By Jaimie Timm

Interim Executive Director, Mower County Historical Society

Can you believe it is already June? May was certainly a busy month here at the historical society. Our biggest accomplishment was hosting around 350 Mower County students for school tours in the last two weeks of May. We had lots of fun taking them on tours and answering all their questions. A big thank you to the tour guides. I couldn’t have done it without you.

We’re wrapping up our 2014 Annual Appeal Donation right now. I don’t have final numbers, but I believe we are just about $1,000 shy of our $8,000 goal. If you still haven’t sent in your donation, please do so. The historical society relies on donations like these to operate (did you know the majority of our budget comes from donations?) and we appreciate  every gift.

We’re starting to finalize plans for the Meadowfest 2014 celebration in Grand Meadow at the end of the month. The event runs June 27-29, but the historical society will be participating on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. Please see the schedule listed below for exact dates and times. We’re looking for volunteers to walk in the parade with us on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Would you be interested? Do you have an antique/vintage car or wagon with a team of horses you’d be willing to drive for the parade? Let me know. It’s a great event for the whole family.

I think that’s just about everything. Don’t forget, if you haven’t seen the buildings for awhile stop by for a tour. Tours start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Tuesday-Friday (or anytime by appointment) and are free for members ($5 for non-member adults, $3 for non-members seniors, children 17 and under are always free). Tours take about 90 minutes and are full of interesting information about Mower County.

Lunch Box History Series: Dean Ulland

The June Lunch Box History Series at noon June 26 will feature Riverland Community College history professor, Dean Ulland, talking about the beginning of World War I. 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Great War. Although the U.S. did not become involved in the fighting until the very end, 64 Mower County men lost their lives in the conflict. Join us at noon Thursday, June 26, in the Pioneer Building and hear how the “war to end all wars” began.

Meadowfest 2014 Schedule

Saturday, June 28

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – GAR Hall Open House

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Parade

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Base Ball Game

Sunday, June 29

12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – GAR Hall Open House with appearance by General Henry Sibley

Directions to the GAR Hall:

Take I-90 East to to exit #193 (Hwy 16 – the sign says “Dexter”)

Turn right on Hwy 16 and follow it into Grand Meadow.

Turn right on Main Street (it will be on your right just as you come into town).

The GAR Hall is on the right side of Main Street just after you cross First Ave. SW.