Minnesota Valley Memories: All Play and No Work?

All play and no work? That certainly isn’t the case for Minnesota Valley residents, but looking through these historic photos, it may seem that way.

A man walking a tight rope in front of the Ludcke Theatre in St. Peter, circa 1920. -- Courtesy Nicollet County Historical Society — A man walking a tight rope in front of the Ludcke Theatre in St. Peter, circa 1920.

Courtesy Nicollet County Historical Society

Firemen hanging upside down from a ladder in the station in Mankato, circa 1910. -- Courtesy Blue Earth County Historical Society — Firemen hanging upside down from a ladder in the station in Mankato, circa 1910.

Courtesy Blue Earth County Historical Society

Whether at a town-wide celebration, a company outing, or just relaxing between jobs, the people of the Minnesota Valley always seem to find a way to keep themselves entertained.

“Orchesis” performing a dance for the Mankato State Teacher’s College Mother’s Day program, 1933. -- Courtesy University Archives at Minnesota State University, Mankato / msu10228 collection — “Orchesis” performing a dance for the Mankato State Teacher’s College Mother’s Day program, 1933.

Courtesy University Archives at Minnesota State University, Mankato / msu10228 collection

People enjoying a slide at Madison Lake, circa 1920. -- Courtesy Blue Earth County Historical Society — People enjoying a slide at Madison Lake, circa 1920.

Courtesy Blue Earth County Historical Society

See these and hundreds more classic photos of Mankato citizens at work and play in the Free Press’ new book, Minnesota Valley Memories: The Early Years.

Minnesota Valley Memories: The Early Years Cover

Free Press Media presents Minnesota Valley Memories: The Early Years

$44.95