The

The Life of LafayetteLast summer we offered a new way to present our historic house museum’s past with a performance in partnership with local theater company, Theatre du Mississippi (TdM). “The Hired Girl Gets Married” was a great success and this summer thanks to a grant from the Eliza-beth Callendar King Foundation we are excited to bring you a new performance that takes you on the adventures of Wil-lard’s famous brother, Lafayette Bunnell. Written by Lynn Nankivil and directed by Judy Myers, “The Adventures of Lafayette Bunnell” is set in 1903 just as Lafayette is at the end of his 79 year life. He is not quite ready to leave this world yet and will take the audience down memory lane on his adventures of exploration and dis-covery as the house is being packed up in preparation of his departure.

Lafayette Houghton Bunnell was born in 1824 in Rochester, New York. His fa-ther was a doctor and moved the family westward to Detroit, Michigan. As a boy Lafayette had Chippewa friends and quickly learned their language. He also met fur traders, and his mother’s cousin Dr. Douglas Houghton was a member of the Schoolcraft Expedition of 1832 and further fostered the excitement for exploration for Lafayette and his brother

Willard. After traditional schooling and a uninterested place in his father’s medi-cal practice, Lafayette got a chance for adventure. Willard had already moved westward as a fur trader and in poor heath wanted to settle in the better cli-mate of the Upper Mississippi River valley and sent for his 18 year-old brother to assist with the settlement. After helping build Willard and Matilda’s new home in Homer, Minnesota he returned to Detroit.

As the Mexican War erupted, Lafayette was appointed hospital steward of the First Michigan Volunteer Infantry and went with them to Cordova, Mexico. Gold was discovered in California and Lafayette set out to Mariposa. American Indians were a threat here, and he joined the Mariposa Battalion on an expedition into California to find the leaders of these troublesome tribes. They went into a deep valley to locate a camp and Lafayette suggested they name it Yosemite, meaning “a full grown grizzly bear.”

Lafayette went on to be a surgeon dur-ing the Civil War, an author, speaker, and historian. He occasionally practiced medicine after moving into Willard’s house in Homer after the war. Willard had died in August of 1861 most likely

from tuberculosis. Lafayette was taken ill in the summer of 1903 and after a stay in the hospital he returned home and died shortly after. He is buried in Woodlawn with his wife, Sara Smith Bunnell, who died the year earlier. As far as records show, Lafayette had no children. He pub-lished two books, one about Winona and the other about Yosemite. An unpublished manuscript titled, An eventful overland trip to California through Texas, Mexico and Arizona in 1849 by a gold hunter, from recollections, was found at the Winona Public Library recently. You will be able to learn much more about Lafayette’s life and adventures in his family house this summer. Tickets are $15 and $12 for WCHS members, available in advance at the History Center starting May 20. w

The ArgusWinona County Historical Society160 Johnson StreetWinona, MN 55987

Address Service Requested

Non - ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit # 87Winona, MN

55987 Argus Winona County Historical Society NewsletterVolume 17, No. 3 May/June 2016

photo by Paul Crosby

Chocolate,Shakespeare&

Saturday, June 117 - 9 p.m.at the Winona County History Center160 Johnson Street Winona, Minnesota

The Winona County Historical Society presents

ChampagneTickets: $30 or $25 for WCHS members

2016 ScheduleSaturdays and Sundays

Noon , 2 and 4 p.m.The Adventures of Lafayette Bunnell

June 18 - July 24PLUS July 4!

The Hired Girl Gets MarriedJuly 30 - August 14

Special Boat Excursions!Lafayette - July 9, 3 p.m.

Hired Girl - August 6, 3 p.m.See page 11

Board MembersMary Nelson, President

Robert Fischer, VPTom Bremer, Treasurer

Jonelle Moore, ex officio Secretary Michelle Alexander, City Council

Judy BodwaySandra Burke

Jerome ChristensonMarianne Hohenner

Sue HovellMargaret Johnson

Ken LindamannPatrick MarekJanis MartinBlake PickartMary Polus

Jim PomeroyPat Rogers

LeRoy Telstad

StaffMark F. Peterson, Exec. Director

507-454-2723 ext. 1director@winonahistory.org

Jennifer Weaver, Asst. Director507-454-2723 ext. 3

assistdir@winonahistory.org

Bette Jean Cichoski, Visitor Service & Shop Manager

507-454-2723 ext. 0desk@winonahistory.org

Andy Bloedorn, Archivist & Curator of Collections

507-454-2723 ext. 4curator@winonahistory.orgarchives@winonahistory.org

Walter Bennick, Archivist507-454-2723 ext. 2

archives@winonahistory.org

Ann Kendrick, Membershipmembership@winonahistory.org

Laurie Lucas, Rental Coordinator507-452-6609

rentals@winonahistory.org

Vickie Hokenstad, Maintenance507-454-2723 ext. 0

History Never Stops by Mark F. Peterson, Executive DirectorMicrsoft Word introducedDown Jones Industrials ends year at 1,258Interest rates are 11%Average income in the U.S. is $21,000Dodge RAM 50 cost $5,665Unemployment is 12 million (highest since 1941)1st artificial heart installedCabbage Patch Kids sell for $19.99MASH airs last episodeU.S. invades GrenadaRonald Reagan is President

Can you guess the year? If you guessed 1983 you would have been right (It’s the same year I started here at the Society). Today we take personal computers, artificial hearts and so much more for granted. Things sure change quickly and museums play a huge role in documenting those changes and telling the stories.

My brother and I were talking recently about the Kennedy assassination and how vividly we both remember that day and the events following. He of course remembers it better than I do since he was in high school and I was only in 5th grade. It seems hard to be-lieve but most people alive today have

no memory of that pivotal event. If you want to learn about the event you can watch a documentary (most of the material to make it came from museums and libraries), or you could visit the Kennedy Presidential Museum and Archive in Boston, the 6th Floor Museum in Dallas, or the Kennedy boyhood home in Brookline, MA to learn more. My point is mu-seums and archives are preserving that ever changing history all over the world. In the United States alone there are about 18,000 museums that attract approximately 850 million people every year. In comparison the major sporting events in the U.S. attract only 133 million people each year.

May is National Museum Month. Celebrate it by visiting at least one museum you have never been to. w

A Great Time to Visit Winona! June 15 - 19, 2016 Winona Steamboat Days

Join us for History on the River Cruises June 16, 7 p.m. and 18, 10:30 a.m., The

Opening of the Art of Fine Furniture Exhibit June 18, 1 - 3 p.m.; and the

Opening of the Bunnell House performance “The Adventures of

Lafayette Bunnell”, June 18 and 19 at Noon, 2, and 4 p.m.

PLUS the Steamboat Days activities! www.winonasteamboatdays.com

Winona County History Center160 Johnson St., Winona, MN 55987Open: Weekdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 12 - 4 p.m.Laird Lucas Library & Archives; Open: Weekdays 10 a.m. - 12 & 1 - 5 p.m.

The Willard Bunnell House Off Hwy 61, Homer, MN Open Weekends June 18 - August 14 for Noon, 2 and 4 p.m. performances, PLUS July 4!Rural Heritage Museum Winona County Fairgrounds; Open July 6 - 10 for the Fair.

Membership & Donations Thank You for Your Support!

Business Partner Renewals: Bluff Country Co-op; Boomer’s Quality Plumbing; Coca-Cola Bottling Co.; Fawcett Junker Funeral Home; Goltz Pharmacy; Merchants Bank; Modern Ready Mix; St. Croix-Knitcraft; Steak Shop Catering; Watkins, Inc.; WinCraft, Inc; Windom Park B & B; Winona Area Chamber of Commerce.

New Members: Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union; Rebecca Aldinger; Big River Magazine/Riverwise; Roberta Bumann; Mark Burfeind; Susan Cooper; Dahl Chevrolet Buick GMC; Dahl Toyota; Matthew Fluharty; Holtan’s Jewelry; Libera Knapp Law Offices; Lewiston Auto, Lewiston, MN; Janis Martin, St. Charles, MN; Mary’s Custom Quilting; Mississippi Welders; Lori Ortega; OWA Architects; PlastiComp,Inc.; Solvay; Sugar Loaf Ford; Marie & Norb Thomes; WKM Properties.

Renewals: Kevin Adams, Stoddard, WI; Jack & Jan Ambuhl; Terry Angst; Chris & Harley Antoff; James & Laura Armstrong; Keith & Nancy Beach; Susan Benke; Sandra Bennett, Prescott, AZ; Mark & Angela Bennick; Norma Benson; Linda Berg; Blandine Berthelot & Joe Jackson; Mary Edel Beyer; Clifford & Jeanine Black; Susan Briggs; Phyllis Brown, St. Paul, MN; Ann Brownell, St. Charles, MN; Patrick R. Burns, LaCrescent, MN; Dr. Frank & Ruth Bures; Seymour & Marianna Byman; Walter & Marian Carroll; Judge Dennis A. Challeen & Susan Davey; Pauline Christensen; Jerome Christenson; Rick & Deb Christenson; Karl & Gloria Conrad; Patrick & Joan Costello; Dick Dahl; Jim & Jeanne Danneker; Betty & John Day, Madison, WI; Susan J. Day; Randal & Celia Domeyer, Minnesota City, MN; Bob & Sue Edel; David B. Ellis, Lincoln, AR; Michael & Karen Ellsworth, St. Charles, MN; Jean Erpelding; Mary Farrell; John Fend; Dr. Arnold & Alanna Fenske; Stan & Suzanne Ferguson; Bob Fisher; James & Enda Fitzmaurice; Tim & Susan Flaherty, St. Paul, MN; Kathleen & Michael Flanagan; Bernard Frisch; John & Mary Ann Fuchsel; Ronald Galewski; Susan Gannaway; Margaret & Sam Gaustad; Greg Gaut & Marsha Neff, Minneapolis, MN; Ann Gibson; Robert & Erika Gilbertson; Gene & Audrey Gorny; Odean & Maryanne Goss, Lewiston, MN; Lorraine A. Griesel, Davenport, IA; John Grote; John & Marjorie Gustafson, Minnesota City, MN; Marilyn Hansen; Cherie Harkenrider; Rita Haugh; LaVern & Nancy Hauschildt; Bernard J. & Mary Hennessy, Lewiston, MN; Tom & Thy-sen Hetzel, Rollingstone, MN; Margaret Hohenstein; Curt & Lorraine Holmquist, Newton, NC; Dorothy P. Hoyt; Douglas & Patricia Hubbard, Da-kota, MN; Peggy Jacobson; Bruce & Margaret Shaw Johnson; Dennis & Yvonne Johnson; Eric Johnson, Minnesota City, MN; Phylliss Mae Johnson; Lorraine Kilmartin; Richard Kingsbury; Joan & Don Klagge; Jean Knutzen; Colleen & Dan Koll; Jim Lanik; Ann Lavine & Kevin Possin; John & Jullie Levinski; Bernetta Kouba; Richard & Rose Marie Kowles; Larry & Linda Lindsay; Ron Luchau & Luisa Rybicki; Matthew Lungerhausen; Kevin & Bonnie Mahoney; Leland & Cleo McMillen; Barry & Kim McRaith, Minnesota City, MN; John K. Meinert, Scottsdale, AZ; Darlene M. Metzler; Ken-neth & Sally Mogren; David P. Moore; Dan Motl; Al & Pam Mueller; E.W. & Marion Mueller, Rochester, MN; Florence Mueller, St. Charles, MN; Steve & Jane Napieralski; Sharon Nelsen, Rantoul, IL; Nancy Ann Nelton; Dr. Mary E. Nilles, Rollingstone, MN; Dan Nisbit; Bud Nystrom; Nancy O’Reilly; Mike & Kathryn Orlowske; Sharon Ormsby; LaVonne & Dick Ozmun; Kay Peterson; Blake & Jan Pickart; Peter & Cheryl Randklev; Rob-ert & Jean Raz; Donna Rekstad; James & Nancy Reynolds; Marijo Reinhard; Tom & Bonnie Retzinger; Renata Rislow, Lewiston, MN; Don Rivers; Sabrina & Jerry Robb, Isanti, MN; Barbara Rockwell & Walt Ayotte; Patricia Rogers & Wendy Larson; Anne & Michael Rompa; Jack Rumpel & Paul Hunziker; Betsy Sawyer; Doris Schoenike; Marilyn Schwab; Sally Sieracki, Springfield, VA; Roger & Karen Skugrud; Al Smith; Ellen Smith, LaCrosse, WI; Walter & Jeanette Steiner; Nancy J. Stevens, Rochester, MN; Patrick & Bernadine Stevens, St. Charles, MN; Bob & Anne Suchomel, Byron, MN; Mary Testor; Cindy Theis; Brian Voerding; Janis Vose; Margery A. Wallerich; Pamela Wolfmeyer; Ronald Zaudke, Prescott, WI.

Donations: Jim & Mary Eddy; Laurie Lucas; Merton Morphew; In Memory of Rebecca Ueland: Carlene Blunt; Laurie Lucas; Fran Steinwedell; In Memory of Sheila Homola Murray: Ralph & Peggy Benicke;Year-End: Dean & Mary Auna; Eric Christensen & Donna Kamann; E.W. & Marion Mueller, in Memory of Kenneth and Lorraine Korn; Peter & Joyce Woodworth Fund within the Winona Community Foundation.

Ensure the Future of the Past!Remember the Winona County Historical Society in your estate planning.

2 11

WCHS Museums

photo by Kathy Greden

Bunnell House ExcursionsTickets $70 members/$75 public (per excursion)Arrive at the Bunnell House the way visitors would have in the early pioneer days of Winona County, via the river! We will board the Cal Fremling at 3 p.m. for a ride to Homer Landing to be picked up by the Trester Trolley to the Bunnell House to see a performance and then back to the landing for a cruise back to the levee by 6 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres served along with a visit with Playwright, Lynn Nankivil and Direc-tor of the play you’ll see, Judy Myers, The Adventures of Lafayette Bunnell or Paul Sannrud, The Hired Girl Gets Married! (Regular tickets will not be sold for these performances.)Saturday, July 9 to see “The Adventures of Lafayette Bunnell” Saturday, August 6 to see “The Hired Girl Gets Married”

Judy Bodway is from Cloquet, Minne-sota and has two sisters and their families including a niece, two nephews, a grand-niece and a new grandnephew. She loves traveling and reading. Judy recently retired after 31 years with the City of

Winona the last four years as City Manager and is an Alumni of University of Minnesota - Duluth.

Judy has been a long-time member of WCHS and also is cur-rently a Rotary member, board member of the Winona Area United Way, numerous past participation in other Winona or-ganizations including Winona Health Foundation, Winona Area Public School Foundation, Winona Area Red Cross, Winona Area Chamber of Commerce and others.

Judy told us, “I believe it is important to be an active member of the community and one way is to support the local organiza-tions that make Winona the great place it is. I am just starting my volunteering career and am very excited to become actively involved with the Historical Society.”

Marianne Hohenner was born and raised in Winona. When she turned 18 she joined the U.S. Navy WAVES to see the world, and then moved back to Wi-nona with husband in tow in October 2006

from Silicon Valley a.k.a. Cupertino, CA. That husband and best friend is Harro, and they have two sons (Hans and wife Marga-ret live outside Seattle, WA; Andrew, wife Erin and our grand-daughter Eire live in Petaluma, CA). They have been married over 50 years and met when he bought Marianne’s beloved MG Midget car. Over the years, they have moved a number of times. Marianne likes genealogy, needlework, gardening, handbell playing, cooking, travelling, mah jongg (American style) and bird watching. She has attended a variety of educational institu-tions including Radioman A and B schools, US Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland; University of Maryland, College Park, MD; George Mason University, Arlington, VA; DeAnza College, Cupertino, CA; Royal School of Needlework, London, England; University of California, San Luis Obispo, CA.

With the move to Minnesota, Marianne retired. A sampling of work experiences includes printing specialist at Goddard Space Flight Center NASA when it was only two buildings; foster mother for newborn babies; reading teacher (special education) in Alexandria, VA; various positions at Apple Computer in its early days; Executive Assistant to building tycoon in CA; etc.

Marianne is a master gardener and has restored the Herb Garden and beautified grounds at Bunnell House; coordinated several Master Gardener events at WCHS; participated in the Cemetery Walk in various capacities; volunteer at, and was on, the Christmas House Tour; donations to the WCHS Archives; etc.Marianne also teaches horticulture classes and serve(d) on the Executive Board for the California Master Gardener (Santa Clara County) and Minnesota Master Gardener (Winona County) programs; member and former editor for the Hiawatha Valley Audubon Society; volunteer activities at several area churches; various capacities in support of the Great River Shakespeare Festival; 4-H judge at Winona County Fair; mem-ber of P.E.O., etc.

When asked why she likes volunteering, Marianne referred to: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi. Marianne said, “We have lived and visited around the globe, but the Driftless Area and Winona County is one of the most scenic places we have encountered.”

Janis Martin is from Saint Charles, Minne-sota and loves genealogy (presenting, teaching, researching for clients, preserving local history, as well as discovering her own family). She is a costume designer & professor for 30 years work-ing with regional & university theatres across the nation, locally designing at St. Mary’s University,

Commonweal Theatre, and Viterbo University. BA in Theatre, BA in Art, Minor in Photography from Winona State; MA in Theatre – Costume Design from University of CA – Santa Barbara.

Janis also volunteers as Director of Unclaimed Persons, a nation-al organization which partners with county coroners & medical examiners throughout the US to locate next of kin of deceased individuals; Board member/secretary for Saratoga Cemetery Association; Supervisor of Photography exhibits at the Winona County Fair; Election Judge for St. Charles; former President of St. Charles Library Board.

Blake Pickart was born in Petosky, Michigan, but raised in Winona. he has a wife, Jan, and a little white dog, Gracie.

He likes hiking, reading, and goofing around on the computer. Blake is a Professor of Business at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and owner of

Valley Accounting Service. He also volunteers in various minis-tries at Saint Mary’s Parish of Winona. Blake said he volunteers because he “likes to give back to the community.” w

Clip and Save CalendarMay 5 Attempting the Northwest Passage with Taff Roberts, 7 p.m. 9 Quilt Guild, 7 p.m.12 Civil War Round Table, 7 p.m.18 Food For Thought: Lost to History: Georama, 12:05 p.m.25 Food For Thought: Book Chat The World’s Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne, 12:05 p.m.30 Memorial Day Open 12 - 4 p.m.June 9 Civil War Round Table, 7 p.m. 11 Chocolate, Shakespeare, & Champagne, 7 - 9 p.m.13 Quilt Guild, 7 p.m.

15 - 19 Winona Steamboat Days! 18 The Art of Fine Furniture Exhibit Opening, 1 - 3 p.m.22 Food For Thought: Book Chat, All Over But the Shoutin’, by Rick Bragg 12:05 p.m.29 Food For Thought: Women of Mayo Clinic with Virginia Wright-Peterson, 12:05 p.m.

Be sure to check the cover for the Bunnell House Schedule and below for the History on the River Schedule! Also on our website!

Summer Ticketing Menu (member/public)History on the River - $20/25, 3 for $55/70Family History on the River - $15/20 Kids, $10/15 Adults (Adult must be along and responsible for kids)Bunnell House - $12/15Excursion Experience to Bunnell House - $70/75

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Volunteer Spotlight Welcome New Board Members

History on the RiverPrograms aboard the Cal Fremling, 2016 Schedule + Family Programs!Join us for season three of the popu-lar History on the River program cruises aboard the Cal Fremling floating class-room. All History on the River cruises are 90 minutes long and include light refresh-ments and a program. Tickets will go on sale May 16 for WCHS members and for the Public on May 20. Tickets are $20/$25 or get 3 for $55/$70. Call 507.454.2723 to charge by phone for will call. History On the River Programs: June 16 – Great River Shakespeare Festival Season 13, 7 p.m.23 – A Visit with Mark Twain (Ron Hunt), 7 p.m. 30 – River Music with Eddie Allen, 7 p.m.July 7 – A Fast Forward History of the River at Winona with Walt Bennick, 7 p.m.14 – Tales from the Last River Rat with Kenny Salwey, 7 p.m.21 – John Latsch: The Man Who Believed in a Refuge with Ranger Ed Lagace

& Mary Farrell, 7 p.m.28 – Dakota Life Along the River with Colette Hyman, 7 p.m.August 4 - River Memories with Capt. Richard Karnath, 7 p.m.11 - Universe Above, River Below with Jennifer Anderson, 7:30 p.m., Bring your Binoculars!18 - Jazz on the Riverboats with Les Fields and the Turkey River All-Stars, 6:30 p.m. 25 - History of the Refuge with Ranger Ed Lagace, 6:30 p.m.September 1 – Memories of the Army Corps of Engineers with Dennis Decker, 6 p.m. 8 – The Winona Bridges with Terry Ward, 6 p.m.15 - Dakota Life Along the River with Colette Hyman, 5:30 p.m.22 - Pre-History of Trempealeau Mt. & the Upper Mississippi with John Carrier, Park Naturalist, Perrot State Park, 5:30 p.m.

29 - Migration on the Refuge with Ranger Ed Lagace, 5:30 p.m.+ NEW this year are Family History on the River programs on the third Satur-days during summer leaving at 10 :30 a.m. Tickets are $15/20 for children and $10/15 for adults, adult must accompany children.Family History on the River Programs, June 18 – Dakota Culture and Crafts with Janis Vose and Patty Albrecht. Learn about the Dakota and how the river was important to them. Kids will create a bracelet or necklace using a simple drill tool like American Indians used for hun-dreds of years! July 16 - I Spy…Refuge Birds and Animals! with Ranger Ed, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Learn to spot and name Refuge birds and animals. August 20 - Something Buggy Goin’ On! with Ranger Ed. Explore the world of invertebrates.Plus Bunnell House excursions! See page. 11. w

Biography by Walter Bennick

Mary L. Grant, 1863-1953Winona State Normal School Librarian

Born on February 7, 1863 to Ebene-zer and Maria (Welch) Grant, Mary L. Grant was the youngest of four children. Mary grew up in Winona and attended the Winona Public Schools where she excelled. During her primary examinations, she delighted the audience reciting a little piece en-titled “The Mice at Play.” Then, during a secondary examination she recited “Fanny’s Costume” to the audience. Mary was elected valedictorian of her class and during the graduation

ceremony she closed her speech with an essay on “Hamlet.”

After her graduation, Mary applied for a teaching position with the public schools, but appeared to have accepted employ-ment as a clerk at the Choate Department Store. In 1887, Mary moved to Omaha, Nebraska where she accepted a position with the Bohn Manufacturing Company at their branch office which had been established two years earlier. Mary remained in Omaha until around 1900 when she returned to Winona to attend the normal school to study library work under Ida Aikins. After the completion of her course of study she was elected to a position as assistant librarian at the normal school and after Miss Aikins left to marry, Mary was appointed the normal school’s librarian. The normal library had grown; doubling its size, thus the need for an assistant librarian became a necessity. A room was added by removing a wall, then book cases were added to an enclosed balcony and then in an adjacent corridor. Soon after Miss Aikins had left the volume of books in the library doubled again. And adding to Miss Grant’s duties in the library was the teaching of library usage and administration to the normal stu-dents, especially during the summer sessions.

In 1908, Mary was involved in the planning of the new model school to be constructed adjacent to Normal Hall. Because of the crowded conditions in the library in Normal Hall, the entire second floor of the model school was to become a new library space. The new library was furnished with new furniture and cases and it contained almost 10,000 volumes and its was also a Federal Depository containing over 4,000 public documents pertaining to Minnesota’s First Congressional District.

As World War I loomed on the horizon; Mary put together some 213 pounds of books to be sent the Camp Kearney near San Diego, California for the soldiers to enjoy. Later, as the war was winding down, Mary and her sister, Clara, along with many from the DAR became involved in the raising of money to help support the “Fatherless Children of France.” Involved individu-als were to donate ten cents a day, or $36.50 a years to keep a fatherless French child in their own home. In all, about 700 individuals contributed $10.00 or more from Winona. Once they made their contribution, they were encouraged by the organi-zation to continue to adopt their French “godchild” through a letter writing campaign, both from the organization itself, but also from their “adopted godchild.” These letters would indicate that if the contributions were not continued, the child would be dropped from the program and would suffer great disappoint-ment and want.

In 1921, Mary went to New York City to study new library methods at the New York Public Library’s library school. During her four month absence, the normal library was managed by her assistant, Miss Mabel Marvin. The following year, in December, Normal Hall was destroyed by fire, a fire so hot it started the roof of the adjacent model school to catch fire under the roof titles. The fire was put out with minimal damage, but the interior and its contents received some water damage. By this time the library contained some 17,000 books. The model schools roof was quickly repaired and money was allocated to allow for a full-time assistant to help reorganize the library and clean up the damage.

In July of 1925, Mary retired from the Teacher’s College and was presented with a solid silver sandwich plate as a token of appreciation for her 25-years of service to the college. After retirement, Mary and her sister, Clara, traveled to Europe and while there visited Lafayette’s estate near Paris which had been sold to an American after the last heir had died during the war. The plan was to make it into an historic shrine similar to that of Mount Vernon. While there, they found that some 300 French orphans were living on the estate in buildings surrounding the chateau. After returning to Winona, Mary and her sister ad-dressed the DAR as to the French orphans.

Mary’s sister, Clara, died in 1933, and following the death of her sister, Mary began downsizing and donated a number of Indian baskets to the Winona County Historical Society, then housed at the teacher’s college, plus about 100 books to the college’s library. In October of 1942, Mary Grant moved to Ridgewood, New Jersey to live with her nephew, Thomas Bar-don. She lived in her nephew’s home until her death, at the age of 93 years, on October 25, 1952. She was interned at Valleau Cemetery in Ridgewood. w

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On Exhibit NEW Exhibits at the History Center

In the Slaggie Family LobbyWarm Memories: Winona County Quilts Now – June 15We have a vast quilt collection and will be bringing out the best of them for viewing. We will also take a look at the heritage of quilting, origins of patterns, cultural influences, and how they hold the history of a life, a family, and a com-munity.

Art of Fine Furniture 2016June 18 – August 5 (extended a week!) The most popular exhibit WCHS has had, this 4th annual show is sure to be a hit again with all new pieces as we explore the importance of quality and creativity in the objects of everyday life. Mark your calendars for the Opening with many of the artists - June 18, 1 - 3 p.m. Learn more at www.theartoffinefurnture.com and page 7. Sponsored by Winona Na-tional Bank.

Preserved in Paint: Winona County Art History CollectionAugust 12 - October 30From portraits to landscapes, some of our art pieces in the collection have been part of other exhibits, but many have not been on exhibit for a very long time, if at all. This exhibition will highlight the best of our art collection that will take us back in time to visualize Winona County years ago.

In the Main Exhibit GalleryThe History of the Winona Public LibraryLaird’s Legacy: A History of the Winona Public Library, by Greg Gaut will be hot off the press this spring and in anticipa-tion we have a new exhibit to highlight the Winona Public Library and the people behind it. Items from both our collec-tion, as well as, the Library’s are featured, including the original drawings for the Library’s mural, The Light of Learning, by Kenyon Cox.

Plan Your Visit!History Center Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Students, WCHS members free!

Log-on to winonahistory.org and click MUSEUMS

This Place Matters is a national campaign that encourages people across the country to celebrate the places that are meaningful to them and their communities. The Armory and The Bunnell House are on the National Register for Historic Places and our two largest artifacts!

From the Archives By Walter Bennick

Society NewsStained Glass TourThe Glorious Glass Stained Glass Tour was a success during the beautiful spring day of April 16. We had about 280 par-ticipants, many visitors from out of town taking the trip to Winona for the tour! We would like to say a huge Thank You to all the sites that participated in showcas-ing their stained glass. We heard many enthusiastic comments on how educational, interesting, and fun it was. We would also like to thank all media who helped spread the word of this new event and to inform their audiences about Winona’s wonderful stained glass heritage.

WCHS and TdM Going to AMM /MAMThe Association of Midwest Museums and the Minnesota Association of Mu-seums are holding a joint conference this July in Minneapolis. The Society and Theatre du Mississippi will be presenting a session at this conference about the new experience being of-fer at the Bunnell House. The topic fits perfectly with the focus of the conference, “Innovation: Become the Unexpected.” Playwright Lynn Nan-kivil, actor Ken McCullough, stage manager Jassica Clarke, and WCHS assistant director, Jennifer Weaver will share this new and innovative way the Bunnell House is being interpreted with fellow museum colleagues.

A New Book - Winona and The MississippiComing on May 23rd, is a second book from Arcadia Publishing Compa-ny’s series of “Images of America” by Walt Bennick, a WCHS archivist. This book, entitled “Upper Mississippi River at Winona,” contains 222 images, mostly from the Society’s photograph collection. The book, in ten chapters, il-lustrates Winona’s connection with the Mississippi River since its earliest days.

Included are chapters about five of the 26 Upper Mississippi River’s navi-gation locks and dams, the evolution of the Mississippi River steamboats, the interaction of people with river while at work and at play and some selected individuals who impacted the city’s connection with this great river. The book’s cover photograph was taken by Jim Galewski, a Winona Daily News pho-tographer, shows the Delta Queen sailing, in August of 1979, toward Levee Park where a crowd was wait-ing for a glimpse of President Jimmy Carter and his family who were on board.

Summer InternshipWe are excited to welcome Jessica Trampf to the WCHS staff as a sum-mer intern. Through this new paid in-ternship opportunity Jessica will work with staff on managing the WCHS’ sites for the summer. She will be scheduling activities and volunteers, as well as helping out at the Rural Heri-tage Museum, the Bunnell House and with the History on the River cruises aboard the Cal Fremling. Jessica has her B.A. is Public History and has experience in museums and working with people. You are sure to see her friendly face this summer!

Pointour is BackPointour’s daily Downtown Winona His-toric Walking Tours are returning May 17 through August 5 for the company’s second and final tour season. After a suc-cessful run last summer, Pointour is excited to introduce a number of new features

this year, including online booking and new partnerships with local businesses.“I’m so excited to be able to implement this new online system and to continue towork with my partners from last year, including the Winona County Historical Society, as well as to begin to work with new ones in order to reach wider audi-ences and make the tour experience even better for guests,” says Bailey Bestul. “The tours have received so much praise and I’ve learned a lot in my first year, all of which I cannot wait to delight customers with.” Pointour guarantees that even the most informed locals and visitors will learnsomething on a tour, and that tours will appeal to all age groups, even those uninterested in history. The tours run Tues-days through Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and take visitors on a casual and informative (and never boring) walk through downtown Winona that covers everything from fires and factories to movies and millionaires. Tours beginoutside the Winona County History Center and can be booked online atpointourwinona.com or by calling 1.507.459.2938.

As I was processing some of our new acquisitions a couple of weeks ago, I was excited to come across this photograph. It shows Gertrude and Isabel Linca with friends at the far east end of Levee Park. In the background across Walnut Street, there is a great view of the Park Brewery building’s front facade. We have very few images of the Park Brewery building, especially shots of the building with its steep-roofed towers still intact. This donation by John Newell late last year is a great addition to our always expanding photographic collection.

The Park Brewery opened in 1904, and had the misfortune of beginning operations a short sixteen years before Prohibi-tion would go into effect. Discussions began as early as 1918 about closing the brewery, as it became an increasingly unfa-vorable political and social environment to be a brewer. For a brief period of time, the brewery made an attempt to brew and sell “near beer” before finally closing in 1920. A Winona Republican-Herald article from February 9, 1920 announces that the Park Brewing Company’s last bit of inventory (2,200 barrels) was to be unceremoniously dumped into the city sewers. The company’s president John Dietz simply states at the end of the article that “the company is done”. With only sixteen years of operation in Winona, the lasting legacy of the Park Brewing Company for the city is the beautiful building that remains. The Romanesque/Queen Anne four story factory contains a great deal of stone trim work, with the Winona Stone Company hav-ing been contracted for much of it. Even without its steep-roofed towers, it is still an impressive structure, and is an important part of the city’s streetscape. It’s a great piece of architecture in a county that has many.

The Historical Society is always getting requests for historic photographs of properties and structures. Whether these pho-tographs are used to help with large rehabilitation projects like the Kirch-Latsch Building, or because a homeowner would like to see what their porch looked like originally, photographs that document Winona’s architectural history are great resources for us and the community. We are always appreciative when we can add a new view of a property, or complement our collection with a photograph of a structure from a different time period. Please keep us in mind as you go through your old photographs. A donation of a photograph that pictures your house or your neighborhood, photos from day trips around the county, or shots showing Winona’s streets and structures in the background will help us to record Winona’s rich architectural past. w

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Collection Corner By Andy Bloedorn

Top to bottom; left to right: Model School (Phelps Hall) under construction in 1909. Library is on the second floor of the building. Normal Library in the Model School (Phelps Hall). Receipt from the “Fatherless Children of France.” w

A Good Read Rememberedfrom the Food For Thought Book Chat

The Tall Pine Polka by Lorna Landvik In the small town of Tall Pine, Minnesota, at the Cup O’Delight Cafe, the townsfolk gather for what they call the Tall Pine Polka, an event in which heavenly coffee, good food, and that feeling of being alive among friends inspires both body and soul to dance. Then Hol-lywood comes to town and throws them for a loop!

Food For ThoughtA Lunchtime Learning Series

Lecture Lost to History: Georama, May 18, 12:05 p.m.Great River Shakespeare Festival highlights the new bluegrass musical Georama as part of their summer 2106 Season. In the 1850’s John Banvard was the most famous living painter in the world and the first American millionaire artist, world-renowned for enormous moving panorama celebrating the majesty of the Mighty Mississippi. Today an examination of reference books will not turn up a single mention of his name. John Banvard, the greatest artist of his time, has been utterly obliterated by his-tory. The new musical Georama tells his story. Join GRSF Teach-ing Artists as they discuss the story of Georama and its part in the GRSF Season.

Book Chat The World’s Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne, May 25 , 12:05 p.m.Josh is a librarian at Salt Lake City’s public library and founder of a popular blog about books and weight lifting—and the proud father of five-year-old Max. Funny and offbeat, The World’s Strongest Librarian traces this unlikely hero as he at-tempts to overcome his disability, find love, and create a life worth living. (description from amazon.com)

Book Chat All Over But the Shoutin’, by Rick Bragg, June 22, 12:05 p.m.This haunting, harrowing, gloriously moving recollection of a life

on the American margin is the story of Rick Bragg, who grew up dirt-poor in northeastern Alabama, seemingly destined for either the cotton mills or the penitentiary, and instead became a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The New York Times. (de-scription from Amazon.com)

Lecture Women of Mayo Clinic with Virginia Wright-Peterson, June 29, 12:05 p.m. The story of Mayo Clinic begins on the Minnesota prairie fol-lowing a devastating tornado in 1883. It also begins with the women who joined the growing practice as physicians, as labo-ratory researchers, as developers of radium therapy and cancer treatments, and as innovators in virtually all aspects of patient care, education, and research. While these women contributed to the clinic’s origins and success, their roles have not been wide-ly celebrated—until now. Hear more about Peterson’s research and the women who were closely involved with the develop-ment of this world renowned medical facility. A member of the writing faculty at the University of Minnesota Rochester, Virginia M. Wright-Peterson has written for Minnesota Public Radio, the Rochester Post-Bulletin, and the Twin Cities Daily Planet. She has worked at Mayo Clinic for nearly two decades. Her book will be available in the Museum Shop and she will sign books after he program.

Lecture Why Quality and Creativity Matter with Jamie Schell, July 13, 12:05 p.m. Jamie Schell, studio furniture makers and artist, will discuss the significance of a well crafted, artful, aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture. He will talk about why he believes these pieces will maintain generational value, what this approach means to the environment, and what is means to society.

History After HoursEvening Programs“Attempting the Northwest Passage” New Version Thursday, May 5, 7 p.m.Directed by Taff Roberts, (45 minutes) this film documents Taff’s journey as he joined the crew of a small boat attempting to sail the Northwest Passage. This final version of the film is a personal look at the trip that includes fresh comments, insights, and new footage from people Taff met along the way. The goal of the movie is to inspire women and men in their later years to pursue their aspirations and dreams. The film is dedicated to Berna-dette Scarani Mahfood 1944-2015. A $7 suggested donation will help cover film expenses.

Also see the History on the River program schedule on page 10 for more great educational opportunities!

The Food For Thought learning series takes place at the Winona County History Center. Lectures, Films, and Book Chats begin at 12:05 p.m. and last approxi-mately one hour (unless otherwise noted). Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch. A beverage is served. All are free and open to the public.

Workshops & EventsChocolate, Shakespeare and Champagne!Saturday June 11, 7 - 9 p.m. at the History CenterJoin us for our annual summer fundraiser. Support your local history with chocolate, champagne and Shakespeare. We welcome back Winona’s Great River Shakespeare Festival crew and they will give us all a sneak peek into this season’s historic performanc-es. Held at the History Center, mix and mingle in the beautiful Slaggie Family Lobby, Wanek Hall, and enjoy the summer evening out on the Little Family Terrace. Performance previews will begin at 8 p.m. Nonalcoholic beverages will also be served with a cash bar offered as well. All you can eat Chocolate desserts and crisp bubbly Champagne are included with your ticket. It is THE sum-mer party you don’t want to miss. Tickets are available in advance at the History Center starting May 16 for faster entrance to the event or at the door for $30 or $25 for WCHS members.

The Art of Fine Furniture Exhibit Opening Saturday, June 18 , 1 - 3 p.m. at the History CenterThe fourth annual exhibit will feature all new fine furniture pieces created by regional artists and craftsmen. The pieces are made using contemporary and traditional woodworking techniques with deep connections to history. For 2016 we will explore the impor-tance of creativity and quality in the objects that are part of our everyday lives. Join us for the Opening of The Art of Fine Furni-ture on June 18 from 1 - 3 p.m. to meet and talk with many of the artists. Refreshments will be served.

In addition to the exhibit opening reception we will offer a free 3 day workshop and one lecture session. A workshop titled “Mak-ing a Studio Long Board Skateboard” (July 15 - 17), and a lecture titled: “Why quality and creativity matter” (July 13). The Wi-nona County History Center, through this type of programming provides a look at the arts through a historical perspective. Winona has a long history as a lumber town and in turn had numerous furniture, door, window and sash companies. The history center has a large collection of tools, photos, and even a horse drawn furniture delivery wagon in its collection. The exhibit will bring art enthu-siasts into a history museum to help increase an appreciation for the history of artistic skills and help develop knowledge of these skills for both the artists and attendees. Jamie Schell, Craig Johnson, and Jason Holtz will jury and select the artists and works for the show. All three are member of the Minnesota Wood Workers Guild as well as the Furniture Society and have numerous contacts in the regional studio furniture makers community. They will select pieces based on the theme of this years show as well as on de-sign, craftsmanship, and artful execution of the work. Thank you to our lead sponsor Winona National Bank and this activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropria-tion from the arts & cultural heritage fund.

Pioneer School2-Day sessions are offered July 12 - 13 and July 26 - 27, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. each dayStudents will step back into the pioneer days of early Winona County through lessons, games, projects, and more during Pioneer School. Held at the Little Red Schoolhouse (Gainey School) on the Winona County Fairgrounds in Saint Charles. Best for students ages 7 - 12. Licensed teacher, Marjie VanCleave with assistance from Winona State University Elementary Education majors will lead students through a fun and educational experience. Period costumes are provided, but students are welcome to wear their own. All supplies are provided. Bring your own lunch, but note just like in pioneer times there will be no refrigeration. Restrooms are available on the fairgrounds. Cost is $40 for members and $45 for the public. Space is limited so please register soon to get in! Call 507-454-2723 or stop in the History Center.

Save the Dates: Rural Heritage at the Fair July 6 - 10 at the Winona County Fairgrounds in Saint CharlesVarious crafts, games, programs and tours will be offered at the Rural Heritage Museum during the Winona County Fair. Check our website and the next issue of the Argus for a full schedule.

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