an unmarried aunt who was the final occupant of a house that was first occupied by Jacob and Dorthea Treise in the early 1900s.  I remember sitting in a bedroom that had become a store room,  looking through albums that contained beautiful cards that had been sent to my father, his parents and grandparents, as well as to his sisters.  My dad was born in 1906 so there was quite an accumulation.  There are some postcards sent by his father, Frank, when he was away buying cattle in Belmont, Montana, reminding Wyman  to go school and to be a good boy.  Wow, today  kids get text messages or carry cell phones.  The art of writing meaningful messages to just keep in touch, or to send invitations or to remember a special event; seems most of us have lost that very personal element in our social upbringing.  I have chosen a few Christmas postcards to share with you because they are particularly interesting and pretty.  Most were printed in Germany, which was one of the first sources of postcards and since my father's grandparents both were of German heritage, it seems appropriate they should be the reciepients of such cards.  Of course, this was no doubt a coincidence, but, this is my daydream, after all.  Many of the older cards have birds and trees with winter snow so Santa isn't always the main character. There is one little fellow in a bright red cap with a  pointy tail soaring behind him who seems to have a smile frozen on his face as he flies down a hill in a sled.  I used to have a vintage frame minus glass, backed with green felt on which I would display a few of my favorite cards, but haven't done that in a few years.  Maybe it's time to bring back that tradition to enjoy for the coming winter season.  Merry Christmas to you all and may your year be filled with wonderful memories!

Card in upper left, orange background by Raphael Tuck & Sons
 

DUCK------IT'S A DECOY!

Battery powered mechanical decoy!

Decoys of the 70s and 80s

The vintage red head, tried and true.

My father considered hunting/fishing/trapping his true vocation and we always thought he was born 50-75 years too late to be a frontiersman.  But he carried  on traditions his father and grandfather before him started as a way of survival on the prairie lands of western Minnesota.  Our house was always full of men dressed in kahki (before camo and bright orange), dogs,  kids and involved lots of activity in preperation for whatever season was upon us.  For years he hunted with wooden decoys which eventually ended up in gunny sacks in the attic.  Not until my mom passed, did we tackle the task of figuring out what was actually there.  One of my dad's last years of hunting brought him bragging rights by shooting two ducks with one shot---and that was after he lost eyesight in one eye due to glaucoma.  At any rate, it became necessary to downsize lots of equipment and our sons chose special mementos of their "Boppie."  We decided on the spur of the moment to include 3 of those vintage wooden decoys on a local consignment auction----I nearly dropped my teeth when they brought more than several hundred  dollars!  And they were well used by many hunters.  Several years ago the decoy collectors of America were in their element when a pair of never before seen pintail decoys were sold for $39,100 at an auction in Illinois.  They were carved years ago by a local bachelor farmer who spent long hours producing hundreds of these wooden art pieces.  Make no mistake---decoys are the ultimate in folk art, I believe.  At any rate they were found stored in a barn along with many others that had been purchased in the 1950s after the man's goods were sold by family members who thought he was dead. ( short version---he went into hiding because they thought he was not capable of taking care of himself).  We have a first hand account from another man who went to that auction and was only able to buy odds and ends on one of the hay racks due to lack of money....doesn't he wish!  Today, our son has continued the tradition of sitting in the blind waiting for that flock to land among the decoys.  Today's technology has provided a totally different type of duck----battery operated with moving wings.  Imagine my surprise a few weeks ago when I found two of these critters sitting on my kitchen cupboard getting  their batteries charged.  How my dad would have laughed----actually he probably is!

My Van Briggle Collection

My collection of Van Briggle pottery started purely by chance when I saw a lovely turquoise/aqua bowl with lovely scalloped edges sitting on a hay rack at an auction many years ago.   Auction goers are familiar with that setting!  The piece just spoke to me and even though I had never had an inkling that pottery was my "thing", I leaned over and told my husband that it had to come home with me.  Actually, I wasn't familiar with the name and have done some research over the years as my collection has grown.  My family continues to add unusual pieces of this Van Briggle pottery so my one shelf , which has now increased to several,  including the top of a pie safe.  One of my sons spied a piece across a crowded room----actually a gymnasium where a fund raising garage sale was being held----and nearly leaped chairs to get to it.  What a deal at .50!  Another of my sons found several pieces on e-bay, but went to the end pages where he found prices about half of what was found on the first few.  Guess it pays to keep looking!  Got a sweet little bunny from a daughter in law so you see, everyone keeps their eyes out for those beautiful blue green pieces of art pottery.  Maybe I'm drawn to this color because my birth sign is Cancer with a toe into Gemini----maybe it's the ocean calling!

RED RIVER OXCARTS LEAVE LASTING TRAILS

Grant County Historical Museum display

oxcarts gathered on the trail

Before there were cars, trains,  planes and automobiles,  there were the oxcarts.  For years fur traders, called voyageurs, who were often of French, Scottish and Indian descent, traveled from Pembina, ND near the Canadian border, through Grant County as they made their way to St. Paul, Mn., a trip of over 400 miles which took 30-40 days.  They also forged trails in other parts of the state as they carried their overloaded carts piled high with furs and buffalo hides toward their destination.  The oxcart was a truly crude but wonderful invention and served the early voyageurs well.  They were sturdy, carrying up to a thousand  pounds and could be pulled by one oxen averaging 15 miles per day.  Only two trips per yr. were attempted; In spring after the grass was tall in order to provide food for the oxen and  a return trip in the fall.  Three or four pulled in tandem could be controlled by one driver and stories are told that as the trains passed near farmsteads, the Metis could often be seen lolling atop a high stack of furs, dressed in colorful clothing, smoking a pipe, singing and waving to the interested settlers as though he or she were out for a joy ride.  The carts could be heard from many miles away, groaning and screeching as they traversed through prairie grass, swamps, up hills and down.  Bear fat or even squashed grasshoppers were used to "grease" the wheels!  They were usually constructed entirely of oak and cost  around $60.00 each.  Use of the oxcarts peaked in about 1858 when approximately 6,000 carts left Pembina for St. Anthony near St. Paul.  Amazingly between 1855 and 1863 it is estimated  $1,500,000 worth of goods and supplies were transported through the Minnesota wilderness!   Visit the Grant County Historical Museum in Elbow Lake, Mn.  to see a real oxcart!

Sweet Rememberances

Recently, my childhood friend spent the night with us and included in the gathering were our kids, grandkids and the granddog.  She is used to activity since she has at least a dozen nieces and nephews with whom she is very close and they consider her an awesome Auntie so she  fits right in with our noisy and active crew!  We only see each other perhaps once a year, but each time it's as though we just spent time together the day before----friends can pick up where they left off at any time!  M.E. is the PERFECT hostess and PERFECT guest.  She always comes bearing gifts that are unique and special.  This time I was totally blown away with a thoughtfully selected treasure.  M.E.'s mother was our second grade teacher and I believe as she watched us grow,  some days she thought I was going to lead her girl into mischief.  Never----we just had innocent fun exploring life in a small town.  Anyway, Agnes Lynne, was an institution in Elbow Lake, having taught 1st grade for a kazillion years and eventually had several generations of families pass through  her classroom.  At some point she gave M.E.'s mom some little rememberances  and that is what I received as a hostess gift!  These sweet rememberances will remind me of Miss Lynne, Mrs. K and M.E. whenever I glance at them where they reside with many family keepsakes.  Thanks so much M.E.

Fort Pomme de Terre

In an earlier story, I told you about a unique flag and  mentioned that this year  is the 150th commemoration of the Sioux or Dakota War which originated in southern Minnesota.  Several weeks ago the Grant County Historical Museum hosted tours to the original  site of Fort Pomme de Terre,  which is today a farmstead.  In February 1863, a directive was sent to commanding officers in Mn. that bullet proof stockades were to be constructed in the western regions of the state, including several along the Abercrombie Trail.  Fort Pomme de Terre would became the principal outpost  between Alexandria  and Fort Abecrombie, which was located along the Red River.   This trail was a major "highway" for ox carts, military supply trains, settlers and others looking to start businesses or perspective farmers wanting to buy land..   Today the land upon which the fort was built is privately owned and the caretakers are a family living in a house where fort buildings once stood.   We gathered in front of a grave site where two soldiers stationed at the fort were killed by Indians on May 3, 1863.   Adam Hair/Hare and Zenas Blackman had set out in search of goose eggs one morning. One of the stories of this day, tells of their dog returning to the fort covered in blood so a search party was sent out and soon recovered the bodies.  Initially, they were buried outside the walls in a wagon box where they lay undisturbed until the 1930s when a local Legion post decided to commemorate their death by establishing a proper grave site and marker.  A woman who was just a child when her family first moved there, remembered the approximate location of the buried wagon because when she and her father would go to fetch water, they would often lay flowers in commemoration of the two young men who lost their lives in that place.  There was also another soldier killed that day farther to the west at a site south of present day Fergus Falls.  He was accompanying a farmer taking cattle to the troops at Fort Abercrombie.  His name was Comfort Luddington. The teamster was Silas Foote.  Most of the soldiers stationed at this fort were from Fillmore County in Minnesota.  Despite these deaths, life at the fort and friendships with the neighboring Indians seemed to be peaceful and pleasant according to letters and diaries left by those who lived there at that time.  The fort was only occupied for 3 or 4 years so by 1865, local settlers were already making use of the timbers and logs and actual buildings by constructing other homes or barns on their newly acquired property.  Today, the grave is surrounded by tall trees and thick brush and usually the only witnesses to the passing of the years is the family living close by.

Adam Hair and Zenus Blackman burial monument.

Replica of Fort Pomme de Terre 

Norwegian language Uncle Tom's Cabin

I have been helping organize the 4th annual Oldies But Goodies Sale, which is a major fundraising event for the Grant County Historical Museum and Veterans Hall in Elbow Lake, Minnesota.  Every year seems to be getting bigger and better than the previous year----isn't that what it's all about?  Some really interesting items were donated for the sale on Saturday, Aug 18th 8:00 to 4:00.  Many of them are in an album on my business facebook page which can be accessed by clicking on the icon on this blog.  One of the really unique treasures is Uncle Tom's Cabin in Norwegian!  This area was settled by many families from several Scandinavian countries and to this day this is probably the dominant ethnic group.  Several heirs have been sorting through, cleaning out and deciding what to do with parents or grandparents collections of saved goods.  This book has wonderful illustrations, which caught my eye.  Even though I am unable to read or speak Norwegian,( my mom taught me to say I canna snok a Norsk--- spelling?)  people seem to understand those rudimentary words.  I was able to quickly figure out the title of the book and when I opened it and saw the simply drawn black and white illustrations, I thought, what a wonderful book to add to a collection of classics.  Hope you enjoy the examples I've included and take a little time to see the other things that will be for sale!

Unknown maker

A few years ago on a trip to Atlanta to see relatives and to do some shopping at favorite antique stores, I came across this quilt.  For some reason, it immediately spoke to me and it was a very reasonable price, so it came home with me. However, there was more to this quilt than just an attractive color combination----I spent a good deal of time checking the fabrics, sewing stitches and the patterns.  A variety of  patchwork designs, simple sewing stitches:  this had to be older than even those made by my grandmothers in the early 1890s.  The feel of the fabrics indicate age and use and fragility.  I would love to know who worked on this quilt and how long it took to save enough "pieces" to finally put it together.  I would also like to know who used it and where they lived.  Quilts are examples of marvelous cultural artistry and so many have been tossed or ripped apart for rags and underappreciated for the time and a effort and yes, the love that went into these often utilitarian household goods.  The making of crazy quilts kept children quiet in times of illness when they would learn their fancy stitches, or friends groups or church groups or homemakers groups put together quilts that included names.  Then there were those made by a single person, sewing alone by kerosene light or the glow of a fireplace.  I think the woman who made this was alone and sewing with pride.

Traveling light.

Luggage wagon at Grant County Museum in Elbow Lake, Mn

I was fortunate to have had the chance to visit Ellis Island while at an ESL (English for speakers of other languages) convention in New York City many years ago.  It was such a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city when we entered the facility and looked through the empty rooms where those long ago immigrants entered into this country with such high expectations and probably a good deal of fear of the unknown.  Imagine the crowded benches and overflow of bags, trunks, suitcases in which everything they owned was stored.  No doubt many lost track of the few possessions they were able to bring and ended up without the any precious belongings.   Some displays that have remained in my memory were large railroad wagons piled high with satchels and other suitcases that were collected to replicate the scene in those early days.  At the Grant County Historical Museum in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, there is a similar display with similar items which always makes me wonder what those early travelers brought to America initially, or what did the pioneers bring when they ventured farther west.  No doubt, they traveled with bare necessities.

THE FLAG

I spend a lot of time at the Grant County Historical Museum and Veterans Hall in Elbow Lake, Minnesota.  Since my paternal grandparents settled in Pomme de Terre in 1873, I have collected numerous stories and artifacts pertaining to this area in Minnesota.  Part of the mystique of history is trying to understand events and the people who lived through them.  This year Minnesota commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Sioux Uprising of 1862, which occurred in southern Minnesota but which spread fear throughout the state.  Small forts were constructed between Fort Snelling in St. Paul, to Fort Abecrombie on the western border on the Red River.  The United States was also fighting the Civil War, so significant military support was not available to be sent to this area. Military units with supplies traveled constantly  through the Pomme de Terre area, where a Fort was constructed which mostly served as a stagecoach station and a refuge for local settlers.  However, Hatch's Battalion was stationed here for some time and military families as well as Indian guides lived within the log walls.  The fort was used for a short period--perhaps 3 to 4 years before it was deemed safe and the settlers returned to a normal routine.  There is a replica of Fort Pomme de Terre at the museum and for years a flag attached to a simple branch with a partial log stand has stood in the middle of that display.  It is crudely made with hand stitching on rough textured red, white and blue cloth.   It has 2 blue stars.   No record of origin or donation  has ever been found, so who made it?   Did it belong to a soldier,     a settler .................?     who?

Unique Auction Finds

Not sure if it is a K9 collar or part of a military bridle?

Part of a vintage catcher's uniform.

Last weekend we attended an auction near my husband's hometown in southern Minnesota.  We always try to watch for sales of long time residents because there are usually items that are meaningful to him and his growing up days.  He likes to find things that advertise businesses or families that are no longer around and this time the family having the sale was familiar to him, in that he had gone to school with several of the children.  The father had a car dealership years ago in a small nearby town, but also was engaged in farming a large acreage, which  included  a spacious farmstead with lots of out buildings.  The buildings became the storage area for most of the family cast offs and out of date farm equipment.  People who lived during the Great Depression tended not to throw anything away so there were many things to be found.  Our treasures  included part of a vintage baseball catchers uniform without a shirt to identify the name of the team or town, and a puzzle----looked like a dog collar with a disc pin (an officer's?) which might be part of a bridle instead of an old K9 collar.  Will look forward to learning more about this.  The catcher's uniform was special because my husband was a catcher during high school as well as for that nearby town team for many years----who knows who might have worn this old baseball equipment!

A mug of his own!

Once upon a time gentlemen frequented barber shops daily for shaves and trims.  Wow, the whiskered looks of macho actors, musicians and just plain guys these days are a far cry from the carefully manicured mustaches and beards of old.  It was considered a badge of one's social status if a gentleman arrived at the barber shop for his daily visit and the barber reached up to a beautiful cupboard made especially for shaving mugs and proceeded to use one with either the individual's name, occupation or both in writing on the front.  The one in my photo is not a shaving mug per se, but perhaps was used as one.  This mug was given to Mr. J.N. Greathouse, who was  from Muscatine, Iowa.  He  was the contractor of the Masonic Hall in Oelwein, Iowa.  The mug is nicely decorated with symbols of the Masonic order, in addition to having the gentleman's name , so it falls into a rather unique category for collectors.  I was able to find information about Mr. Greathouse (isn't it a rather grand name) so a genealogist, Mason, Iowan, mug collectors could all be happy owning this item.  It can be seen at Exit 55 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.