|
|
|
August 2, 1999
Annual Harkin Store celebrationhonors river town's historyBy TONY ZIEBOL Journal Staff Writer WEST NEWTON -- Bison and elk bones were spread across a table. A man used his legs to power a scroll saw, carving letters to make up the name "Celia" for his granddaughter. A woman was busily at work doing chair caning and seat weaving. A hammered dulcimer, button accordion and guitar played in the background. A brightly-colored 1880 Wagon sat in the parking lot A cold glass of lemonade to quench your thirst went for a nickel. Visitors to the Alexander Harkin Store Sunday took a step back in time. Back to the 19th century, where West Newton was a thriving Minnesota River town, before the railroad lessened the river commerce. About 200 people flocked to the store for the 20th Annual West Newton Days. "We're trying to get a feel for keeping with the 1870s," said Opal Dewanz, sight manager for the Harkin Store. "We want to honor the community of West Newton and reminisce." The last Elk that was shot in this area was at least 120 years ago and bison have long been extinct here, but photographer and naturalist Ron Bolduan of New Ulm still looks for evidence of their existence in the valley. "These are items I pick up while I wander the valley," said Bolduan, who also showed more common skeletal remains of raccoon, deer and other species still in the area. Woodworker Lance Sorenson of Hector, has brought his antique machines that he collects, like the scroll saw, to West Newton Days the last six years. "(Dewanz) asks me every year (to come) and it's hard to turn her down," Sorenson said. "The weather's always good and it's a lot of fun." He was working on a machine that was made at the turn of the century by Barnes Company in Rockford, Illinois. "He's really fascinating," said Donna Ewert of Mankato. Maggie Schwab has been doing chair caning and seat weaving for 15 years, and sells her work to dealers and to private parties. The 1880 Cornet Band Wagon was built in St. Peter for the band and has been repainted and restored. "Now when we take it out in a parade, it looks good," said Herb Poncin of Nicollet, who helps take care of the wagon. Costumed guides spoke to visitors walking through the general store. Stocked shelves of 1870 goods -- including patent medicine bottles, some of which still have its original contents -- and other antiques told stories themselves of what life was like over 100 years ago. Alexander and Janet Harkin's General Merchandise Store closed in 1901 and was reopened by the Harkins' granddaughter, Janet H. Massopust, in 1938 and has since been restored by the Minnesota Historical Society. The people who were on hand for this occasion, such as Ewert, enjoyed living in the past, if only for a few hours. "I always enjoy coming here," Ewart said. "I love anything historical."
|