Holly Young is a Dakota beadwork artist who shares about her journey discovering the stories of her ancestors through learning traditional beadwork. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
This interview from 2005, captures the spirit of Lois Wohlin, who passed away in 2013. She tells stories of the Great Depression and a baseball field in the middle of dried up Lake Andrew! This a treasured interview by her daughters, grand-daughters and great granddaughters that still live nearby.
Lorry is an amateur historian who has written several books about Frontenac, Minnesota. She shares stories about Frontenac and her family ancestors who lived in the Whitewater area.
John wrote the Outdoor Column for the Rochester Bulletin for decades and spent a lot of time fishing and hunting in the Whitewater Valley. He shared memories his experiences in the valley and his collaborations with former park naturalist, Dave Palmquist.
Roger is the definition of a "local" - having lived in the area his entire life. Walsh is able to describe the landscape during the Dust Bowl, cracked soil and dried up water beds. The history of land use and natural resources in this interview is intriguing to anyone familiar with the landscape and lakes today.
Jill was the editor for the St. Charles Press at the time of this interview and shared memories about former editor, L. A. Warming, and his role in lobbying for the establishment of Whitewater State Park in 1919.
Kao Tao shares about the Hmong refugee experience and the significance of the Whitewater River valley to the Se Asian community. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Bob shares his memories of being an area biology technician for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and helping with the wild turkey reintroduction. He also talks about his time as Assistant Manager of the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area.
Mark tells a cheerful tale about memories at an uncle's farm in Spicer from riding pigs to getting away with mischief. He also includes his first impressions on the town of New London.
Roger Strand spent summers on Green Lake, growing up for a love for west central Minnesota. Some may know Roger as Dr. Strand, but if you knew him as kid you may have known him as the keeper of the Snake Den! Listen and learn more about adventures of a little Roger.
Barbara is a historian and author of the book, "Hard Work and a Good Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota." She shared memories her experience interviewing some of the African American men who were involved in the CCC in Minnesota.
Lois and her brother, Everett Johnson, share about growing up in the Whitewater Area and history stories they were told about the area. Lois also talks about her husband, Jim Sletten, who was a forest ranger and park manager.
Frank shared memories growing up in the Whitewater area, working at Whitewater State Park during college, and talks about his father, Alex, who farmed in the Whitewater Valley and later led soil conservation tours of the Whitewater Valley.
Arash Shambayati is an Iranian refugee who discovered trout fishing at Whitewater State Park in the 1970s. He shares how the park has changed. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Dr. Sajady is an Afghan American and shares her outdoor stories and perspectives as a pediatrician who encourages families to get outdoors and experience nature.
A country kid who drove a tractor to Sibley State Park, played basketball on a hay covered court, and now reminiscent of the evolving Main Street of New London, Darrel tells his story from the comfort of Lake Affect coffee shop, where he meets every morning with other retired school teachers.
Born and raised with the statutory boundary Justin is a baby of the 1980s who loves visiting the park with his own little one, Lucy. This a great tale of the simplicity of childhood and how that water draws you back into it.
A New London transplant, Joe Rooney, is here to stay. The draw of the waters and friendly folks he talks about all help paint the picture of our little town on the pond.
Dakota and her family have tradition of spending the 4th of July camping under the stars at Sibley. Here about their night time adventures and special campfire treats in this fun interview.
Andrea Richards and Ruth Ann Collins and their families share about their group of divorced women who have created memorable camping traditions each year at Whitewater State Park. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Mark Reisetter shares about his experience serving in Vietnam and the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
