West Central Tribune - Willmar, Minn.
GENERATIONS
A strong sense of place
Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | D5
Photo by John Kellen
Reflections off the pond behind the visitors center at Sibley State Park near New London. Symbolic of The Dakota name for Minnesota - Mni Sota Makoce or land where the waters reflect the sky.
BY JOHN KELLEN
P
Willmar
eople can become very attached to the places where they’re born and where they live out their lives. For some, that place is one and the same and they never venture far from home. For others, like myself, we scatter like leaves on the wind and end up in places throughout the country and the world. Having come into this world in Marshall and moving to Willmar the summer before entering first grade, this place in Kandiyohi County became the focal point of my formative years. Many fond memories have been conjured up over the past two years since moving back to Willmar to care for aging parents after an absence of 32 years. Although much has changed, much remains the same. My perception of place has evolved on a much deeper level given time to contemplate a lifetime of travel and subsequent homecoming.
In hindsight a lot has been taken for granted. The idyllic qualities of a life in a rural setting, growing up with so many freedoms and few worries other than making it home for supper on time, wax nostalgic. Given the current challenges we face with regards to public health, climate
Photo courtesy of John Kellen
Great Great Grandparents Nicolas Kellen, front row center, and Catherine Kellen, back row second from left, who immigrated to Caledonia, Minnesota, in 1867. My Great Grandfather William is sitting front row right.
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