Marie Ehrenberg was living in hospice care in St. Charles and her last wish was to visit Whitewater State Park. She shares about growing up on a farm in the area and her memories of spending time at the park with her father. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Mike's family has lived in the Whitewater Valley since 1890. Mike shared memories growing up in the valley and the family business at Mauer Brothers Tavern in Elba, Minnesota.
From a second date at Sibley to an engagement and now a life time of exploring parks, Amy and Adam talk about their memories and goals for visiting more Minnesota State Parks.
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.
Andy tells the story of the family traditions and natural beauty that drew him to move to west central Minnesota where he built a stone home out of hand and dreams of the possibilities life has to offer.
Angie Berg shares about living near Whitewater State Park and spending time at the park with her two children. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
Anna was born and raised in Winona and shared memories her Aunt, Mildred Sebo, who was instrumental in planning the first Territorial Centennial Pageant held at Whitewater State park in 1933 and who helped found the Winona Historical Society.
At the time of the interview Anthony has visited the park every year for the 4th of July since he was 3 years old. Ever learned Flashlight Tag? Learn the tricks of the trade in this interview!
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.
Betty Nelson colorfully describes being a child growing up visiting Sibley State Park. She includes tales of biking to Sibley, what her parents thought of the "hippie" youth pastor, and an annual Father's Day picnic at Cedar Hill.
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.
Bryna describes the many artistic happenings of New London in the summer of 2016 from friends sitting on blankets watching a movie projected by the dam, to the friendly atmosphere of Goat Ridge and releasing a duckling at Sibley State Park.
The life of growing up in New London in the 1950s and 60s are told by Cindy Newstrom whose child's eye view of adventures in the creamery milk truck, a tricycle on main street and braving the grocery dog.
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.
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.
29 years of stories from managing Sibley State Park flow through this interview. From making friends with neighbors who would eventually donate land to the park to land acquisitions as recent as 2017; Dave Lais tells of the expansion of Sibley State Park yesterday and today.
Dave Palmquist shares about his 38-year career as a naturalist at Whitewater State Park. His wife, Kathy Palmquist, shares about her experiences as a school teacher bringing students to Whitewater State Park. The Whitewater State Park Oral History project began in 2017 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the State Park.
