LANDMARKS
LANDMARKS: Backroads and Byways
11/16/2024 | 1h 16m 17sVideo has Closed Captions
Minnesota photographer Doug Ohman and producer Timothy H. Bakken look for out of the way landmarks.
The LANDMARKS series continues as Minnesota photographer Doug Ohman and producer Timothy H. Bakken hit the road looking for those out of the way interesting landmarks.
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LANDMARKS
LANDMARKS: Backroads and Byways
11/16/2024 | 1h 16m 17sVideo has Closed Captions
The LANDMARKS series continues as Minnesota photographer Doug Ohman and producer Timothy H. Bakken hit the road looking for those out of the way interesting landmarks.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(bright music) - Hello, friends.
And welcome to another Landmarks program.
Over the years, many of you have traveled with us as we've explored the state, all the way from Winona to Duluth, from Moorhead to Pipestone, we have seen the best of Minnesota.
I would like to introduce you to the man who has been behind the scenes of past shows, my friend and producer, Tim Bakken.
In this show, you will travel with us as we explore the back roads and small towns of West Central Minnesota.
(upbeat music) Let's keep her moving.
Our first stop is at a historical landmark along the Minnesota River, north of Montevideo.
Tim, our first landmark on our trip is a really, really cool church.
Have you ever heard of the Lac qui Parle Mission?
- Well, I've heard of it.
I've driven by a few times, but we've never stopped in.
- It's got a great story.
Tim, this story goes back to 1835.
Three fur traders, Williamson, Huggins, and a guy by the name of Joseph Renville, pretty common name in Minnesota we know that, they came out here in 1835.
That's before Minnesota was even a territory.
They built this mission church and it stayed active until 1854 as the sign says right here.
The chapel is not from 1835.
It's been rebuilt by the WPA in 1942.
- So I wanna know, how do you possibly know all this information?
- I'm really smart.
But no, actually, you notice I brought a couple of books.
And I love these books.
The first one is the Minnesota Place Names book that I picked up at a garage sale for a couple of bucks.
It's got every location in Minnesota and how they got their names and a little history about it.
The other book that I love is the Minnesota WPA Guide.
This was done in 1938.
So when you travel around Minnesota and you see a site, and then you read about it, what it looked like in 1938, compare to what it looks like today.
- So do you have something about the Lac qui Parle Mission?
- Oh, yeah, there's a great write up and there's so much more information about the Lac qui Parle Mission in this book.
- Okay.
- So maybe when you're bored later today, you can read it and I'll quiz you.
- Okay.
Okay.
- Let's go up and see the church.
- All right, that'll be good.
Never been there.
- Hang on a minute, Tim.
I'm gonna put these books back in the truck.
Hang on a second.
I want to get a photo.
The lighting is really good today.
- I can't believe how many times I've driven by this place.
I've never stopped here.
Never stopped in.
- Isn't that the case in a lot of landmarks?
We drive by them a lot but we don't know much about them.
- Yeah, I didn't know- - The history in our own backyard.
- Yeah, I didn't know if you could actually stop here.
- I hope it's open.
- Let's go check it out.
This is really cool.
- It's kind of operated by the Chippewa County Historical Society.
And I hope the door's open.
Hey, look at there.
The rope for the bell.
I'm gonna ring it.
Hey, you remember that church?
- Oh yeah.
- Over by Watson?
- Over by Watson, yeah.
- The guy let me ring the bell.
Let'er buck.
I have experience.
- Yeah.
(bell ringing) - [Tim] Ooh, sounds good.
Wow, it looks pretty cool in here.
- Tim, can you imagine having to sit on benches like this for a two or three-hour sermon?
- Ooh, that'd be a little tough.
- It would, wouldn't it?
- Look at all this information on the wall.
All these displays.
You don't even need your book or your books.
It's all here.
- Why am I lugging them around?
- Yeah.
Everything that you need to know about this mission is written right here all the way around the room.
- Check out the old reed organ.
You're kind of musical.
You think you can play?
- Well, that's an old pump organ.
It's not an easy thing to do.
It looks like one pump works.
(reed organ blaring) It got sound.
(mellow reed organ music) - You actually can play.
I'm impressed.
- Wait till my concert.
- I'll wait.
Hey, Tim, before we go, we better sign the guest book.
This chapel is really a cool historic site.
If you didn't have those big trees in front, you'd have a great panoramic view of the Minnesota River.
- Yeah.
- So in the wintertime, we should come back.
- Looking at that big cottonwood there, there's a monster cottonwood around here somewhere too.
We should see if we could find it.
- Is it a state record?
- I don't know, I just know it's really big.
- I love big trees, so let's go find it.
Tim, you think the big tree is up this road right here?
- Well, I think it's north of here.
- [Doug] Not far up the road from the old mission chapel, we get lucky and see the sign for the big tree.
- [Tim] All right, there it is.
Cottonwood tree.
- [Doug] Well, a worn path means others have traveled it.
- [Tim] You go up there in case you crash land.
- They don't tell you how far it is.
(mellow music) Well, Tim, there she is.
Yeah, that's a big tree, alright.
Pretty steep trail, but not too long.
That tree is massive.
- That is a monster.
- Watch your step, it is steep.
It's actually much bigger than I thought it was gonna be.
I've seen some big cottonwoods.
- I don't think you can get your arms around this thing.
- No, this should be a world record.
(mellow music) Where are you, Tim?
- On this side.
- Can you imagine building a tree fort up on this tree?
- Yeah, it's right up there.
- You know, I've heard that cottonwoods grow pretty fast, but I'm gonna reference this and find out how old this tree really is.
I bet it's a few.
I bet three or four, 500 years old.
What do you think?
- Well, you gotta do some research on this thing, 'cause this thing is a monster.
Never seen anything like it.
(mellow music) - Hey, Tim, I just looked up the information in this large cottonwood tree.
And according to the internet, it is Minnesota's largest tree.
- I can believe that.
- It's got a circumference of 394 inches.
It stands 106 feet tall.
It's pretty cool.
Minnesota's largest tree.
Never knew it was there and we were here.
It's amazing what you find on an old-fashioned road trip.
Let's go.
- Let's keep rolling.
- Okay.
After our big tree adventure, the rain starts as we head west along a country road looking for interesting landmarks.
(bright music) We soon arrive in the small town of Sacred Heart.
A very cool landmark in this town is hard to miss.
Right on the main drag is the Sacred Heart Hotel.
The hotel was built in 1914 along the historic Yellowstone Trail.
Imagine this 24-room hotel in those glory days of road traveling.
- Okay, let's check out this place right up here.
Kathy's Place.
I think it's a good place to eat.
- Have you eaten here before?
- I've been here once before.
Let's go in there and check it out.
Home Town Diner.
I love it.
- Tim, I love these small town diners.
Love this one.
Kathy's Home Town Diner.
- Yeah, these are the small town cafes are some of the best that you can ever discover.
Let's check it out.
(bright music) - It was nice to meet Kathy, the owner.
She made us feel welcome with great home style cooking.
(bright music) After lunch, we're back on the road heading south to meet up with an old friend in the small town of Belview.
- Whoa, look at that over there.
Bicycle fence.
We gotta stop and look at that little closer.
(upbeat music) - You know what I think is cool about this idea?
- Look at this one's got a banana seat.
- It does.
They're all different eras of bikes.
- [Tim] Yeah.
- You have the '60s.
You got some earlier ones.
You have more modern ones.
Huffys.
Schwinns.
He wasn't particular, was he?
- No.
This one says Mongoose on it.
- Check this one out, Tim.
The grocery getter.
- [Tim] The basket.
That's what you gotta have.
- You could ride uptown with this bad boy.
Get everything you need at the Ben Franklin.
- And it's a one speed.
- It's got fenders.
Real comfy seat.
- [Tim] That's an all-out classic.
- It is.
I like it.
Probably from the '50s.
- Yeah, I wouldn't doubt it.
And then this guy with the high-rise handlebars.
- Tim, those are not high-rise handlebars.
These are what we call ape hangers.
- Oh.
- Look at that.
If you had one of these as a kid in the neighborhood, you wrote the book on cool.
- But this should have a banana seat on it.
And a sissy bar back here.
- Yeah, it probably should.
And it shouldn't have a fender.
- No.
- On the back.
Or the front.
- It's been modified a little bit.
- This should be a rat rod.
- This is a rat rod for a bike.
- But it's got new pedals.
This whole thing is so cool.
- This is very cool.
Never would've seen this if we were on this backroad just happened by it.
- [Doug] Isn't it amazing what you find?
- [Tim] Had to stop and look at it.
- Love it.
(upbeat music) When we arrived in Belview, we duck into the old theater to get out of the rain.
(mellow music) Lori has arranged for us to meet the town historian, Joanne, to see the 1901 Odeon Vaudeville Theatre.
Joanne, thank you for inviting me to the Odeon Theatre, one of my favorite old classic theaters in Minnesota.
And you've lived in this town a long time?
- Since 1959.
- Well, it's been a while.
Tell me about the Odeon Theatre.
- Well, it was built in 1901.
And they had vaudeville shows.
It was a community center for everything.
The dances.
- [Doug] Sure.
- [Joanne] They played basketball here.
We didn't have a basketball court at school.
So until 1956, they played basketball.
- This was the basketball gymnasium?
- Yes and they had a furnace or just a stove, I think, at each corner of the Odeon, and they had a fence around it so the basketball players wouldn't run into the stove.
- Hazards of the game, right?
- Yes and they sat in the balcony and I think the kids did the cheerleading in that from the stage.
- [Doug] Yeah, yeah.
- [Joanne] And then they sat and stood along the edge of the... - So when you went to a ball game here at the Odeon, you actually stood along the sidelines of the court?
- Well, I think so.
It was gone before.
They had the new school and the new gymnasium- - When you moved here?
- in '56, yeah.
- But this was vaudeville?
- And dances, wedding dances, every kind of parties and dances.
- [Doug] Roller skating.
- [Joanne] Roller skating.
- You know, I heard a very interesting story and I'm not sure it's true, but I think it might be, that in 1927, the vaudeville days were fading away and you guys got your first movie projector.
And that was the year that Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic.
And the first movie played here in the Odeon was a silent movie called Rin Tin Tin.
- [Joanne] Yeah, I think I've heard that.
- I love that story.
But I love the place.
And it just feels, you can feel the history here, can't you?
- And we had have an old friend, she's passed away now, she lived to like a hundred.
And she said that it would be just so full in here and then the crowd would go over to the fire hall.
And then they'd have the show.
They'd show it over there again.
- [Doug] Really?
You packed the place out.
- [Joanne] That's what she said.
- [Doug] And they had to have two showings?
- [Joanne] Yes, yes.
- How big was the town back then, do you think?
- Oh, I don't think it was, I don't think it was any bigger than now.
- It's what?
About four to 500 people today?
- Oh, it's about maybe 350 to four.
- Oh it is?
Okay.
- Yeah.
- Okay.
- It's gone, I think, it was a little more years ago.
- Well, I love your theater and I like your town.
- [Joanne] It's wonderful.
- Thanks for sharing.
Before leaving Belview, we get a short tour of the Historic Land Office.
The Gimmestad Land and Loan was founded in 1892, the same year Belview was incorporated as a village.
It was in buildings like this, that early settlers in town scattered all over the state, went to purchase their real estate or file their homestead claim.
What I really enjoyed at this stop was that Belview has kept many of the original furnishings in place, as if time has stood still.
The rain cuts our day short, but the forecast looks good for tomorrow.
- What a wealth of cool history in such a small town.
Hi, I'm Doug Oman.
Thank you for joining us for "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways."
For eight specials now, we've taken you around Minnesota to see all the wonderful sites and treasures around our beautiful state, and now you get to meet the man behind the camera, Tim.
Pioneer PBS is your home for stories like these.
Who else goes out there and finds these local stories in our region.
From the Lac qui Parle Mission near Montevideo to the land office in Bellevue, Pioneer PBS is your station and your home for these precious memories.
Make sure it's available for future generations by calling the number on your screen or visiting our website and making your gift today.
And here are some ways we will say thank you when you do.
- [Narrator 1] When you become a member of Pioneer PBS at the $300 one-time level or the $25 sustainer you can receive with our thanks the "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways" bundle.
You'll get a DVD of the program you're watching now, "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways."
Along with that, you'll receive the landmarks complete DVD collection.
Get all seven previous Landmark specials including: "Keeping History Alive," "Highway 23," "Classic Car Road Trip," "Fall Colors Road Trip."
"Cemeteries of Minnesota," "Medal of Honor" and "Minnesota Collections," all for you to enjoy any time on DVD and go on your own historic journey with a Pioneer PBS We Are Yours, stadium blanket and Insulated Travel Mug.
Measuring in at 50 by 60 inches, the We Are Yours blanket will keep you warm on any adventure and stay hydrated the entire trip with the We Are Yours 40 ounce vacuum insulated tumbler.
All of that can be yours with your generous contribution at the $180 one-time gift or $15 sustainer, you can get the "Landmarks" DVD Sampler Pack.
Receive the new "Backroads and Byways" program along with a sampler pack of three other "Landmarks" favorites, "Keeping History Alive, "Highway 23," "A Minnesota Road Trip and "Minnesota Collections."
Get a taste of Minnesota history with this sampler pack, and insulated travel mug.
And at the $60 one-time or $5 sustainer contribution, you can receive the "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways" DVD with our thanks.
And every $5 and above sustaining contribution comes with access to Pioneer Passport.
Stream the best of PBS anytime on your device with Passport and every membership at any level comes with a free Pioneer preview.
Find out about upcoming programs and the happenings around the station with the Pioneer preview.
Make your contribution and become a member of Pioneer PBS today.
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Make the right choice and give to Pioneer PBS today.
And one way to make your support simple and consistent is to become a sustaining member.
Here is more information on sustaining membership.
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As a sustaining member, you make an ongoing monthly contribution from either your checking account or credit card.
The amount you give is entirely up to you.
Your donation will happen automatically each month, so you never have to worry about your membership expiring.
If you do need to change the amount of your monthly contribution, just contact us.
Best of all, when you make a qualifying donation, you can enjoy our most popular member benefit ever, PBS Passport.
With Passport, you can watch an incredible collection of drama, science, art, and history programs whenever you want.
You can stream them on your TV using the PBS app for your Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, newer Samsung Smart TV or Android TV or watch on your phone, tablet, or computer.
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And when you do, we have some great ways that we will say thank you.
- [Narrator 1] When you become a member of Pioneer PBS at the $300 one-time level or the $25 sustainer you can receive with our thanks the "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways" bundle.
You'll get a DVD of the program you're watching now.
"Landmarks: Backroads and Byways."
Along with that, you'll receive the "Landmarks" complete DVD collection.
Get all seven previous "Landmark" specials including: "Keeping History Alive," "Highway 23," "Classic Car Road Trip," "Fall Colors Road Trip," "Cemeteries of Minnesota," "Medal of Honor" and "Minnesota Collections," all for you to enjoy anytime on DVD and go on your own historic journey with a Pioneer PBS We Are Yours stadium blanket and insulated travel mug.
Measuring in at 50 by 60 inches, the We Are Yours blanket will keep you warm on any adventure and stay hydrated the entire trip with the We Are Yours 40 ounce vacuum insulated tumbler.
All of that can be yours with your generous contribution.
At the $180 one-Time gift or $15 sustainer, you can get the Landmarks DVD Sampler Pack.
Receive the new "Backroads and Byways" program along with a sampler pack of three other "Landmarks" favorites, "Keeping History Alive," "Highway 23," "A Minnesota Road Trip," and "Minnesota Collections."
Get a taste of Minnesota history with this sampler pack and insulated travel mug.
And at the $60 one time or $5 sustainer contribution, you can receive the "Landmark's Backroads and Byways" DVD with our thanks.
And every $5 and above sustaining contribution comes with access to Pioneer Passport.
Stream the best of PBS anytime on your device with Passport and every membership at any level comes with a free pioneer preview.
Find out about upcoming programs and the happenings around the station with the Pioneer preview.
Make your contribution and become a member of Pioneer PBS today.
- So now let's get back on the Backroads and see what treasures await us on our journey around the beautiful state of Minnesota.
After spending the night in Redwood Falls, Tim and I wanna explore some local landmarks.
But first breakfast.
It sure look a lot nicer today, isn't it?
- It's a little bright.
I'm gonna have to get my sunglasses on.
- Good idea.
- Head on down the road.
- It's nice to not have wind and rain today.
- Nice blue sky.
Now, I think if we head off down the road that way, where we're going to, what's called North Redwood.
That's the home of Sears.
You've heard of Sears and Roebuck?
- Yeah.
What's the connection here?
- Well, North Redwood is where it all started.
And if we traveled down the roadways, I'll show you.
- You mean, the entire Sears story started here?
- Yes, North Redwood.
- Did you read that in my book?
- I've known this for a long time.
And today is my chance to show you what I know.
- I'm gonna mark this day.
It's gonna be a holiday celebrated all over the country.
- I've done some research, so don't worry.
- All right, I'll take your word for it.
How far is it?
- That's just a few miles up the road here in North Redwood Falls.
- Do you know what's there?
- I've never been there.
- Well, you've never been?
- [Tim] I've heard of it.
- [Doug] All right.
- [Tim] I hope it's easy to find.
- [Doug] I'll take your word for it, buddy.
- [Tim] I can see there's a marker or something up here that might tell a story.
- Hey, check out this tree, Tim.
I think this is the second largest in Minnesota.
- [Tim] That's a monster too.
Holy bucket.
- [Doug] That is a big one.
- Okay, Richard Sears Memorial Park.
He was 22 years old selling a shipment of watches.
That's how it all started.
- So you were right.
- [Tim] Again.
- You got lucky.
Well, it looks like the elevator's active today.
Looks like they're loading the rail car.
- Another set up I've never ever been to.
Heard about it, but the first time I've seen it.
- Well, let's go back to Redwood.
I've always wanted to see this historic waterfall.
- Oh yeah.
(mellow music) So what are we gonna find here?
- Well, it says, welcome to Ramsey Falls.
Tim, do you know who Ramsey was?
- No, I have no idea.
- He was our state governor when the American Civil War broke out.
The things you learned from me.
- [Tim] So they named the falls after that gentleman.
- [Doug] It's a connection here.
We'll read about it in my book.
- [Tim] Let's go look at the falls.
- [Doug] Alexander Ramsey Park was founded as a state park in 1911 and was known as The Little Yellowstone.
Today, it is no longer a state park, but it is the largest municipal park in Minnesota at over 250 acres.
After checking out the waterfalls, we are back on the road to find our next adventure.
The Minnesota River Scenic Byway signs are a good way to navigate this part of the state.
- [Tim] That's turning into gravel right here.
- [Doug] I know.
Bridge closed.
Let's go check out what this bridge might look like.
I love these backroads.
It could be interesting.
I can't believe how smooth this gravel road is.
Looks like they're hailing the road ditches.
An old iron bridge.
You know, Tim, had we not taken that gravel road, wouldn't have never found this bridge.
- [Tim] What do you call it?
A truss bridge?
- I call them an iron truss bridge, but I don't know if that's a technical term or not.
But you remember when we were doing the Landmarks show with the Mustang?
We found that old bridge in Palisade.
- Yeah.
- It kind of reminds me of that.
- [Tim] And that one was built in early 1900s.
- [Doug] Early 1900s, so I'm guessing this is probably the same era.
- [Tim] It looks like they're gonna probably remove it.
- You know, I wonder when the last car drove across this bridge.
It was clearly a one-lane bridge at one time.
You would have to take turns.
- Yeah.
- You think that would fly today?
- Yeah, this is probably one reason they're going to improve it.
- Oh, I don't think they're gonna improve it at all.
I think this is permanently closed.
Eventually, they'll tear it down.
And it's kind of sad because the era will be over.
These bridges are harder and harder to find.
I'm glad we found it today though.
- [Tim] So where's our next destination?
- [Doug] You know, yesterday we didn't get to the Joseph Brown Historic Ruins and House, so I think that would be a very interesting one to pick up today.
So it's on the north side of the Minnesota River.
Not too far, so I think we should be there in just a few minutes.
I think you'll enjoy this site.
(mellow music) I think this is it.
- [Tim] I see something up there.
Joseph Brown Memorial Wayside.
Let's stop and look at this.
- [Doug] It's really an interesting story and I think there a sign up there will tell it.
- [Tim] Yeah, let's get out.
- Did you notice the chisel marks in the stone?
- No.
- How they cut and board holes to cut the stones for these steps.
This is the house of Joseph Brown, an early Minnesota pioneer and his wife.
She was half French and half Dakota.
And they built this 19-room house.
They had 11 kids.
And during the 1862 US-Dakota War, the house was burned to the ground.
Let's go up to the old house and check it out.
- Yeah, that looks pretty amazing.
It's the foundation is all that's left.
- From 1862.
- Now, this is a pretty amazing structure that we have here.
- [Doug] This is truly amazing.
- [Tim] Look at all those rocks.
- [Doug] Look at that one over there.
Imagine building something like this.
- [Tim] Oh yeah, the header up there.
- Massive.
I can see why they would wanna build their house here.
This view, looking out to the River Valley, this is spectacular.
Here's another plaque for the old house.
I think this is more original.
It was put up in 1958.
And it says the castle or the house was called Farther and Gay Castle.
I can see that.
It also says that Joseph and his wife lived in this house with their 12 kids.
(mellow music) - Now that was one of the coolest places we've stopped at so far.
I think.
- Yeah, I think not only the site is cool, but I think the story is interesting.
(bright music) As we continue, the old road narrows through forests and farms, before we find our last landmark for the day.
(bright music) - The Rudi Memorial.
Let's check it out what's going on here.
A new life with family and friends.
It's the Lars Rudi home.
- [Doug] Who's Rudi?
- [Tim] He's from Numedal, Norway.
(mellow music) I'm gonna go look inside here.
- Boy, she's a little rough.
- Yeah, it's been around a long time.
It's lot of hand labor in this little log cabin.
- Yeah, look at the logs.
Hand-hewn.
You can see the ax marks up here.
- [Tim] Built in 1868 by Thor Helegson.
- [Doug] Did you know him?
- [Tim] He's related.
He's from Norway.
- Everybody from Norway's related to you.
- From Opdal.
- Look at the old signup sheets.
People have been visiting this cabin for wow, 40, 50 years.
I just wish it was in a little bit better shape.
I'm going upstairs.
(bright music) (bright music continues) - The Rudi Memorial.
Weren't those hand chiseled logs something else?
What a wonderful treasure here in beautiful Minnesota.
Hi, I'm Doug Ohman, the host of "Landmarks".
It's amazing what you can find when you take the back roads and byways near you.
At Pioneer PBS, we love to find and share these stories around our region.
It's our reason for being.
We need your support to be able to continue to do it.
One of the best ways to keep your local station strong is by becoming a sustaining member, and here's some more information about sustaining membership.
- [Narrator] Sustaining membership is an easy and convenient way to support the programs you love.
As a sustaining member, you make an ongoing monthly contribution from either your checking account or credit card.
The amount you give is entirely up to you.
Your donation will happen automatically each month, so you never have to worry about your membership expiring.
If you do need to change the amount of your monthly contribution, just contact us.
Best of all, when you make a qualifying donation, you can enjoy our most popular member benefit ever, PBS Passport.
With Passport, you can watch an incredible collection of drama, science, art, and history programs whenever you want.
You can stream them on your TV using the PBS app for your Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, newer Samsung smart TV, or Android TV, or watch on your phone, tablet, or computer.
So please call or go online to start your sustaining membership now.
(upbeat music) - [Narrator] When you become a member of Pioneer PBS at the $300 one-time level or the $25 sustainer, you can receive, with our thanks, the "Landmarks: Backroads & Byways" bundle.
You'll get a DVD of the program you're watching now, "Landmarks: Backroads & Byways".
Along with that, you'll receive the "Landmarks: Complete DVD Collection".
Get all seven previous "Landmarks" specials, including "Keeping History Alive", "Highway 23", "Classic Car Road Trip", "Fall Colors Road Trip", "Cemeteries of Minnesota", "Medal of Honor", and "Minnesota Collections", all for you to enjoy anytime on DVD.
And go on your own historic journey with the Pioneer PBS We Are Yours stadium blanket and insulated travel mug.
Measuring in at 50 by 60 inches, the We Are Yours blanket will keep you warm on any adventure.
And stay hydrated the entire trip with the We Are Yours 40 ounce vacuum insulated tumbler.
All of that can be yours with your generous contribution.
At the $180 one-time gift or $15 sustainer, you can get the "Landmarks: DVD Sampler Pack".
Receive the new "Backroads & Byways" program along with a sampler pack of three other "Landmarks" favorites, "Keeping History Alive", "Highway 23: A Minnesota Road Trip", and "Minnesota Collections".
Get a taste of Minnesota history with this sampler pack and insulated travel mug.
And at the $60 one-time or $5 sustainer contribution, you can receive the "Landmarks: Backroads & Byways" DVD with our thanks.
And every $5 and above sustaining contribution comes with access to Pioneer Passport.
Stream the best of PBS any time on your device with Passport.
And every membership at any level comes with a free Pioneer Preview.
Find out about upcoming programs and the happenings around the station with the Pioneer Preview.
Make your contribution and become a member of Pioneer PBS today.
- Pioneer PBS isn't just your home for local programming.
We also bring the best national PBS content to you wherever you are.
From the "Antiques Roadshow" to "Masterpiece", "This Old House" to "PBS Kids", there is something for everyone here at Pioneer PBS.
Here's a quick look on how to watch all these programs wherever you are.
- [Narrator] This is the PBS app.
It's ready for you whenever you want full episodes of your favorites.
Perhaps a little history or the real story, shows with heart, or the latest news and docs.
Even stream your local station live.
It's all there waiting for you.
So download the PBS app now for everything you love and a whole lot more to explore.
Stream anytime, anywhere, with the PBS app.
- We can't keep producing these great shows without your support.
Please make a call and give today.
And when you do, we have some great gifts to say thank you.
- When you become a member of Pioneer PBS at the $300 one-time level or the $25 sustainer, you can receive, with our thanks, the "Landmarks: Backroads & Byways" bundle.
You'll get a DVD of the program you're watching now, "Landmarks: Backroads & Byways".
Along with that, you'll receive the "Landmarks: Complete DVD Collection".
Get all seven previous "Landmarks" specials, including "Keeping History Alive", "Highway 23", "Classic Car Road Trip", "Fall Colors Road Trip", "Cemeteries of Minnesota", "Medal of Honor", and "Minnesota Collections", all for you to enjoy anytime on DVD.
And go on your own historic journey with the Pioneer PBS We Are Yours stadium blanket and insulated travel mug.
Measuring in at 50 by 60 inches, the We Are Yours blanket will keep you warm on any adventure.
And stay hydrated the entire trip with the We Are Yours 40 ounce vacuum insulated tumbler.
All of that can be yours with your generous contribution.
At the $180 one-time gift or $15 sustainer, you can get the "Landmarks: DVD Sampler Pack".
Receive the new "Backroads & Byways" program along with a sampler pack of three other "Landmarks" favorites, "Keeping History Alive", "Highway 23: A Minnesota Road Trip", and "Minnesota Collections".
Get a taste of Minnesota history with this sampler pack and insulated travel mug.
And at the $60 one-time or $5 sustainer contribution, you can receive the "Landmarks: Backroads & Byways" DVD with our thanks.
And every $5 and above sustaining contribution comes with access to Pioneer Passport.
Stream the best of PBS any time on your device with Passport.
And every membership at any level comes with a free Pioneer Preview.
Find out about upcoming programs and the happenings around the station with the Pioneer Preview.
Make your contribution and become a member of Pioneer PBS today.
- Isn't it amazing that something as world changing as Sears and Roebuck has its roots in a place as close to home as North Redwood Falls?
That is just one of the wonderful things that you can find by taking a road trip close to home.
We hope that programs like this inspire you to explore the world around you and learn about the fascinating history of the places we call home.
Now let's get back to the open road and see more landmarks.
- The next day, we find ourselves near the town of Morton to see another historic church.
Tim, it's been 25 years since I've been back to this church.
This is one of my favorite Episcopal churches in all of Minnesota.
- It looks like it's completely built out of granite.
- I think you're right.
I believe there was a granite quarry located right down here in Morton.
I'll bet this stone was quarried right here locally.
I love all the colors.
The church was built in 1889.
It took about a year and a half to complete it.
And it was commissioned by Bishop Henry Whipple.
And it was dedicated to his wife Cornelia, who had just passed away in I believe 1890 or something like that.
The church actually started in 1862, but was stopped and then rebuilt again in 1889.
Do you know why they stopped building it, Tim?
- I believe there was a conflict.
- You're right.
It was the US-Dakota War that broke out in August of 1862.
But I'm so glad we have it today.
What a great church.
Let's go inside.
I hope the door is open.
- All right.
Doug, you mentioned this man named Whipple.
Who is he?
- Bishop Henry Whipple, Episcopal Bishop, came to Minnesota probably in the late 1850s, started many of the Episcopal churches that are still standing today in Minnesota.
But what was really cool about his story, he was a friend to the Dakota.
In fact, they had a name for him.
They called him Straight Tongue.
The reason they called him that is 'cause they felt that everything he said was truth.
They could believe in him.
- Let's look and see if this door's open.
Let's go inside.
Kind of dark in here.
- [Doug] I think that's kind of typical.
I've been in a lot of Episcopal churches and they kinda look like this with a lot of woodwork.
They are kind of dark.
- [Tim] Look at that stained glass window up front.
- [Doug] That's incredible.
- [Tim] Well, let's see if we can find a light switch.
- I think it's right over here, Tim.
Bingo.
Henry Whipple was born in New York and became Episcopal through the influence of his grandparents and his wife Cornelia.
He attended Oberlin College and soon went into the ministry, becoming the first Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota in 1859.
He held this office until his death more than 40 years later.
Whipple is best known for his dedication to the welfare and missionary work among the Dakota and Ojibwe in Minnesota.
You know, Tim, I never tired of finding these old churches.
- I'm just glad we could get inside and see this place.
- I wonder if they still use this church on a regular basis.
- Well, where are we off to next?
- You know what I think it would be fun?
To find the quarry where these rocks came from.
- All right.
- You know, Tim, who might know where the old quarry is?
Is Nicole.
She's the director of the Renville County Historical Society.
- All right.
- Right here in Morton.
- Let's go check it out.
- See if she's in.
(bright music) - Nicole.
- Doug Ohman!
Oh my goodness sakes.
Welcome to the neighborhood.
So what you doing here today?
- Well, Nicole, we're doing a landmarks show and we're looking for the quarry.
Is it close?
- Yes, it's actually just a couple blocks away right here in Morton.
- Can you show us where it is?
- I can, but do you have a couple extra minutes?
I have a few things I love to show you before you go, 'cause you haven't been here for a while.
- Check this out.
This small display reminds me of the type of relics that I search for with my metal detector.
(upbeat music) What I love about visiting Minnesota County Historical Societies is that each museum has items that are unique and part of the local historical story.
(upbeat music) After a few minutes checking out the museum, Nicole jumps into the backseat of the truck and guides us by the Morton Quarry.
Too bad we're not allowed in for a tour.
Before returning to the museum, Nicole wants to show us two local landmark sites.
The first landmark is one of the last buildings standing in the old village of Beaver Falls.
As we take in the old school house, Nicole tells us that Beaver Falls was once a growing business community of 200.
It not only had a school, but it had a church, blacksmith, wagon shop, bank, even a jail.
Those are all gone now.
But hearing Nicole's stories, it's not hard to imagine a once thriving town.
(mellow music) On the bluff, just east of Morton, stands two granite markers to honor the combatants of the US-Dakota War of 1862.
They are not on a battlefield, but instead replaced on the old Renville County Fairgrounds in the 1890s.
The first we come to was erected in 1899 and is referred to as the Faithful Indians Monument to commemorate the brave, faithful, and humane conduct of the loyal Dakota who saved the lives of white settlers.
The next monument was constructed in 1894 to remember the heroism of those gallant soldiers and citizens who fought in the Battle of Birch Coulee.
As we drive away from the monuments, Nicole reminds us that this local area of Minnesota has a most interesting history that is also very tragic.
Driving east of Morton, we leave the River Valley and are soon surrounded by corn and soybeans.
We get off the blacktop to explore a minimum maintenance dirt road.
You never know what you might find if you're willing to drive on gravel.
Hey, that's kind of cool.
Let's stop here.
I love old cemeteries.
- Yeah.
- Boy, this one's a small one.
- Yeah, there's not much here at all.
This is a really small cemetery.
- It's well-maintained.
- Not many grave sites out here.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.
Probably a dozen.
- I wonder if they're still burying people here.
- It's awful large area for not many.
- And look at all the stones.
They look old style.
- 21 days.
- Well, this is really sad.
A little girl dies in 1890, 21 days old.
And her name is Winnie.
That's a big stone for a little girl of 21 days.
- Well, this side, it's- - Oh, okay.
- 41 years.
- Mary Greer.
- Mary Greer.
- Was that her mother?
- Wait a minute, that one that says 1885 and this one says 1890.
- [Doug] That could not have been her mother.
- [Tim] So this little girl died five years later.
- This must have been an aunt.
- Got the same last name.
- Even though we don't know the story, I'm drawn to wanna know.
- Yeah.
- I just see this stuff and I just, I wanna know more about the family.
I want to know how Mary died.
- It's definitely a mystery.
- Why Winnie is on Mary's stone.
This is pretty elaborate stone.
It used to have a top on it.
It's made of marble.
It doesn't wear very well in Minnesota, but still legible now.
(melancholic music) Hey, Tim, you gotta see this.
(melancholic music) Frozen to death.
- Wow, right in the bottom.
- If that doesn't put a lump in your throat, nothing will.
He was 38 years old.
- [Tim] What does it say?
18.
- [Doug] 73.
- [Tim] 1873.
- Life on the frontier wasn't easy.
Wow.
This place is really cool.
Hey, Tim, before we leave, let's check out those five markers out there.
(melancholic music) - Michael Statts.
Company H 6 Minnesota Infantry.
Indian Wars.
May 26, 1872.
Company H and 6 Minnesota, what's that?
- Well, Minnesota had 11 infantry regiments during this time during the American Civil War.
And his company was H. Every regiment had 10 companies of a hundred men made up a regiment of a thousand.
And the Minnesota Six fought out here on the frontier during the Minnesota or during the US-Dakota War.
He would've probably fought at Birch Coulee, possibly defending Fort Ridgely.
And then after the Dakota War was over, these guys went south and fought for the union in the American Civil War.
But you notice his date 1872 is when he died.
So my guess is we don't have his birthdate on the stone, but he was probably only about 30 years old.
Tim, I'm taking you down this road.
I've been on this road.
After leaving the old cemetery, we stay on the gravel and soon find ourselves at another old church that I visited years ago.
Being back here should bring back a lot of memories.
Tim, I've always loved stopping at this church.
In fact, a winter picture I took years ago was used on the cover of my book, Churches of Minnesota.
I've always loved this church.
Let's check it out.
(mellow music) Oh nice, I love these old churches.
- So I wonder what year this was built?
- If I remember right, mid 1880s, but I think the congregation is a bit older than that.
I think it goes back to about 1868, '69.
Check out the old stove.
- That sure looks original.
- Northwestern Stove Works, Minneapolis, 1880.
- I doubt if you'd wanna sit too close to that thing in the wintertime.
Should get a little warm.
- But I wouldn't wanna sit way back there either.
You'd freeze or you'd cook.
- It looks like it could throw off a lot of heat.
- [Doug] It's called the blizzard.
- Oh, the blizzard.
It looks like we have a pump organ over there that we've seen before.
- [Doug] And that one's really ornate.
Look at the woodwork on that.
- [Tim] That is very nice.
And the altar.
- [Doug] The altar rail?
- [Tim] Like a half circle altar.
- And the pastor would be inside.
The parishioners would come up, kneel and receive communion.
It's pretty cool.
- [Tim] So, Doug, do you know anything about altar paintings?
- [Doug] I know a little bit about them.
This looks like an original oil.
And a lot of these paintings were painted by trained artists from Europe.
They came to the United States and painted a lot of altar paintings for churches.
You'll find them all over the Midwest.
And this is a scene that's pretty common.
It's Jesus in the garden.
And you can see the disciples are sleeping down there in the bottom there from that story in the Bible.
It's a pretty cool painting though.
I like it.
- It's always interesting to stop at old country churches like this.
This was definitely worth a stop today to see a church like this.
- [Doug] Leaving the old Fort Ridgely and Dale Church, we head back west to visit one last historic site.
On the way, let's drive through some classic Minnesota farm towns.
I heard that in this town you can park- - Morgan, Minnesota.
- You can park right in the middle of Main Street.
It's one of three towns in Minnesota.
And look at that.
A pickup truck right on Main Street.
- This is the way it is in Morgan, Minnesota.
- I love it.
Tim, let's park right here.
Let's get out.
Interesting old bank building right over here in another old general store.
- State Bank of Morgan.
- Let's go take a closer look.
What year do you think it is, Tim?
- [Tim] 1895.
- [Doug] I think it's 1915.
I'm going around this side to look for a date stone.
(mellow country music) Did you ever wear Buster Brown shoes?
- [Tim] Buster Brown shoes.
No, I heard about them, but never had any.
- For boys and girls.
Oh, I bet you wore OshKosh B'Gosh overalls?
- Oh, OshKosh was the go-to overall for the men on the farm.
- [Doug] You didn't wear them to school?
- [Tim] No, I didn't have any overalls.
- This is a really interesting old storefront.
I love the old antiques.
The pump is cool.
- Look at this, 10 cents for a bottle pop with a headboard.
- Leaving Morgan, we start to see a few A.C.O silos.
These silos are an interesting piece of local ag history.
A.C.O is the initials of a man named Adolph Casimir Ochs who designed these clay silos dating from the late 1890s through the 1940s.
(mellow country music) (mellow country music continues) The day is nearly over, but my friend Muriel Coulter agrees to meet us at the Wood Lake Historic Battlefield to share some family history of the area.
Muriel, the ground we're walking right now is pretty special to you, isn't it?
- It certainly is.
I grew up here.
My grandfather bought this property back in the 1880s.
- [Doug] Do you own the land today?
- I do.
Yes, I do.
- Because it's a historic site, Muriel, what is the connection with keeping the history preserved here?
- Well, it was very special to me and also to my husband John.
And I always felt I wanted to share this with other people.
And it was important to me, so we wanted to preserve it.
And to share it with the public who love history of Minnesota.
- I love the personal connection that you have kept all the way back to your great-grandfather, right?
- My grandfather.
- Your grandfather, okay.
- Yes, my grandfather.
- Well, again, thank you for doing that, because we are the beneficiaries of your family's story.
- And I appreciate people who appreciate history and that we can share it with other people.
- Muriel, not only is this place really special to your family, but it's also special from a historical perspective for Minnesota.
- Yes, it is.
I just remember my father, ever since I was a little girl, telling me stories about the battles that occurred here.
And he talked about Sibley's men camping just across the road and talked about how the soldiers, a group of them got up early without permission and headed this way, probably passed right by our house and was heading to the agency.
And the Native Americans were hiding right here in the grass.
And that's when the battle occurred.
And the rest is- - And I heard that they, you're right, they had left the camp without permission looking for potatoes.
- [Muriel] That's right.
- And they interrupted the ambush that was set for later in the day.
- That's right.
- So it's an interesting story for sure.
- Yes, yes.
- And these markers here represent that.
So the story will never be forgotten.
- That's right.
- And it's a tragic story, let's be honest.
- It is.
- You know, a lot of Dakota were killed.
- Yes.
- A lot of soldiers were killed.
- Yes.
- And it is sad.
- It is.
- But history is one of those things that we need to all understand, we need to learn from it.
- That's correct.
- And that's what you're doing here today, keeping this preserved forever, as you said.
- [Muriel] You're right.
That's right.
- Tim, this is an interesting site.
This obelisk was erected to remember the story of the Battle of Wood Lake.
Let's get out and take a closer look.
(melancholic music) - Well, I am sure glad we stopped here.
This is a great way to wrap up the show.
- [Doug] Yeah, I think you're right, Tim.
- A solemn reminder of the past.
Hi, I'm Doug Ohman, host of "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways."
I hope you've been enjoying this trip to visit some of our lesser known parts of our region.
Pioneer PBS is your home for local history and cultural programs like "Landmarks."
We need your support to keep programs like this on the air.
Here are some great ways we will say thank you when you do.
- [Announcer] When you become a member of Pioneer PBS at the $300 one-time level or the $25 sustainer, you can receive, with our thanks, the "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways" bundle.
You'll get a DVD of the program you're watching now, "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways."
Along with that, you'll receive the "Landmarks" complete DVD collection.
Get all seven previous "Landmarks" specials, including "Keeping History Alive," "Highway 23," "Classic Car Road Trip," "Fall Colors Road Trip," "Cemeteries of Minnesota," Medal of Honor," and "Minnesota Collections," all for you to enjoy anytime on DVD.
And go on your own historic journey with a Pioneer PBS We Are Yours stadium blanket and insulated travel mug.
Measuring in at 50x60 inches, the We Are Yours blanket will keep you warm on any adventure, and stay hydrated the entire trip with the We Are Yours 40-ounce vacuum-insulated tumbler.
All of that can be yours with your generous contribution.
At the $180 one-time gift or $15 sustainer, you can get the "Landmarks" DVD sampler pack.
Receive the new "Backroads and Byways" program, along with a sampler pack of three other "Landmarks" favorites: "Keeping History Alive," "Highway 23 - A Minnesota Road Trip," and "Minnesota Collections."
Get a taste of Minnesota history with this sampler pack and insulated travel mug.
And at the $60 one-time or $5 sustainer contribution, you can receive the "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways" DVD with our thanks.
And every $5 and above sustaining contribution comes with access to Pioneer Passport.
Stream the best of PBS anytime on your device with Passport.
And every membership at any level comes with a free Pioneer Preview.
Find out about upcoming programs and the happenings around the station with the Pioneer Preview.
Make your contribution and become a member of Pioneer PBS today.
- [Announcer] Sustaining membership is an easy and convenient way to support the programs you love.
As a sustaining member, you make an ongoing monthly contribution from either your checking account or credit card.
The amount you give is entirely up to you.
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If you do need to change the amount of your monthly contribution, just contact us.
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So, please, call or go online to start your sustaining membership now.
♪ Ooh ♪ Ooh ooh ooh - [Announcer] This is the PBS App.
It's ready for you whenever you want full episodes of your favorites.
Perhaps a little history, or the real story.
Shows with heart, or the latest news and docs.
Even stream your local station live.
It's all there waiting for you, so download the PBS App now for everything you love and a whole lot more to explore.
Stream anytime, anywhere with the PBS App.
- Tim and I saw a lot of wonderful things on our journey through the backroads and byways of Minnesota, from the largest cottonwood tree in Minnesota to the Wood Lake historic site.
There are many fascinating things to see and do in this region.
What were your favorites?
My favorite thing might've been our little trip, side trip, to the small, almost ghost town of Beaver Falls.
Make sure that more people can experience great stories like the ones we have discovered today by becoming a member of Pioneer PBS, and when you do, we have some great ways to say thank you.
- [Announcer] When you become a member of Pioneer PBS at the $300 one-time level or the $25 sustainer, you can receive, with our thanks, the "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways" bundle.
You'll get a DVD of the program you're watching now, "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways."
Along with that, you'll receive the "Landmarks" complete DVD collection.
Get all seven previous "Landmarks" specials, including "Keeping History Alive," "Highway 23," "Classic Car Road Trip," "Fall Colors Road Trip," "Cemeteries of Minnesota," Medal of Honor," and "Minnesota Collections," all for you to enjoy anytime on DVD.
And go on your own historic journey with a Pioneer PBS We Are Yours stadium blanket and insulated travel mug.
Measuring in at 50x60 inches, the We Are Yours blanket will keep you warm on any adventure, and stay hydrated the entire trip with the We Are Yours 40-ounce vacuum-insulated tumbler.
All of that can be yours with your generous contribution.
At the $180 one-time gift or $15 sustainer, you can get the "Landmarks" DVD sampler pack.
Receive the new "Backroads and Byways" program, along with a sampler pack of three other "Landmarks" favorites: "Keeping History Alive," "Highway 23 - A Minnesota Road Trip," and "Minnesota Collections."
Get a taste of Minnesota history with this sampler pack and insulated travel mug.
And at the $60 one-time or $5 sustainer contribution, you can receive the "Landmarks: Backroads and Byways" DVD with our thanks.
And every $5 and above sustaining contribution comes with access to Pioneer Passport.
Stream the best of PBS anytime on your device with Passport.
And every membership at any level comes with a free Pioneer Preview.
Find out about upcoming programs and the happenings around the station with the Pioneer Preview.
Make your contribution and become a member of Pioneer PBS today.
- As our journey today comes to a close, we remind you that this isn't the end of the road.
This is just one of the many programs at Pioneer PBS.
Make sure we're able to continue bringing you great stories like this.
Become a member of Pioneer PBS today.
And now, let's get back to the end of the "Landmarks" program, "Backroads and Byways."
Our road trip is now in the rear view mirror.
Tim and I hope you've enjoyed exploring the backroads with us.
We wanna say thanks for riding along and hope that this trip has inspired you to take your own trip.
Remember, you don't have to travel far to find amazing local landmarks.
(bright music)
LANDMARKS is a local public television program presented by Pioneer PBS
This program is made possible by contributions from the voters of Minnesota through a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and viewers like you.