Abstract The Lucius Denning Mills collection holds a typed copy of an unpublished manuscript entitled “Reminiscences of Pioneer Life” compiled by Mills. Mills recalled his family living in Illinois before migrating to the area around Garden City, Minnesota. Also, he discussed living conditions in Mankato, Minnesota for the year 1854, the Dakota Conflict and subsequent mass hanging in Mankato, and the hardships and joys experienced by pioneers on the Minnesota frontier during the...

Abstract The collection consists primarily of typed carbon copies of newspaper articles describing the Mankato Normal School, the Minnesota normal school system, and the schools of Mankato and Blue Earth County. The newspaper articles were published between 1857 and 1893 and were in the Mankato Independent, Mankato Record, Mankato Review, Mankato Union, and the Public Spirit (Mankato). Also, the collection contains typed copies of Minnesota’s laws relating to the state’s normal schools. Furthermore,...

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The Brett M. Taylor, Sr. collection contains an audiocassette tape, a CD duplicate of the audiocassette, and a transcript of an oral history interview conducted between Marcia Mason and Taylor in the fall of 1974. In the interview, Taylor reminisced about George E. Brett, his grandfather, who opened Brett's Department Store in Mankato, Mumesota. Besides recalling his grandfather's business, Taylor talked about the changes in downtown Mankato during his lifetime.

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This collection contains a scrap of the front page of the first issue of The Reminder, The Mankato Reminder Company published the paper, and it contained advertisements and a want-ad service for its readers.

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This collection consists of a photocopy of a 1937 issue of The Tap, which was the newsletter of the Mankato Brewing Company of Mankato, Minnesota. This issue contains a historical sketch of the brewery, which was founded in 1856. Also included in this issue are stories of taverns that sold Kato beer, and recipes for food items containing Kato beer.

Abstract This collection is from the records of the Bureau of Land Management located in the National Archives. It includes documents from the Mankato Townsite File, dealing mostly with contested title to the property in the townsite area. The focus of the collection is the legal documents pertaining to George Maxfield’s pre-emption claim and Hoxie Rathburn and the Mankato Company’s contesting if said claim. Included are: correspondence between General Sam Leech, lawyers from all parties, the...

Abstract The Anna M. Wiecking and Family collection consists of documents, pictures, and articles written by Anna Wiecking. In addition, this collection contains information on Gilbert Fletcher and Maud Hart Lovelace both famous Mankatoans. The family histories of both Anna Wiecking’s parents are included with various other items related to the Wiecking family. Furthermore, items related to Mankato State College address the retirements of two faculty members, various miscellaneous documents, and...

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The William Dodsworth Willard reminiscences concern the Willard family, frontier life in southern Minnesota, and the early years of Mankato, Minnesota. The memoir includes a brief family history as well as details concerning his life. Willard concluded his musings by describing his participation in business and community endeavors within Mankato.