Ortonville, Minnesota

Just over the state line from Big Stone City, South Dakota is its sister city of Ortonville, Minnesota. Separating them is the long (26 miles) and narrow (1 mile) Big Stone Lake. Like Big Stone City, Ortonville’s history often is told in the history of the lake. The photos here are of the old, the Columbian Hotel built in 1892, and the new, the Big Stone Lake/Whetstone River Project completed in 1985. The Whetstone River Project created the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge south of Ortonville.

Big Stone City, South Dakota

Our trip west for the reunion brought some interesting sights. Lots of Birds. Some life birds for Best Wife. Lots of walking in the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge in Odessa, Minnesota. (It impacts environments in both Minnesota and South Dakota.) Plus the environs of Big Stone City, South Dakota.

All Class Reunion - Bellingham, Minnesota

June, 12, 13 and 14. An All-class Reunion was held this year at the old schoolhouse. It commemorated the passing of an era. No more classes. No more schoolhouse; it's up for sale. Bellingham serves a small rural community in western Minnesota. Like me, most graduates leave the farms they grew up on.

The reunion was well attended. When I made my late registration there were 820 already on the list. This may not sound like a lot until you realize that an average class was probably around 25 students. Mine, the class of '61, graduated 14. Half of us where there. Annella, Ardis, Carol, Leon, Lloyd, Pearl and myself.

July and Independence Day!

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