submitted by Sharon Kringen, Garretson Historical Society
After being closed for a year due to the pandemic, the Garretson Museum will be re-opening this summer.
Hours will be Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and it will be open for Jesse James Days on Saturday, June 19 with free popcorn, Minnehaha Country School books, 125th Gold History Books, Marian Henjum Cooper reprints, Nancy Nelson paintings of Garretson attractions, and other items. All will be sold in the front of the museum. No walking tacos will be sold this year due to the after-parade activities by the softball fields.
Many things have and will be changing in the near future once we are open. We were unable to send out newsletters during our down time, but this fall we will start again. We hope you will note the change in some floor displays. The board members removed all the floor items in the drug store side and had the carpet cleaned.
Two years ago, items made from women's hankies were on display. This year a display of men's bandanas will be shown. Several items made from bandanas will be on display. You will find out 21 ways a bandana can be used besides around the neck or head. See the apron, child's skirt or quilt made from bandana.
Tour the Ag room in the basement for a walk through the past. Notice the new lighting installed to give better light and up to date service along with the outside awnings. Yes, despite the virus things did happen.
For those new to the community and wondering how the railroad got established, the museum will be giving the 100th Centennial red book away for a donation. On page 3-6 you will realize that you would not be living in Garretson if it was not for A.S. Garretson and the Great Northern Railroad. So don't be upset when you are waiting for the train to pass, as without it there would not have been the community of Garretson.
The museum board was approached by Sharon Kringen with memorials given in memory of her husband, Grant, to be used to expand the railroad section, which now is a small display in the museum bank building. She felt the railroad history was important to the town and museum. Richard Holzapfel, who is a retired railroad employee and member of railroad clubs, was contacted to see if he would like to expand the display. He asked Sharon what she would like to see. She requested a running train and city of Garretson.
After looking for a place to establish this display, the board decided to move the kitchen to the bedroom, retired the bedroom for now and devote a whole room to the railroad. Plans are to eventually allow children to run the train display, but it will take time to complete.
A thanks can be given to Judy, Margie, Karen, and Kelli for painting, along with Jim and Bruce for moving the heavy floor items. A grant will have to be obtained to complete the project. If you have small artifacts of the railroad, the board would appreciate your donation of items or monetary donation.
More displays in the works include a display for the Echo theater, which was popular from 1940 to 1970. If anyone has any artifacts from the theater, please contact Sharon Kringen at 605-413-5572.
All are welcome to visit the museum on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment by calling Judy Hanson at 605-594-3522 or Margie Martens at 605-594-3863.
