History

New book chronicles three area disasters

Jun 15, 2022

Southeast Minnesota has experienced many powerful natural disasters, and Lake City author Steve Gardiner explores three of them in his most recent book Historic Disasters in Southeast Minnesota published by The History Press. Gardiner’s book looks at the wreck of the Sea Wing in 1890, the...

Frontenac history fair features two new books, homemade ice cream

Jun 15, 2022

People can get a first look at two new books about an historic cemetery, view historical displays, and taste Linda Buysse’s homemade ice cream Saturday, June 18, at Florence Town Hall, 33915 Hwy. 61 Blvd., in Frontenac. The event is from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. and is sponsored by the Frontenac...

Urdahl will speak about U.S. vs Dakota Indian Confict at June 13 Rotary meeting

Jun 8, 2022

Dean Urdahl, a Minnesota State Representative, will speak about the U.S. vs. Dakota Indian Conflict at the Lake City Rotary Club meeting on Monday, June 13, at noon at Port 104, 104 N. Washington St. The public is invited to attend. A former history teacher, Civil War guru and writer of historical...

Why History Matters essay contest first place entry

Jun 1, 2022

Editor's note: The following essay won first prize in the Why History Matters essay contest (see related story). Incorporated in 1872, Lake City has flourished as a beautiful town beside the Mississippi River for 150 years. Historians and the people of Lake City have contributed greatly to the...

Naturalist Sara Holger speaks at City Hall

May 25, 2022

Sara Holger holds a snake during her talk in the Lake City City Hall ballroom on May 22. Sponsored by the Lake City 150th Celebration Committee, the talk focused on the natural history of the Driftless Area, which includes Lake City.

Reads Landing School Museum opens this weekend

May 18, 2022

Wabasha County Historical Society, Reads Landing School Museum will have its opening weekend on May 21 and 22 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free with donations welcome. Featured this weekend is a family-friendly project of making rolled beeswax candles, while supply lasts. “Handmade...

Lake City Ambulance celebrates 50 years with alumni picnic

May 18, 2022

The Lake City Ambulance Service began in 1972 when the 17 original members contributed $10 each for equipment and training. The first ambulance vehicle was an old hearse that also was used at times as a dog catcher. The ambulance garage was a one-stall garage in city hall. They had to pull the...

Arrival of electricity is topic of May 24 historical society program

May 11, 2022

The public is invited to attend the upcoming Membership Meeting of the Lake City Historical Society on Tuesday evening, May 24, at 7 p.m. in the ballroom at City Hall, 205 West Center Street. Bill Stiene will present a program titled “From Gas Lamps to Electric Lights—How Electricity Came to Lake...

Local history is very much alive

Apr 27, 2022

The Lake City sesquicentennial year was highlighted through the efforts of St. John’s Lutheran School Living History event. This year’s focus was on notable early settlers in Lake City. The 150th committee and Lake City Historical Society assisted with information from which students could select...

Local history includes broken treaty, plunder

Mar 23, 2022

I’m a sentimental type. I live in a 1928 art deco house of wood from the old growth giants of the west. A nice touch for the 150th would be a Model A parked at this house built for the jovial and well-liked shoe merchant Abraham. I reviewed my Abstract of Title. The first Anglicized name is...