'Writers' night' at the museum

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM--The Brown County Historical Society hosted an hors d'oeuvres-and-refreshments "Writers' Night" party in the Museum Annex Friday to honor the winners of the first-ever Kitty Lieb Historical Essay Contest.

The contest's first winner, Leah Willaert of Sleepy Eye, received $150 for her "Prisoner of War Camp at New Ulm -- World War II" essay. A deputy in the Brown County Sheriff's Office, Willaert wrote of a farm-based labor shortage resulting in a prisoner of war camp being placed in New Ulm.

"How would a city known for its deep German roots handle captives from their own homeland?" was the question posed in her detailed account.

Gary Wiltscheck of Sigel Township took second place and $100 for his historical word picture of "Clear Lake School District 6/179 1864-1971 'The Good Years.'" In words and photographs, Wiltscheck not only traces the historical path of Clear Lake School District but the early development of a school system to serve eastern Brown County, as well.

Third place and $75 went to Monica Sturm of New Ulm for her essay entitled, "The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together." It's a short history and reflection upon her student years at St. Mary's Grade School in New Ulm, from 1955 to 1963.

Four honorable mentions were presented, accompanied by $25 cash awards, to the recipients. They were Donald J. Brand of New Ulm for "Father Alexander Berghold: A New Ulm Legend," Phyllis A. Rubey of New Ulm for "The National Guard in New Ulm 1953 to 2002," Peggy Tauer of rural Sleepy Eye for "E.P. Bertrand Citizen of Home Township and Sleepy Eye in Brown County, Minnesota" and Terry Sveine of New Ulm for "Our Unknown Neighbors: Luxembourgers in Brown County."

The 14 essays entered in this year's contest have been bound in a loose-leaf notebook and will be able for reading at the museum, Director Bob Burgess.

"For a first-time event, I think 14 entries is a great response," Burgess said. "We're looking toward an even better response next year as more people learn about it."