Author to talk about 1950s farming at historical society
Published 9:28 am Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Mower County Historical Society (MCHS) is giving people a chance to learn on their lunch breaks.
The first installment of the Lunchbox History Series begins noon on June 23, at the Mower County Fairgrounds ag building. Author Gordon Fredrickson is bringing the story of farming in the 1950s back to life with his fictional book, A Farm Country Picnic, the latest in his Farm Country Tales series.
Fredrickson, a retired high school English teacher, has written ten children’s books, which portray the stories of 1950s family farms. The stories stem from some of Fredrickson’s own experiences while growing up on a farm in Scott County, Minn.
MCHS Executive Director Dustin Heckman said the event is good for both kids and adults, as Heckman may spark many memories people have had on their own farms.
Heckman said other organizations have held similar events, such as Lunch with the Arts, where the public could get a free opportunity to learn from professionals. He said it’s a good way for people to get outside during their lunch breaks and added, “Learning something is not a bad thing.”
Fredrickson was looking to give presentations, and Heckman saw an opportunity to kick off the lunchbox series.
“It looked really god, so I though I’d take up him up on it.”
Fredrickson will also sell his books at the event and hold another reading session from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Austin Public Library.
MCHS will have two other lunchbox series this summer, the fourth Thursday of each month.
The events are free, but the historical society will take donations.