Lectures will be held in the Saco Church Village of Yesteryear, 1448 Austin Road, Owatonna

March 17, 2009
Speaker: John Gross
"The Ballyhoo Years: Prohibition in Steele County"

March 24, 2009
Speaker: Jerry Ganfield
"Owatonna's German POW Branch Camp #5"

March 31, 2009
Speaker: Nancy Vaillancourt
"The History of Diversity in Steele County"

April 7, 2009
Speaker: Jan Stevens
"The History of the "Little Black Dress'" from the Civil War until Today"

All lectures will be presented at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Donations are appreciated. For more information, and to confirm lecture dates and times, please call SCHS at 451-1420

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Chuckwagon Supper: Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11th!

This year the Chuckwagon Supper will feature the famous Schell’s Hobo Band.You’ll enjoy our ususal cowboy fare of shredded pork sandwiches, calico beans, and all the fixings as you enjoy this unique bands many talents! The band is being sponsored by Cashwise Liquor and there will be plenty of 1919 Root beer to go around! Space is limited so make your reservationsearly by calling our office. Tickets are $12 per person and children 6 and under are FREE with a paying adult. To make a reservation, please call 451-1420.

Sunday, July 12, 2009
11a.m. till 5 p.m.
Extravaganza: Our largest event of the year! Music, food, historic demonstrations, blacksmithing, soap making, handwork demonstrations, an antique tractor show and parade, horse-drawn rides, OZ Printing Press, and more await you during this family day of historically related fun! The Old West Society of Minnesota will be on hand to entertain you and take you back to the "old west". All Village buildings are open to enjoy. FREE admission, donations are appreciated.

August 18 through 23, 2009
Steele County FREE Fair
Visit the Village from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, August 18th, and then from noon till 9 p.m. each day, except Sunday when hours are noon till 6 p.m. This is Minnesota's largest county fair! The Village will feature entertainment, and don't forget to stop by and have an old-fashioned float with your choice of soda and lots of ice cream! FREE admission to all buildings, but a donation of $1 per person is appreciated at the Dunnell House.

Luverne Wanous's Squeeze Box Jamboree returns to the Village this year! Do you play a concertina or accordion? If you do, the Village is the place to be on Saturday, August 22nd during the Fair. From 1-5 p.m. you'll have a chance to show your stuff at our "Squeeze Box Jamboree". Prizes will be awarded for:

The youngest player
The oldest player
The player who came the longest distance

Each participant will receive a certificate for a piece of pie from the Kitchen Restaurant and a Flurry from Blast Soft Serve.

Don't miss this chance to have some fun doing what you love–playing music!

Saturday, October 3, 2009
11 a.m. till 3 p.m.
Harvest Fest: A fall festival at the Village! Horse-drawn wagon rides, food stand, cider pressing, corn shelling, children's activities, pumpkin painting, and more. FREE admission, donations are appreciated.

Saturday, October 3, 2009
Cemetery Walk: See people from past come back to life! A cooperative venture with Little Theatre of Owatonna. More details to follow.

Friday, December 4, 2009
4:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
10 a.m. till 3 p.m.
Christmas in the Village: A Victorian Christmas awaits you at the Village of Yesteryear! Horse-drawn sleigh rides, Santa and Mrs.Claus, our famous fancy cookie sale, music, and more! Children can decorate cookies and make a Christmas "cracker" to take home. Wassail is served in General Store, and the Dunnell House is lavishly decorated for the holidays. FREE admission, but donations are appreciated.

Saturday, December 5, 2009
Noon till 5 p.m.
Historic Holiday House Tour: Visit unique homes in Steele County. All houses are decorated for the holidays and have a story to tell. Admission charged. Tickets are available at SCHS and at the homes.