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... when elk and bison roamed the prairies, when sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens were abundant across the land, and when hunters and adventurers travelled for days to experience the hunting Minnesota had to offer. Sit back, step back in time, and read how the places you hunt today looked like over 150 years ago. This book gives vivid descriptions of the places we know today as good hunting spots, but marvel at how abundant game species were, and what constituted a good day of hunting on the frontier. More than two dozen stories of hunting in the day accompanied by 30 photographs from the archives of the Minnesota Historical Society. This book belongs in the library of every serious Minnesota hunter. “Tom Landwehr’s collection of historic outdoors stories gives us a look back at a landscape that all conservationists aspire to reclaim. A fascinating journey back in time!” —Author, outdoorsman and free-lance writer Chris Niskanen. Author of the 2012 book, “The Minnesota Book of Skills,” a finalist for the Minnesota Book Awards. “I only recently started hunting, so I didn’t grow up hearing stories about “the way things were.” More than a trip back in time, the stories in this book help modern day hunters understand important pieces of Minnesota’s past. A great addition to any conservationists’ reading list!” —Ashley Peters, conservationist, conservation communicator and newbie hunter. “This collection of Nineteenth Century hunting tales provides a glimpse of Minnesota’s prairie landscape and the abundant wildlife it supported.” —Shawn Perich, publisher of Northern Wilds magazine. Hunting Adventures on the Minnesota Frontier Compiled by Tom Landwehr 5 1 9 9 5 ISBN 978-0-578-48578-2 $19.95

Robert Gordon Thompson lived from August 30, 1922, until February 4, 2001. He was a city boy and spent his childhood in Chicago during the depression, living on the South Side on Emerald Avenue. He graduated from Tilden Technical High School, a school with roots back to 1881. Tilden still lives on. Bob worked at the Chicago Stockyards and from an early time came to know hard work and long hours. His Chicago roots grew deep and except for a tour of Europe including fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, serving in the Tank Destroyers and as a machine gunner in the 104th Infantry Division, always lived within the confines of the City. Bob met his love, Patricia Ann Donahoe, and together they raised their two sons on Melvina Avenue. Each son took from their parents a love of reading and grew up in a warm and nurturing home. Lively discourse was expected. Bob and Pat knew that their boys were living a city life but each summer they would hit the road for Wisconsin, then Minnesota, then the farthest reaches of Ontario in an attempt to teach the sons an appreciation of the outdoors. Bob was also free to pursue his favorite activity, fishing. Some of his poetry evolved from his time in the forest and on the water. Other verse came from his experiences in the War and I don’t know if it was a true catharsis, but the emotion of his experience is profound. Still other rhymes resulted from his good humor and he was quick to make light of our species, himself included. Bob loved Pat and the poems he sent to her leave no doubt that he treasured her so much. From war to family to love and humor, this collection of poems will delight those who read them and provide a glimpse into a gentle man who we have great reason to miss every day. There Was a Gentle Man j Sportmen’s Tales from 1850-1900

There Was a Gentle Man Poetry of ROBERT THOMPSON

There Was a Gentle Man j P O E T RY O F ROBERT THOMPSON

Stephen Dahl is the author of the award-winning book Knife Island: Circling a Year in a Herring Skiff. NODIN PRESS 2009

9 7 8 0 5 7 8 5 0 5 2 2 0 5 1 2 0 0 ISBN 978-0-578-50522-0 $12.00 T hese are the poems of a man who built his own house in the woods and earns his living by fishing Lake Superior in an open skiff. People who work hard outside learn to conserve energy, so it’s not surprising that Steve Dahl’s poems fit the definition of poetry a friend once offered me: the most said in the fewest words. In their brevity, honesty, humility, wry humor, and nearness to nature, Dahl’s best poems keep company with the work of such good men as the Spaniard Antonio Machado and the Norwegian Olav Hauge. —Bart Sutter, author of Nordic Accordion: Poems in a Scandinavian Mood Minnesota book awards for poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction I meant to take a quick peek at these poems early one morning, and return to them later, but ended up reading all of them, certain lines playing through my mind all day. “nothing from darkness / grows like lilacs / in springtime holy / upon the hill.” These poems are spare and precise, quiet and essential, as essential as the things they praise and ponder. Each one: “a sparrow / just to the ground / from the branch above / to gather a seed.” The poems in this collection want to be read aloud. There is a subtle rhythm in Dahl’s language here, a rhythm reminiscent of water lapping gently on a rowboat. They left me stilled, awake, and grateful to be living in this world. —Deborah Cooper, author of Blue Window Duluth Poet Laureate 2012-2014 SNOW BUNTING BOOKS 1939 Old North Shore Road Duluth, MN 55804 stephendahl@q.com 218.525.4679

to gather a seed

poems by stephen dahl

Duluth An Urban Biography By Tony Dierckins

Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2020, $18.95

In this urban biography, author Tony Dierckins covers the fascinating history of Duluth, complete with old photos and a map of present day Duluth. The 10 chapters are divided into time periods, starting with the first peoples prior to 1850; the last chapter covers the years 1996-2020. Stories include the legend of the digging of the ship canal, the aerial transfer bridge and the lift bridge, Duluth’s park system, the 1920 lynching of three African American circus workers, the Glensheen murders, and the evolution of the city’s east-west divide. This is an interesting book for both residents and visitors alike. —Breana Roy

Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters The Story of a Minnesota Music Man By Joy Riggs 2019, Nodin Press, $19.95

In the early 20th Century, many small towns had community bands, providing entertainment and serving as a source of pride. J. Oliver Riggs was among the best-known band directors in the Midwest, leading bands in Crookston, Bemidji, Grand Forks and St. Cloud. Rigg’s success in working with young musicians to develop excellent community bands left Minnesota with a musical legacy after his death in 1946. Now, in the 21st Century, his greatgranddaughter, journalist Joy Riggs, researched the past to tell the story of the band director’s life and times. In doing so, she adds a nearly forgotten chapter to Minnesota’s history. —Shawn Perich

The Comfy Lite thecomfy.com, $39.99

Made out of a soft fleece microfiber, the Comfy Lite is a one size fits all oversized hooded sweatshirt (though it’s more like a wearable blanket) that’s great for anyone who loves to be, well, comfy. It’s 100 percent polyester, has a giant front pocket and comes in many different colors. This is perfect for relaxing on the couch in, or keeping warm around a campfire. If you want something even thicker and warmer, there’s the Comfy Original, which has a Sherpalined interior. Either way, you can’t go wrong.—Breana Roy