Minnesota Books

I'm not old enough to recognize all of the places featured here, but it is interesting to see all of the restaurants. Here you'll find everything from haute cuisine to roadside diners. A wonderful collection of memories that captures the spirit of eras gone by.

Fellow Minnesota oldsters and yuppies alike will have a ball browsing through this lovely coffee table book of the historic eateries in our home state. I was delighted to find a photo of the menu for my Dad's Minneapolis restaurant, the 620 Club, which he owned and operated with partners Max & Henry Winter from 1935 to 1965. (Max and Dad had been among the partners in the Minneapolis Lakers basketball team, and Max went on to found the Minnesota Vikings.) And then there was Charlie's Cafe Exceptionale. Ohhhh, how I miss Charlie's! Chuck Saunders' chef, Russian emigre Harry Walkowitz, also headed up the 620's kitchen for a number of years both before and after his stint at Charlie's. No wonder the food was so good at both places. Harry's secret: "I use lots of booouuter."

I first read Kenneth Carley's original edition of Minnesota in the Civil War as a twelve year old boy back in the 1970s. The book remained on my shelf, but rarely, did I refer back to it as I continued my exploration of Minnesota's role in the Civil War.

Well, the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) has hit a home run! Using Carley's good overview as a framework, the Society dug deep into its collection to cement a wonderful history of the State's participation in the Civil War. Using very professionally composed photographs of state soldier-identified artifacts, excerpts from diaries and letters, and a limited amount of standard-fare, Library-of-Congress photography, MHS has issued a book on par with the very desirable Time-Life Echos of Glory series.

Actually, MHS has cemented SO much material around Carley's original overview, that it is actually a bit hard to recognize any similarity to the Carley's original work. This is not a bad thing, just an interesting sidenote. The person who buys this book will be busy reading the first-hand accounts, looking at the fantastic artifacts, and enjoying all the great wartime images of Gopher-soldiers.

I applaud MHS for this effort. Other institutions should take note of this work. Too many museums are bent on "protecting" and "preserving" their collections causing them to overlook the very worth of "presenting" the collections. Someone at MHS dug DEEP into the collection to find dynamite relics, accounts and photographs. Items ranging from corn pone found in the bottom of a haversack to a cotton suit of clothes made by a Minnesota prisoner of war while in Libby Prison fill the pages. The welcome, underlying message in this book is "ALL THESE ITEMS ARE FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF THE SOCIETY." That means, for researchers, these are all, more-or-less, accessible. This is where other books in similar styles fail. Private collectors are so eager to show off, but not so often, willing to share. So, whereas the Time-Life books are a great treat to the eye, as an effective document for future scholarship, they can be rather frustrating. Minnesota in the Civil War: An Illustrated History will stand as a fine catalog and finding aid for future historians.

Criticisms of the book are few. The foreword by Richard Moe is appropriate and adds to the book. The Intro by the Curator of a not-too-closely related exhibit seemed like a labored addition, but does not detract. The objects illustrated concentrate on personal objects and very few "tools of war" seem to have made the final cut for inclusion. Clearly lacking in the book are uniform items (forage caps, frock coats, blouses, etc.), identified weapons (there is one 2-page spread that has a design element that belies that it quite possibly was a concession), and identified accouterments. Surely, the Society has these items in their vast collection, so it left me wondering why they chose to downplay this very fundamental aspect of the State's participation in the war. Nevertheless, there are great groupings of items like one soldier's haversack, fry pan and boiler, and many personal items. My criticisms are minimal and should not deter any Civil War fan from buying this book.

In closing, it is important to recognize that this book is for a fan of the Civil War and NOT just a fan of Minnesota in the Civil War. The artifacts, accounts, and photographs reflect the Nation's involvement. It just worked out that the medium chosen for this reflection, was the young state of Minnesota--the first to answer President Lincoln's call for volunteers in 1861. Civil War fans, both north and south, will appreciate this book for its very fresh, personal depiction of common soldiers at war.

The Minnesota Historical Society (MHS)hit a home-run with this book. I first read Kenneth Carley's Minnesota in the Civil War when I was twelve years old back in the early 1970s. The book, though a nice overview, remained untouched on my shelves ever since. It was just that, a fine overview.

MHS could simply have continued to reprint the book in its original, almost child-like form, but instead, they decided to use it as a framework to showcase their collections. And the result is nothing less than lavish.

Artifacts ranging from corn pone found in the bottom of a haversack to a suit of cotton clothes made by a Minnesota soldier while a prisoner of war at Libby Prison are liberally sprinkled through the text. Similarly, Carley's original narrative of Minnesota's involvement in the War is almost lost, covered by many excerpts from diaries, letters, and memoirs of participants.

A potential buyer might think this would only interest students of Minnesota's Civil War history. THis if far from the truth. This book, filled with artifacts that are understandably identified to Minnesota soldiers, are typical of any Civil War combatant. This book rivals the great 3-volume Time-Life ECHOES OF GLORY.

The shortfalls are few. The foreword by Richard Moe (author of THe Last Full Measure)is appropriate, whereas the introduction by Brian Horrigan seems labored and forced. Someone, somewhere in the bureaucracy of MHS must have felt a "context" was necessary, so the text of an old exhibit about pre civil war Minnesota was forced between the covers. This isn't horrible, because along with it, are some interesting, though not civil war-related, photos. As for the rest of the images, very few are of the tired, oft-seen, Library of Congress origin, but rather, from the bowels of MHS itself. This book SHOULD stand as an example to other museums. MHS DUG into its collections to find a vast myriad of related artifacts, accounts, and images. Too many museums are content to "protect" and "Preserve." Too many forget to "share," "show," and "provide." Kudos, MHS. The only concession to "museum practices" is an obvious lack of the tools of war in this book. Very few uniforms, muskets, rifles, swords, and the like are included. One spread on pp. 108-109 depicts a musket, bayonet and revolver. The design of the spread belies that it must have been an afterthought concession. I would tend to believe that the collections hold the Austrian Lorenzes, Prussian Muskets, varieties of Springfields, and carbines issued to Minnesota soldiers. So why were they left out? Pity.

BUT, the book IS packed full of photos of personal items, like the contents of one soldier's haversack, the ship's bell from the USS Minnesota, and sketches made by a participant in the Sioux Uprising of 1862. Very cool indeed.

All in all, a very Fine book and a worthwhile addition to a Civil War library, whether concentrated on Minnesota soldiers or not. This book should be included in any library that focuses on the daily life of the average soldier.

I don't believe there is another series of books like this. The author travels extensively around Minnesota and invites folks to contribute their best true stories, and this year 44 contributors helped produce a bumper crop. Some are funny, others are nostalgic, historically informative, unusual or inspirational, and subject matters are as varied as the voices of the many writers who wrote the stories. If you enjoy a good story, or if you are looking for a gift to give to someone with a Minnesota background, these books are perfect. Don't expect to read Minnesota caricatures or jokes about Ole and Lena. Real Minnesota people, with their good humor, intelligence, and dignity intact, have found their voices in the Minnesota Memories series, and Volume 7 may be the best one so far.

Each time another MM volume appears, I order about 8 copies, wrap them for Christmas and my gift-giving woes are over. These books are read, passed around, kept and treasured because they offer slivers of lives in a state that boasts of excellent wall-eye fishing, bigger-than-life heroes like Paul Bunyan, and out-door life on 10,000 lakes, but it's more than that. It's people like Disneyland event and show designer Tom Butsch who recalls his early acting career with the Stagecoach Opera House in Shokopee, writer Joan Graham who can make you recall the myriad of supplies offered for sale at the local hardware store where you could buy on credit and pay at the end-of-the-month, Stella Hanson Sorbo who shares the valued lessons of thrift and common sense as she, like so many of us, downsizes and moves into retirement, and Ken Nelson who will make you chuckle as he recounts bagging a trophy deer with his Winchester Magnum that knocked him in his snowpacked trousers and long johns almost into an adjacent state. These contributors speak to us all, whether Minnesotans or not, because they are our neighbors, our friends, our relatives, and the people we want to spend the rest of our lives with. As another fan of the Minnesota Memories series once told me, "These people really are the 'salt-of-the earth."

I would reccomend this product to anyone looking for a fun book about Minnesota History. It is great to use as a game with friends, or simply to generate conversation.

I enjoy Minnesota Trivia and am glad I bought it. It's not one of those parody books that poke fun at Minnesotans, but rather a bushel basket full of facts about Minnesota life. The six chapters are Geography, Entertainment, History, Arts and Literature, Sports and Leisure, and Science and Nature. My kids and their kids take it off the shelf to see if I can answer the questions (1,296 of them) about Kettle Falls, Prince, Red River ox carts, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Bronko Nagurski, or Sister Elizabeth Kenny. I'm glad it's on my shelf for snowy days. As a matter of fact, I have two, one for my own notes and one for the kids to use to ask the questions.

Wonderfully written book by a writer who really knows how to use his words. Full of fun and lots of facts. Pictures. I thought I knew the Vikings, but now I really know the Vikings. Enjoyable from start to finish. Can't wait to read what John Holler writes next. This is the most factual and informative book ever done on the Vikings. I'm over 50, and I enjoyed it. But I think it could be just as enjoyable for fans as young as 10 or 11.

It is a heart pumping, memory making and revisiting books. It is the kind of book that you need if you are a Diehard Viking Fan.

ultimatevikingfan of Carl Eller's Viking News.

Enhanced with more than one hundred color and b/w illustrations, Minnesota's Capitol: A Centennial Story by Michele Hodgson tells the story of Minnesota state house located in St. Paul. Architecturally designed by Cass Gilbert, this impressive building took nine years to build from groundbreaking to dedication. It's magnificent dome was modeled after St. Peter's in Rome and utilized marble from Italy, Greece, France, and Africa, while the granite for the Capitol's foundation came from neighboring St. Cloud, Minnesota. Gilbert commissioned some of America's leading artists to decorate the building (including the sculptor who would later create the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.) as well as featuring the talents of local artists such as painter Douglas Volk and sculptor Catherine Backus. Highly recommended reading, Minnesota's Capitol is as engaging and entertaining as it is informed and informative.

This is a great book for anyone interested in history. The writing is down-to-earth, with personality in it that makes it quite enjoyable rather than stuffy and boring. The layout is very nice as well.

Ms. Roethke did a great job for Minnesota.

A very well written and colorful book with detailed yet easily understandable diagrams and figures. The text is written for those with little background in ecology yet is detailed enough not to be vague for those familiar with the science and with Minnesota. It was required reading in some ecology classes at the Univ. of Minnesota, yet is sits well as a coffee table book.

A very well-written colorful book with detailed yet easily understandable diagrams and figures. The text is balanced for those who know little of ecology yet provides enough detail to not be vague for those familiar with the science and with Minnesota. A darn good book for those wanting to know about the natural history of Minnesota. Big pictures. Was required reading in some ecology classes at the University of Minnesota, yet sits well as a coffee table book.

A great book!Everything I needed to know!

I had no idea that the fungi had played such an important role in history. My anscestors may have emigrated from Ireland because of the potato blight. Did the Salem witch trials occur because of hallucinogenic ergot? What has happened to all the stately elm trees lining all the Elm streets? When my students ask "Well, what is your favorite book"? I always say The Molds and Man, they of course think I am kidding, but then I whip out my copy and read a passage. Every biology teacher should read this book.

All 1089 of Katherine Herberger's incomparable collection of antique banks--277 mechanical and 812 still--now in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts are catalogued with annotated color photos. The annotations cite name, manufacturer, date, size, and material of each bank, and also the Institute's accession number being with 2003, the year the large collection was donated. The mechanical banks take up one section, with the larger number of still banks divided according to the material they are made of--e. g., tin, iron, wood, ceramic. Within each section, the banks are arranged chronologically. There are a few from the late 1700s, and some unusual ones from recent years. But the majority are from the latter 1800s and early 1900s when such banks were made in numbers by competing banks and aimed to develop the habit of saving. Most were made in the U.S., but some are from China, Japan, England, Germany, and other countries. The variety and frequent ingenuity of the banks surpasses what anyone except the most experienced collectors would expect. The catalog with its informative introductory essays is required by any serious collector to get an idea of the scope of the field. While no prices are given for the innumerable banks of this museum collection, the knowledgeable, documented, reliable notes on the manufacturers, etc., are the sort of references collectors welcome.

Did you have a piggy bank when you were a kid? Most of us did, and it eventually got robbed of its coins through the cork in the piggy's stomach, or by filching the coins from the slot if there were no such cork, or by simply breaking the bank to get at the hoard. Kax Herberger may never have had a piggy bank as a child, but sixty years ago, she bought a mechanical bank for her son's birthday. She liked it so much she started collecting banks, and eventually she had over almost 1,100 such banks, of many designs. She decided before her death in 2003 that they ought to go to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, where there were exhibits aimed at young people. An assistant curator at the Institute, Corine Wegener, and Karal Ann Marling, a professor of art history, have catalogued the collection and present it in _Money in the Bank: The Katherine Kierland Herberger Collection_ (University of Minnesota Press). Most of the book's pages are full of photographs of the diverse banks, photos that are about the size of a playing card or half that. The thirty pages of text are devoted to explaining the collection's history and that of penny-bank collection overall.

Banks often had themes of virtuous thrift, and preached other virtues like kindness to animals. Many of the banks served as a prelude to dealing with real banks. Pictured here are many miniature buildings labeled "BANK" or reproductions of actual banks. Commercial banks would issue such miniatures for advertising, and such a bank might only be opened by a teller's key at the real bank. Some banks have mechanical tellers ready to take your deposit, and the tellers might be whimsical monkeys. Some were on themes of news, as was the _Afghanistan_ bank of around 1885, to commemorate the second Anglo-Afghani War; such a theme shows how little times have changed. There are many examples here of racial stereotyping, typical of attitudes after the Civil War. In one of about 1897, a black youngster gets bucked off a mule, carrying a coin with him. The name of the bank is in stage "darky" dialect, _I Always Did 'Spise a Mule_. There is a bank that commemorates Teddy Roosevelt shooting a bear, when of course the bear he didn't shoot is far more famous. The oldest bank in the collection is a wooden Moravian box from around 1756, and the most valuable might be the _Clown, Harlequin, and Columbine_ of 1906, who dance when you put in your coin; there are less than a dozen others of these in existence.

To look at these banks is to get some idea of what Kax Herberger appreciated about them. They are a folk art, often unrefined but clever. They are colorful and they reflect historic and social trends of their times. Inevitably, the still pictures here, in this handsome and well-organized book, bring a dissatisfaction; one wants to be able to put a coin in and see what the bank did. This only means that even in pictures, the banks are doing just what they were designed for.

Month-by-Month Gardening in Minnesota: Revised Edition: What to Do Each Month to Have a Beautiful Garden All Year (Month-By-Month Gardening in Minnesota)
I'm pleased with this book. The way it's designed is completely user-friendly year 'round. The quality of the pages, print, photos and information exceeds my expecations. It seems to have something for every MN gardener!

Reading Melinda Myer's Month-by-Month Gardening in Minnesota is a complete joy. She spells out a game plan for gardening year round. If you're from Minnesota or nearby, this volume is invaluable. Even during the coldest months, Melinda recommends things to do to get ready for the full blown gardening seasons spring, summer, and fall. I love the way she talks to me in your writing; not talking down to me. What a gem!

I have attended many of Melinda's gardening seminars and we have filmed a couple spots for her upcoming PBS gardening show. I'll have the air times and dates listed on my website very soon at www.GardenCounty.info.

Thanks for all your fun writing, research, and gardening sense.

John Michael Lerma, author of the cookbook Garden County--Where Everyone is Welcome to sit at the Table. John Michael Lerma's Garden County