Society News
WCHS Annual Quilt Raffle 2020
Check out more about this year's raffle quilt, Women of Influence. A lucky winner will be drawn December 7 at 9 a.m. (need not be present to win). Get your chances to win and support local history!
Check out more about this year's raffle quilt, Women of Influence. A lucky winner will be drawn December 7 at 9 a.m. (need not be present to win). Get your chances to win and support local history!
$7,500 Grant
Funding has been provided to WCHS from the Minnesota Humanities Center thanks to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. WCHS received a $7,500 grant to be used to support organizational health as affected by COVID-19.
Funding has been provided to WCHS from the Minnesota Humanities Center thanks to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. WCHS received a $7,500 grant to be used to support organizational health as affected by COVID-19.
Artifact Restoration: The Manure Loader
Hossfeld Manufacturing of Winona has a long history of making specialized equipment. An early invention was a manure loader that had a rake at the end of a rotating arm that ran along a track to load manure and straw into wagons or spreaders. Only two were made that we know of and the last one is now back on exhibit at the Rural Heritage Museum after suffering damage from a fallen tree when at the old Arches Museum of Pioneer Life. A big thanks to Chuck Toulouse and Andy Kronebusch for their work restoring this interesting artifact. Due to COVID-19 the County Fair has been canceled this year and we will not have the Rural Heritage Museum open, but hope to welcome visitors there again soon.
Hossfeld Manufacturing of Winona has a long history of making specialized equipment. An early invention was a manure loader that had a rake at the end of a rotating arm that ran along a track to load manure and straw into wagons or spreaders. Only two were made that we know of and the last one is now back on exhibit at the Rural Heritage Museum after suffering damage from a fallen tree when at the old Arches Museum of Pioneer Life. A big thanks to Chuck Toulouse and Andy Kronebusch for their work restoring this interesting artifact. Due to COVID-19 the County Fair has been canceled this year and we will not have the Rural Heritage Museum open, but hope to welcome visitors there again soon.
Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Farrell
Mary is originally from Hoyt Lakes, a small town in northern Minnesota on the Iron Range. Mary has have 5 siblings, 7 nephews and nieces, and four grand nieces and nephews. She attended Winona State University and has been working for Visit Winona for the past 12 years as the Visitor Services Coordinator.
Her interests include Photography, film making, outdoor activities, and building relationships with friends and community members. Mary is very involved with the community and is a board member of the Friends of the Winona Public Library and Catholic Charities of Southern MN. She also volunteers with the Winona Catholic Worker, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Winona Community Warming Center.
Mary told us, “ The Visit Winona offices are located at the Winona County History Center and my office is down the hall from the Archives. That has enabled me to learn more about Winona County’s history and to share my interest in local history by contributing photographs and video. The Historical Society has made an impact in the community with its exhibits, archival materials, educational programs and volunteer opportunities. Its role in preserving the history of Winona County is invaluable.”
Mary is originally from Hoyt Lakes, a small town in northern Minnesota on the Iron Range. Mary has have 5 siblings, 7 nephews and nieces, and four grand nieces and nephews. She attended Winona State University and has been working for Visit Winona for the past 12 years as the Visitor Services Coordinator.
Her interests include Photography, film making, outdoor activities, and building relationships with friends and community members. Mary is very involved with the community and is a board member of the Friends of the Winona Public Library and Catholic Charities of Southern MN. She also volunteers with the Winona Catholic Worker, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Winona Community Warming Center.
Mary told us, “ The Visit Winona offices are located at the Winona County History Center and my office is down the hall from the Archives. That has enabled me to learn more about Winona County’s history and to share my interest in local history by contributing photographs and video. The Historical Society has made an impact in the community with its exhibits, archival materials, educational programs and volunteer opportunities. Its role in preserving the history of Winona County is invaluable.”