Progress 2021 Neighbors

Progress Neighbors

Albert Lea Tribune

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Darcy Johnson and her husband, Jeremy, have owned Conger Meat Market for 17 years. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

‘It’s an industry that’s always going

TO BE THERE’ M

Various meats and products are available in a cooler at Conger Meat Market in Conger.

Small-town markets offer fresh, quality meats and other products close to home

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Tribune Albert Lea

eat markets have around since 1935 and is a federally been an integral part inspected plant that does federal of small-town living beef, pork and lamb butchering since their creation, and makes sausages, beef and pork and in south-central products. The plant also does wild game processing, including deer, Minnesota it’s no different. elk, bear and goose, Freeborn County and is starting to get and the surroundinto private labeling ing counties have for farmers selling five meat markets, their meat at farmincluding in Conger, ers markets or other Hayward, Geneva, locations.

Ellendale and New The couple has Richland. two retail locations Darcy Johnson and — Darcy Johnson, — one in Conger her husband, Jeremy, have owned Conger co-owner of Conger and one in Albert Lea, where people Meat Market for 17 Meat Market can buy their prodyears. ucts, including She said they saw the opportunity to buy a well-estab- Wagyu steaks, and where they lished business that had a good rep- also have a bakery and sell breads utation and liked the opportunity to and buns. They employ about 20 work for themselves.

Conger Meat Market has been See MARKETS, Page 2

“Our farmers are really second to none around here.”

What’s inside?

Meet the management team: Crystal Miller: Publisher 379-3420 | crystal.miller@albertleatribune.com Sarah Stultz: Editor 379-3433 | sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com Krista Bell: Circulation Manager 379-3421 | krista.bell@albertleatribune.com Lisa Foley: Business Manager 379-4324 | lisa.foley@albertleatribune.com Terry Thissen: Pressroom Manager 379-9854 | terry.thissen@albertleatribune.com Offices: 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: 507-373-1411 Fax: 507-373-0333 Website: albertleatribune.com Want to subscribe or moving?

Call 507-379-3421 or send email to circulation@ albertleatribune.com.

Postmaster: Send address changes changes to Albert Lea Tribune, 808 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN 56007.

‘Great to see the outpouring’

A special visit

Building was ‘love at first sight’

Glenville bar and grill celebrates one-year anniversary. Page 3

Former veterinarian receives window visit at nursing home from his horse. Page 4

Couple opens pub in Easton in honor of great-aunt. Page 7

Page 2 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Progress 2021 | neighbors | saturday, February 27, 2021

Rachael Lee and her mother Donnavon Eaker own Steve’s Meat Market in Ellendale. The market is named after Lee’s father, Steve Eaker, who died in 2006. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Markets Continued from Front Page

people between the two sites.

“We enjoy working with the farmers, helping the local ag community and the customers, of course,” she said, noting it pleases her to make a good product that makes people happy.

She encouraged people to support local meat markets, and in turn the local agriculture community.

“Our farmers are really second to none around here,” she said. “They all know what they’re doing, and the product is good.

“We have so many good markets in our area. When you go to other parts of the country, they have to drive hundreds of miles.”

She said she feels blessed to live in such a successful agriculture community and to introduce farmers to consumers who are excited about filling their freezers with locally raised beef, pork and lamb.

‘Take pride in anything you do’ Steve and Donnavon Eaker purchased Steve’s Meat Market in Ellendale in 1973, and the business recently celebrated its 48th year.

When Steve Eaker passed away in 2006, the couple’s daughter, Rachael Lee, jumped in to work as a team with her mother to run the business.

“I take care of the sausage-making, and we make lots of ham, bacon, snack sticks, summer sausage,” she said.

They slaughter beef and hogs once a week.

A federally inspected plant, the business has between 15 and 18 employees and federally produces all kinds of sausages that are in a number of stores in the metro.

They also have products that sell in Hy-Vee stores in the area under the Smokey Acres name in southern Minnesota and down into Iowa.

She said their most popular items are snack sticks of all flavors — and, of course, bacon.

“It always depends on the time of the year,” she said.

In addition to meats and cheese, Steve’s Meat Market also sells private labeled canned goods that Lee said sell quickly, especially during holidays.

“My parents have always taught me to take pride in anything you do,” Lee said. “Taking pride in what you make — that’s what’s most rewarding.”

She said she enjoys getting comments from people that they like their products.

The business also does venison processing with venison trim.

‘It’s a great industry to be in’

Dean Morgan, owner of Morgan’s Meat Market in New Richland, said he took over the business with his wife, Barb, in 2003, though New Richland’s meat market has been in existence since 1959.

Morgan, himself, has been in the industry for 35 years and said he wanted to be his own boss and got tired of working for big corporations.

“Small town lockers, I feel the quality is a lot better,” he said.

His business offers

everything from summer sausage to bacon to fresh cuts of meat and deli meats and brats, among others. The business also sells its own homemade breads.

“We take a lot of pride in what we do here,” he said of his business that employees 11 or 12 people.

The business also does custom beef, pork and lamb processing and does wild game processing year-round.

He encouraged farmers to not be afraid to call if they need animals processed. Though the business has a waiting list, there are cancellations and most people can typically get fit in.

He said the last year with the crisis with some of the large meat plants amid COVID-19 opened people’s eyes to how quickly people can run out of food. He and Johnson both commented on how the small meat markets have still been working around the clock.

Morgan applauded all of the area meat markets and said they each have their own niche.

He said the intent for Morgan’s Meat Market is to go federal, which would bring with it a federal inspector.

He encouraged people looking to fill their freezer to contact the market, and he can connect them with farmers who are willing to sell quarters of pig or beef. While it may be more money up front, in the long run it is cheaper and the quality is better.

He said the industry is also good for teenagers looking to work hard and for outdoorsmen. He was raised on a farm, where his family had livestock, and he said he gained his interest in the industry by watching one his local butchers.

He noted he has heard of some schools across the country considering adding in one-year course options for people considering going into the field.

“It’s a great industry to be in,” Morgan said. “It’s an industry that’s always going to be there.”

Recipes Sauce for ham balls or ham loaf

Steve’s Meat Market products are lined up in a cooler at the business in Ellendale.

Dean Morgan, owner of Morgan’s Meat Market in New Richland, stands in front of many of the products the business has for sale. He has owned the meat market with his wife since 2003.

Meat is lined up in a case for sale at Morgan’s Meat Market. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune Ingredients 1 can of tomato soup 1 cup water 5 tablespoons vinegar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon mustard Directions Heat together in saucepan and pour over meat.

Brown the ham balls and pour sauce over them and bake.

Or pour sauce over the ham loaf and bake. For 1 1/2-pound loaf, bake at 325°F for 1 1/2 hours, or two hours if frozen. For 3-pound loaf, bake at 325°F for 2 1/2

hours, or 3 hours if frozen.

— Recipe from Conger Meat Market

Ham Roll-Ups

Ingredients 8 ounces cream cheese 2 tablespoons cheese whiz 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 3-4 drops Worcestershire 3 drops dash of lemon juice (real juice)

Nobody covers

Directions Put cheese in microwave to mix and also while spreading on ham.

high school

— Recipe from Morgan’s Meats in New Richland

sports like

Prime Rib

Ingredients Rib roast Steve’s Prime

Rib

Seasoning Meat thermometer Directions Be sure to use a good meat thermometer. Preheat oven to 275-300ºF and rub Steve’s Prime Rib Seasoning all over your prime rib.

Tent the meat with aluminum foil while baking.

Place meat thermometer in the meat near the top of the roast.

For medium done, your meat thermometer should read 140° to 145°F. Cook more or less, depending on your family’s desire.

For an average prime rib 8 to 10 pounds, medium is usually reached within 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Once you take meat out of the oven, let it stand for 15 minutes before slicing.

— Recipe from Steve’s Meat Market in Ellendale

Area meat markets Steve’s Meat Market

210 W. Fifth Ave., Ellendale

Custom processing • Retail area Homemade sausages, jerky, etc.

202 Ash Ave S, New Richland, MN

507-465-3888 • M-F 7:30a-5:30p, Sat 7:30a-1p

Buy. Repair. $ave!

507.465.3101 334 3rd St. NE, New Richland, MN www.midwestrepairables.com

146 W. William St., Albert Lea

Nick’s Meats

Dean’s Smoke Shack and Geneva Meets & Processing Inc. 75 E. Main St., Geneva

103 W. Front St., Hayward

Conger Meat Market

202 Ash Ave. S., New Richland

100 William Ave., Conger

Morgan’s Meat Market

saturday, February 27, 2021 | neighbors | Progress 2021 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Page 3

Arnold Zuniga, left, along with his daughters McKenzie and Brittani Zuniga, stand in front of the bar at Bubba’s Bar and Grill. The family opened the bar in February 2020. Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune

Glenville bar and grill celebrates one-year anniversary

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

GLENVILLE — Bubba’s Bar and Grill opened for business in February 2020 at its location on Main Street in Glenville.

While the first year was a whirlwind trying to navigate through a pandemic, the family who owns the bar said the year has been filled with positive memories and support from the community.

McKenzie Zuniga, one of the daughters in the family-owned business, said it was her father’s dream to own a bar.

“When this place came up for sale, he had been working here part-time, helping in the kitchen and things like that,” she said.

“He chatted with the previous owner and ended up purchasing it.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, Bubba’s Bar and Grill had only been open for about a month.

Brittani Zuniga said it was difficult to keep up with all the changes that were being made to the regulations and guidelines. She said they had to come up with creative ways and special deals to keep attracting customers when they weren’t allowed to serve people in-person.

Bubba’s Bar and Grill received grants from both the city of Glenville and the Albert Lea Economic Development agency to help keep it in business.

The community support from the residents of Glenville and the surrounding communities has also been a driving force in keeping the business going throughout the pandemic.

Bubba’s Bar and Grill features a spacious bar area as well as a lower seating area compete with a jukebox, pool table and ski ball.

Bubba’s Bar and Grill received an outpouring of support from the Glenville community during the pandemic, playing a big part in keeping them operating throughout. Tyler Julson/Albert Lea Tribune

“The most rewarding part is the customers,” McKenzie Zuniga said.

“Just by working here, we’ve met so many people, and we’ve formed so many good relationships. It’s nice seeing those familiar faces and getting to know each other. They kind of become family, too.”

With the community being so supportive of the bar, Bubba’s Bar and Grill wanted to give back to the community as well. The bar was a big factor in putting together the 2020 Glenville Days celebration, holding a bean-bag tournament, food and drink specials and more during the twoday celebration. Bubba’s Bar and Grill also utilizes local businesses for many of its needs, using Nick’s Meat Market to

purchase much of their meat, and Belles Embroidery for apparel and merchandise.

“It’s great to have that outside support,” Brittani Zuniga said. “It’s been awesome to see that the community does want us to succeed and wants to help where they can. It’s been great to see the support from the Glenville community and the smaller

surrounding towns.”

It’s that support that keeps the bar up and running.

“Our customers are what keeps us afloat,” McKenzie Zuniga said. “If we can make it through a global pandemic, I think we can make it through anything. It’s been great to see the outpouring of love and support. We really do appreciate it.”

Glenville Plumbing

1-507-448-2902 Glenville, MN

Emmons incorporated in 1899 Emmons was named after G.H. Emmons, who first came to the land in 1856.

Two years later, a school district was organized, and in 1880, G.H. Emmons’ son started a store there, but after finding out the railroad was not going to stop there, moved the store a mile south to Norman,

Iowa. The store was moved back to Emmons in 1886.

After that happened, an elevator was put up and a mercantile and hardware store was opened, followed by a lumber yard.

The city was incorporated in 1899, and G.H. Emmons served as mayor from 1899 through 1905.

Your locally owned community bank www.securitybankmn.com

Member FDIC

507-297-5461 Emmons, MN 56029

M-Th 8:30-4:00 Fri 8:30-6:00

The bar buys most of its meat from Nick’s Meat Market and apparel and merchandise from Belle’s Embroidery in an attempt to keep much of its besiness local.

507-448-3717

Olson Insurance

COM-TEC Land Mobile Radio Service WES WEBB

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quality used cars reasonably priced

Where good service is our way of business 448-3914

251 W. Main St. P.O. Box 125 Glenville, MN

448-3474 fax Larry & Robert

507-448-3302

Page 4 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Progress 2021 | neighbors | saturday, February 27, 2021

Buck the horse looks into the window to visit his owner Jack Peterson, a retired veterinarian, at Parkview Care Center in Wells this past fall. Provided

A special visit during a difficult time said they have had horses all their lives, and also have some other horses that are in other locations.

“The horse went up to the window, and Jack talked to his horse,” his wife said. “The horse perked his ears up. I

By Sarah Stultz think he recognized his voice.” sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com Kim Olson, one of the people who saw the visit, For a little over 60 years, said both horses took their Jack Peterson of Bricelyn turn and stood quietly at the practiced veterinary medicine. window and listened to the So it seemed only fitting former veterinarian talk.

In total, the visit lasted when an idea came probably about 15 minutes up to bring in his and and brought excitement his wife’s horses for not only for Jack Petera window visit outson, but for other resiside Parkview Care dents and staff, as well.

Center, where Peter“There were several son now resides. health care workers who Amidst the were so excited about it,” COVID-19 pandemJanet Peterson said. “They ic, in-person visits Jack came right out to pet the had been limited to Peterson horse.” outside the window, She said her husband had and his wife, Janet, said some of their friends wanted to do lived at Parkview Care Center in Wells for about two years something to cheer him up.

“They got the idea if they because of worsening procould bring his horse over to gressive supranuclear palsy.

“It was hard for him to the window,” she said.

The friends, Julie Sahr even believe that this had and Susan Gudal, brought in happened,” she said. “He Buck, her husband’s horse, was just so happy to see one Jack Peterson’s horse, Buck, came to visit him in the nursing home, along with his wife’s horse, Jake. and Jake, her horse. She of his horses again.”

Editor’s note: After this story was completed, we received word of Jack Peterson’s passing. We decided to keep the story in this edition to honor him and those who sought to brighten his day.

Little by little, the Ellendale Community Center is getting updated

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

ELLENDALE — Another project at the Ellendale Community Center was completed last summer thanks to a collaboration between the Community Foundation of Ellendale and the city of Ellendale.

Pete Paulson, president of the foundation, said the first renovations at the community center began in 2015 or 2016 as part of a larger plan to update the whole community building.

He said the community center was built in 1975 and has not seen many updates in the years since.

The foundation initially utilized a $10,000 matching grant available through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for a community project, first updating the entryway of the building to make it handicapped accessible.

After the entrance project came the bathrooms and then last year was the upgrade of the kitchen, which was original to the building.

“The cabinets and the countertops had seen their better days,” Paulson said.

“We wanted to get it updated and more in line with commercial codes.”

He said the city has committed money every year toward keeping the community center up and running, and last year contributed about $10,000 for the kitchen project. He estimated the foundation raised about $35,000. The kitchen was initially estimated to cost $65,000.

Paulson said they were able to save money in several areas, including having the fire department help with the demolition, and having three or four volunteers help with painting.

The kitchen was substantially completed in August.

Paulson said though the building has been mostly shut down for outside events because of COVID19, there were a few wedding events and graduations in the building when it was partially completed.

“People liked the new setup and the brightness and cleanliness,” he said.

The kitchen at the Ellendale Community Center was recently remodeled. Sarah Stultz/ Albert Lea Tribune

“We’ve had a good response for what’s been done.”

The next phase will be to update the hallway, common area and meeting

room, including new painting, lighting and flooring.

The final phase will be to

update the main room in the community center, including new audio-visual, lighting and painting.

“The building just hasn’t had a lot of updates to it since it was built in 1975,” he said. “It just needs some sprucing up.”

The Community Foundation of Ellendale has also provided funds for the Ellendale food shelf and has a yearly scholarship it has awarded the last two years for someone going pursuing a trade at a technical school. The foundation is adding a second scholarship for someone entering the health care field.

“Our goal is to increase our endowment funds so we can continue to provide scholarships like that every year,” he said, noting that the foundation also likes to support projects that better the community.

He noted the foundation works closely with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, which makes it aware when there are grant opportunities available that they can utilize.

origins of communities

Hartland named after another city in Vermont Hartland was settled in 1857 and was named after another city with the same name in Windsor County, Vermont, from where some of the settlers came.

The name was proposed

by the wife of the city’s first postpaster.

The city was platted in 1877 but wasn’t incorporated until 1893.

It was originally a mile south of its current site

but moved when the Chicago and Northwestern Railway track was laid.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2010 there were 315 people, 140 households and 78

families residing in the city.

The city is off of Minnesota Highway 13.

— Information from lakenwoods.com.

saturday, February 27, 2021 | neighbors | Progress 2021 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Page 5

Emily and Matt Hassing own and operate Sparkling Image in Alden. Emily Hassing opened the business in 2012 and has evolved it from a photography business into a graphic design and custom printing business. Provided

Alden business adds new services, celebrates 5 years at current space

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

ALDEN — For Emily Hassing, owner and operator of Sparkling Image in Alden, her business started out focusing on photography, but has since evolved away from that and become much more.

Hassing said the company now focuses on graphic design and marketing, and will be adding apparel design this spring.

“We will be offering screen-printed apparel now,” Hassing said. “I think that’s going to be a huge asset for our area. A lot of people have requested it, and there seems to be a need in our community for it.”

Sparkling Image offers vinyl graphics, banners, invites, among many other services.

When the pandemic made its appearance in early 2020, Hassing said the company was hit with the challenge of not only shifting its own business model, but also still meeting the needs of the existing client base.

“When the pandemic hit, the aspect of working with other businesses shifted,” Hassing said.

“It slowed down a little bit. Everyone was trying

to figure out what to do and what they needed.

We did a lot of yard signs for schools and seniors. People needed stickers for their floor for their storefront to remind people to social distance. Basically a lot of directional signage for businesses based on new rules and regulations of all things pandemic.”

With the constantly changing rules and guidelines regarding the pandemic, Hassing said Sparkling Image is going strong and is full steam ahead for the spring.

“I’m hoping that our screen-printing stuff takes off,” she said. “It all goes hand in hand. Say if we design a logo for a local cabinet shop, they might also want business cards, or they want T-shirts. It all works together. We’d already have the correct image and file formats.

It’s a one-stop shop for businesses.”

Hassing said it’s been Emily Hassing started Sparkling Image in 2012 and has grown it into a company with a number of services, including great to have Sparkling graphic design, marketing tools and, soon to come, apparel design. Provided Image located in a closeknit community like Alden. with her now husband, for creating and grow“Everyone works to- Matt Hassing, in 2012, ing people’s brands and gether and wants what’s Emily Hassing said they businesses.” best for the community,” work well together, and For more information Hassing said. “That’s a one of their most popular about Sparkling Image Visit us at 195 N Broadway in Alden, MN! good feeling to have. Ev- products is custom-made visit their Facebook or erybody is looking out for cornhole boards.

Instagram page, or got to Mon-Thurs 7:30 am-5:00 pm each other.”

“We just want to be the www.sparklingimagedeStarting the business all-in-one business stop signs.com.

Fri 7:30 am-6:00 pm

Emily Hassing works with her husband, Matt, on a wide variety on services that Sparkling Image has to offer.

Sat 8:00 am-12:00 pm Member

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507.874.3363

www.securitybankmn.com

LeVerne Carlson Fitness Center

Located at the Alden-Conger Public School Alden, MN

Affordable and flexible membership options for everyone Contact Jenny at 507-874-3240 or jhovendick@ac242.us

Page 6 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Progress 2021 | Neighbors | saturday, saturday, February 27, 2021

Former contract chiropractor for NASA is looking to grow his business in Lake Mills

By David Mayberry

david.mayberry@albertleatribune.com

LAKE MILLS — Kyle Sprecher is happy to be home, and if his plans play out, he’ll be spending more time in the area with family and friends.

Sprecher opened the Lake Mills branch of Space Center Chiropractic in July. He hopes to garner enough business to make the move more permanent.

“When I’m here, I’m busy,” he said. “It’s great to be back. I just wanna come home, plant some roots and help the locals.”

In addition to mending joints and aches, Sprecher’s three-plus decades of professional experience includes work in public health and public and corporate wellness program formulation. He’s hoping to find enough clients in all areas to make it work.

“I feel like I’m launching a whole new life with family and local friends,” he said.

Sprecher grew up in nearby Scarville, graduated from Lake Mills and later wrestled at the University of Northern Iowa.

The name of his business (its first location is in Webster, Texas, outside Houston) comes from the bulk of his professional experience as a contract chiropractor for NASA. It’s also an acronym for Sprecher Preventive Alliance and Chiropractic Education.

That allows him to tie the wellness and rehabilitation aspects of his work to the two centers.

Sprecher, while completing studies at Texas Chiropractic College, was also a test subject for NASA. He completed all of the training required of astronauts; he says he turned down requests to apply for that title or any missions.

While starting his chiropractor business, he earned a master’s degree in fitness and human performance and also studied business and public speaking.

“I’m really good on stage, motivating people to change,” Sprecher said.

The mix of training and experience made him a valuable resource for boards and commissions.

Sprecher helped standardize wellness programs for large employers in

Since 1973

Kyle Sprecher points to a photo of the footprint from the first moon landing signed by Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong on Jan. 29 in Lake Mills. David Mayberry/Albert Lea Tribune Texas. He lectured at NASA, did contract work for public health groups and served on advisory boards.

Sprecher speaks at conferences and has been a regular guest for launches in the U.S. and Russia.

His ideal business model for the Lake Mills office includes working with area companies on safety, wellness and rehab programs, capitalizing on telehealth options and utilizing his chiropractor space, as needed.

He says he has good working relationships with area providers Mayo and Mercy.

“Everything’s integrated,” Sprecher said.

Sprecher has owned the Main Street building — Sprecher Mill House — for some time and for a while operated “an upscale wine bar” in the area that’s now lined with chiropractor tables.

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Lake Mills graduate and former NASA chiropractor Kyle Sprecher looks at the astronaut memorabilia on a wall at his Space Center Chiropractic office on Jan. 29 in Lake Mills.

“The property is completely leased out, so it’s making money whether I’m here or not,” Sprecher said. “It’s nice to have this property on Main Street for visibility.”

He already had some equipment and plenty of astronaut memorabilia in the adjacent room on the main floor. Those pictures remain on the west wall.

Sprecher has hired

Michael Heyer, of Titonka, as an associate doctor.

“He’s really good, and I’m happy to have him,” Sprecher said.

He’s alternating twoweek stays in Lake Mills and Texas until he gathers enough business to make the north Iowa move permanent. Sprecher is busy finalizing details on an upcoming lecture series he’ll offer through the wellness

consulting business he runs in Texas that also has a space-themed name: NASA Fitness.

“It’s great to be back, and it’s been nice and great to be home,” he said. “But I’d like to be here more.”

Van Wilgen Farm Drainage Celebrating 34 years of serving you!

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The Space Center Chiropractic office takes up the first floor at Kyle Sprecher’s Sprecher Mill House building in Lake Mills.

Origins of communities

Hollandale had as many as 400 farm families at the start Hollandale was started as a dream of George H. Payne of Payne Investment Co. in 1918, after he was drawn to the 15,000 acres of swamp land in the county.

The land was drained in 1923, and farms were sold starting in 1924.

Average farms were 20 acres, and families lived the distance of two city blocks apart.

About 400 farm families, many of Dutch descent, settled in the area, producing onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage and sugar beets, according to the book.

There were also a few dairy farmers.

The village of Hollandale was incorporated in 1934, with the first election held on March 10, 1934.

Several schools were built throughout the years, along with four churches.

Businesses over the years have consisted of a grocery store, a gas station, a hardware store, a tavern, a bank, an implement dealer, a post office, a beauty shop, an electrician, a machine shop and others.

The population at the 2010 census was 303 people.

— Information from “Freeborn County Heritage”

saturday, February 27, 2021 | Neighbors | Progress 2021 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Page 7

Building was ‘love at first sight’

Couple opens pub in easton named after great-aunt

By David Mayberry

david.mayberry@albertleatribune.com

EASTON — As the pandemic winds down, the mood at Margaret’s Pub will improve.

The colors on the walls and the antique lighting that greets visitors is already warm, but owners Eric and Ronda Allis hope the aesthetic establishes the new bar as a staple in Easton.

“We’d never worked or owned a bar before,” Eric Allis said on a late January Saturday afternoon. “But we like to entertain people, so we decided to look for a place that has a mood.”

With tradition worn into its floors and hanging in various states of originality on the walls, Margaret’s has a swagger.

The menu — both food and drink — is purposefully limited. The decor was largely donated by the community. And the proprietors are expert at fields outside the doors.

Advertising? Only their Facebook page and word of mouth, so far.

Additional staff?

“We both work 40 hours, and another 40 here,” he said. “It’s a lot of time. It’s tiring, but talking to people gets you jacked up.”

The name comes from Eric Allis’ beloved greataunt and godmother.

In its previous life, Margaret’s was a hardware store, and before that a mercantile. It was constructed in 1892.

“We don’t want it to be a museum, but it needed some history,” he said.

A photo of Margaret Zelezny hangs on a bar shelf, next to other mementos donated by community members. Some are specific to Easton; others speak more to the area’s Irish heritage.

A mirror lining the hallway near the bathrooms is the hand-painted original from the wall of the old Savoy Hotel.

“I geek out on history, so it was sexy to bring that stuff back,” he said.

When not at Margaret’s, Eric Allis operates a custom sign business out of their home. Ronda Allis is a planning director for the Minnesota Department of Transportation; she was also formerly the city administrator for Wells.

The couple has three adult daughters, and has lived a mile outside Easton for 24 years. The soon-tobe bar, despite needing some care, quickly joined the family.

“The minute he walked in, it was love at first sight,” Ronda Allis said of that first meeting.

“It was a mess,” her husband said.

The couple finalized the purchase in May 2019, cleared everything out of it — stacks of boxes, commercial shelving and plenty of dust — by July.

They saved the rollerchain display from the

Owners Eric and Ronda Allis pose at their bar on Jan. 30, at Margaret’s Pub in Easton. David Mayberry/Albert Lea Tribune It restores our faith in people,” he said. “They’re pro-business, making sure

we have what we need to grow.”

Margaret’s is open three days a week, which is perfect in a town of fewer than 200.

“It’s kept us pretty busy,” he said. “We knew we needed to be able to work it ourselves.”

Two food trucks alternate Thursdays and Fridays in front of the business. The couple offers pork sliders, pork nachos and pizzas on Saturdays.

The beverage options are almost equally as limited but unique.

Flights of whiskey/ bourbon, wine or beer are the best deal. There’s also a Bloody Mary and a Bailey’s Hot Chocolate.

They rotate beer taps weekly.

“We’re not mixologists,” Eric Allis said. “We keep it simple but fun.”

They’ll host more events as restrictions ease, and maybe hire some help so they can enjoy some of the fun.

“We wanted a place that people wanted to make a trip to see,” he said, “and feel comfortable enough to come back.”

A flight of whiskey (including one bourbon) is shown on Jan. 30 at Margaret’s Pub in Easton.

Artwork for Margaret’s Pub was donated by local residents. A corner with an old photo and long-hanging chandelier are shown on Jan. 30 at Margaret’s Pub in Easton.

The building that houses Margaret’s Pub was built in 1892.

The current facade is shown on Jan. 30 in Easton.

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM

The renovation purposefully exposed parts of the walls to show the aged brick, and the Allis couple also refinished — rather than replaced — the hardwood floor on Jan. 30 at Margaret’s Pub in Easton. hardware store. It’s now home to the whiskey/bourbon flight stand.

The couple added a patio — which they anticipate will be the focal point during the summer months — by August, worked on the front and hustled enough inside

— including restoring the senior floor — to be open for St. Patrick’s Day 2020.

And then Covid shut down the state the following day.

They’ve adjusted.

Margaret’s Pub hosted a few car roll-ins over the summer: “I just wanted to do something fun for

the community and have a good time doing it,” Eric Allis said.

And they worked with the city to close off the block outside for their reopening on June 1. Margaret’s also hosted a costume party on Halloween.

“They’ve been super helpful with permits.

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origins of communities

Manchester named after another town in Illinois The village of Manchester was originally platted in 1882 by Ole Peterson and was again platted and surveyed in 1898 by H.W. Fish.

It was named after a town in Illinois where early settler Mathias Anderson came.

In 1877, a grain elevator was erected, and a year later a blacksmith shop opened.

The same year, a post office opened and a general merchandise and grocery store was constructed.

In 1881, a wagon shop and an engine house were added to the blacksmith shop.

By 1910, Manchester had a town hall and a firemen’s hall, a bank, a creamery, Farmers Mutual Insurance

Co., a railroad station, a post office, a hotel, an elevator, a hardware store, a general store and a blacksmith shop.

In 1916, Evangelical Lutheran Church was constructed, and at about the same time a two-room school was built. In the 1950s, the school consolidated with Albert Lea. The city was

incorporated in 1947, and water mains were installed the same year. In 1952, a tornado destroyed several businesses and homes.

The city’s population was listed at 57 in the 2010 census.

— Information from “Freeborn County Heritage”

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Page 8 | AlbertLeaTribune.com | Progress 2021 | Neighbors | saturday, February 27, 2021

Work to begin soon on Vikings Activity Center in Northwood

By David Mayberry

david.mayberry@albertleatribune.com

NORTHWOOD — Officials will begin work on the Vikings Activity Center in the spring, as fundraising efforts place the wish list facility closer to a reality for the north Iowa community.

The $5.3 million Vikings Activity Center should ease a space crunch impacting youth and school teams and also provide a fitness center for area residents.

“For the school, the activity center will allow our youth and junior high athletic programs more options for practice and games, without competition with the high school programs for the facilities,” said Northwood-Kensett Secondary Principal Keith Fritz.

Groundbreaking for the two-story, 37,100-squarefoot facility is tentatively scheduled for April, and construction work should conclude in February 2022.

“Our belief is that people are more likely to move to rural communities like Northwood if these programs and activities are in place in a facility that is available to all,” Fritz said.

The main level will include two courts, areas for two wrestling/cheerleading mats, locker rooms, a multi-purpose room, pitching and hitting areas for baseball, and office space available for lease (a local physical therapist has already reserved one of them). The upper level will include a walking/ running track and separate areas for cardio machines and weightlifting equipment.

The facility will be attached to the high school on the northeast side.

The general public will be able to purchase memberships.

“In addition to the benefits for the school from the greatly-expanded gym and indoor track space, it will provide a place for yearround recreational, health and wellness, social, fitness and educational programs and activities for the entire community,” said Fritz, who is also a member of

The view of the Vikings Activity Center on the Northwood-Kensett secondary campus, according to renditions by Atura Architecture. Photo courtesy VAC Fundraising Committee

the fundraising committee.

Through January, the facility’s fundraising committee had raised more than $1 million, including $453,000 in grant funds from Enhance Iowa.

The Enhance Iowa program is housed under the Iowa Economic Development Authority and supports “construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life” in those communities.

The bulk of the funding for the building is coming from the school district.

Officials have committed $4.2 million to the project.

The $112,000 difference still has to be raised.

Fundraising efforts thus far have taken place at “various sports and public events,” said Bradley Christianson, president of the fundraising committee.

“At these events, we shared images of the facility, sold clothing and handed out brochures to the public, in addition to answering their questions,” Christianson said.

The view of one of two courts at the Vikings Activity Center on the Northwood-Kensett secondary campus, according to renditions by Atura Architecture.

The group has received assistance from foundations, trusts, businesses, individuals, graduating classes and municipalities.

Supporters also sent mailers to the community and followed up with

supporters of key projects in the past.

An ongoing drive selling legacy bricks will continue into the spring, as those donations “continue to trickle in,” Christianson said.

After more than two years of work, no

additional fundraisers are currently planned.

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The view of one of two workout areas at the Vikings Activity Center on the Northwood-Kensett secondary campus, according to renditions by Atura Architecture.

origins of communities

Clarks Grove named after man who settled in area The city of Clarks Grove was founded in 1890, and its name reflects that of a man, John Mead Clark, who settled in a grove about a mile

east of the city.

It was incoporated as a village on Feb. 27, 1920, and had a station of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2010, there were 706 people, 295 households and 197 families living in the city. At

that time, the median age in the city was 38.1.

— Information from lakenwoods.com

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