Telephone service in the county was available by 1912, and Florence Fogel was one of the operators. Just think of the advancements in communication that have happened over the past 99 years.


Fifteen weeks and counting since the fire that made history. For those that attended the pancake breakfast and the Heritage Jam this past weekend, ICHS extends their thanks. The pancakes, sausages and toppings were so delicious. That maple syrup and butter is way too hard to resist in my opinion, and after serving over 100 folks I can see it is a favorite with many more of you as well. The Heritage Jam produced wonderful, wonderful music and even though our competition for the afternoon was the Vikings/Packers game, we had a modest turnout and a great afternoon. Everyone is really in for a great treat if they purchased one or more of the homemade preserves—these folks really know what they are doing. Heroes for History include all event attendees, every volunteer who gave their time on such a nice weekend, Nikki and Linda of the Cambridge Chamber, Vicky Lefebvre, ICHS staff and board, and the four bands who donated their performance time on our behalf: New’s Getting Old, My Cousin Dallas, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra and Michael Monroe. We can never say thank you enough to those that are committed to contributing to our success and future endeavors.

This week we are regrouping and starting additional computer training so that everyone processing our returned documents will be following the same processes and procedures. Computers are still foreign to some so all the practice we can have will only be to our advantage. We have had many a discussion about technology, and many laughs remembering the same reactions to the “technologies of the day” of each past generation. For instance, from hand stitching to treadle sewing machines, then electric sewing machines, and on to computerized sewing machines. From telephones with the hand crank and a switchboard operator, to a rotary dialed phone and a party line, to a single line with push buttons, from a land line to a cell phone that can do anything you could ever have dreamed of wanting. Or shorthand-taking secretaries and transcriptionists, to hand-held tape recorders, or voice activated software that types for you. Washing clothes in the stream, washboards, washtubs and hand cranked wringers, electric wringer washers, washers with an agitator, front-loaders that spin, steam washing machines, wow! Just about every facet of our lives has seen a similar progression in technological advancements, and I am sure each generation has had those that openly embraced the newest advance with wide-eyed awe and open arms. On the flip side, there were also those that were more skeptical and sure that “this will never last.”

So here we are in 2011, with great technologies that will only make our jobs easier and faster if we are able to take the time to practice, hone, and assess our skills and procedures as we face the large amount of fire damaged material. But let us never forget that behind the best technology of the day are the people who are committed to learning how to use it, applying it to the specific jobs and professions they do, and who troubleshoot the problems when they arise. Three cheers to these folks, who work hand-in-hand with technology to do their jobs.

If you want to support ICHS, donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.

Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director

Just as the leaves are falling and life is slowing down, so it feels at ICHS as Week Fourteen after the fire is upon us. This week we are fundraising with pancakes and jam. Who doesn’t like pancakes on a crisp fall morning, made on the griddle, steaming hot on the plate so the butter melts as it hits the top and drizzles down the side? If butter isn’t your thing, perhaps applesauce, or just maple syrup—and don’t forget the sausage links, juice and coffee.

I can just see all the loggers in early Isanti County gathered at the log tables in the log cabin amid the huge pines. Daniel Stanchfield wrote to his friends back in the northeastern US that “there is so much lumber here that you could log for 70 years and not cut it all down.” No doubt he had pancakes, sausage and maple syrup for breakfast before “hitting the woods” for the day. I bet there was plenty of flannel shirts and stocking caps enjoying that breakfast back then, just as we do now. Some things never change, and we wear flannel shirts and stocking hats now too. Join us on Saturday, October 22 from 8am-Noon for our Pancake Benefit Breakfast at the Cambridge Armed Forces & Community Center during the Chamber Business Expo. Adults $7; Children 10 and under $4.

Then there is all the jam, jelly and apple butter that is the impetus for our Heritage Jam. Early loggers, settlers, farmers, and families up to this day have all lived off the land at one time or another. One of the very best products of this hard work is the preserves that have been, and still are being made from local berries and fruits. Remember chokecherry, wild strawberry, grape or raspberry jam? Or plum jelly and apple butter? Whether on toast, bread, or pancakes, they were all lip-smacking good then, and still are today. Grandma, mom and daughters spent much time, then and now, gathering enough fruit or berries to make a batch, and spent the better part of a day preparing the fruit, jars, and actually doing the preserving. Surely this is a skill that is still being passed from one generation to the next.

The Heritage Jam features four musical groups, two local and two not, with music of all types. My Cousin Dallas, Old’s Getting New, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, and Michael Monroe are all donating their talents to benefit ICHS and provide the community with wonderful entertainment at the CIHS Hardy Performing Arts Center, Sunday, October 23 from 3:00-6:00 pm. Cost is $15 per person, 6 and under free. We’re in a Jam, will you help us out?

Not only will you be able to pick up homemade jams and jellies to stock your pantry for the winter, you may even be a lucky winner of one of the many donated door or raffle prizes. Good music, good company and great fun—what more could Isanti County want?

Again, if you can’t attend either function and want to support ICHS, donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.

Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director

Isanti County Historical Society

Just as the leaves are falling and life is slowing down, so it feels at ICHS as Week Fourteen after the fire is upon us. This week we are fundraising with pancakes and jam. Who doesn’t like pancakes on a crisp fall morning, made on the griddle, steaming hot on the plate so the butter melts as it hits the top and drizzles down the side? If butter isn’t your thing, perhaps applesauce, or just maple syrup—and don’t forget the sausage links, juice and coffee.

I can just see all the loggers in early Isanti County gathered at the log tables in the log cabin amid the huge pines. Daniel Stanchfield wrote to his friends back in the northeastern US that “there is so much lumber here that you could log for 70 years and not cut it all down.” No doubt he had pancakes, sausage and maple syrup for breakfast before “hitting the woods” for the day. I bet there was plenty of flannel shirts and stocking caps enjoying that breakfast back then, just as we do now. Some things never change, and we wear flannel shirts and stocking hats now too. Join us on Saturday, October 22 from 8am-Noon for our Pancake Benefit Breakfast at the Cambridge Armed Forces & Community Center during the Chamber Business Expo. Adults $7; Children 10 and under $4.

Then there is all the jam, jelly and apple butter that is the impetus for our Heritage Jam. Early loggers, settlers, farmers, and families up to this day have all lived off the land at one time or another. One of the very best products of this hard work is the preserves that have been, and still are being made from local berries and fruits. Remember chokecherry, wild strawberry, grape or raspberry jam? Or plum jelly and apple butter? Whether on toast, bread, or pancakes, they were all lip-smacking good then, and still are today. Grandma, mom and daughters spent much time, then and now, gathering enough fruit or berries to make a batch, and spent the better part of a day preparing the fruit, jars, and actually doing the preserving. Surely this is a skill that is still being passed from one generation to the next.

The Heritage Jam features four musical groups, two local and two not, with music of all types. My Cousin Dallas, Old’s Getting New, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, and Michael Monroe are all donating their talents to benefit ICHS and provide the community with wonderful entertainment at the CIHS Hardy Performing Arts Center, Sunday, October 23 from 3:00-6:00 pm. Cost is $15 per person, 6 and under free. We’re in a Jam, will you help us out?

Not only will you be able to pick up homemade jams and jellies to stock your pantry for the winter, you may even be a lucky winner of one of the many donated door or raffle prizes. Good music, good company and great fun—what more could Isanti County want?

Again, if you can’t attend either function and want to support ICHS, donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.

Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director

Isanti County Historical Society

The weather was beautiful this past weekend so I took the time to finish sorting through some papers I had dried several weeks ago. Mostly they were past board meeting minutes, a few other unexpected photos, and past grant documents. From here I will take them into the office and we will scan the documents, keep the digital files, and toss the paper, which was all burned on 3 edges and makes a horrendous mess. I had soot up to my elbows and over most of my face (don’t know how that got there).

Board and staff were discussing the fact last week that, believe it or not, the fire could have happened at a much worse time. Imagine if it had been winter, or freezing. After the fire and all the water, we would have had one large frozen block of historical society. As bad as the heat and humidity were during July, it could have been worse. Talk about looking on the bright side.

I must remind everyone that we are making history as we continue on this journey. This is not only part of the historical society’s story now, but the story of Isanti County’s past history and present-day response, generosity and action. All are worthy of documentation, cataloging and photographing. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to record it in the present. What is unfortunate, however, are all of the stories and actions we have lost to the fire that were recorded and transcribed from the storytellers who are no longer living. They cannot be rerecorded.

As we explore our options for a new beginning in 2012 we held our first idea gathering meeting. Of course, those attending were our most fervent and faithful members and volunteers. Words such as proactive, relevant repository, his/her story, genealogy, partnerships, living history, and active learning were a few of the ideas. Just to remind you, we are open to all comments and ideas at this point. There is a form on our website to make it convenient to submit ideas, or you can call the office, or just drop a note. Now is the time to put in your two cents, so to speak.

Remember ICHS’ two upcoming fundraisers. First, a Pancake Breakfast on Oct. 22, 8-Noon at the Cambridge Armed Forces Reserve & Community Center in conjunction with the Business Expo, Adults $7, Under 10 will be $4.00. The Heritage Jam, Sunday, October 23 is a benefit concert with a four-group line-up at the CIHS Hardy Performing Arts Center, 3:00-6:00 pm. “We’re in a Jam, will you help us out” is our call to action that day. Wonderful chefs and cooks will be selling their homemade jams and jellies to benefit ICHS, plus door prizes, raffles and even some comedy—all for $15 a person. So put these dates on your calendars and plan to attend one or both of these events.

If you can’t attend either function and want to support ICHS, donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.

Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director

Isanti County Historical Society

Buy tickets to Heritage Jam, where Michael Monroe will be playing on Oct. 23 to benefit ICHS, by clicking here.

The Isanti County Historical Society is hosting a pancake breakfast in conjunction with the Cambridge Chamber Business Expo on Saturday, October 22 from 8:00 am-Noon at the Cambridge Armed Forces Reserve & Community Center. Why not let ICHS board members, volunteers and their friends start your day with pancakes, sausage, beverages and great conversation.

If you will recall, the Isanti County Historical Society was destroyed by an arsonist on July 8. The past 12 weeks have been spent setting up a temporary office, drying and salvaging documents, and cleaning up the Heritage Center site—all in anticipation of starting anew in 2012. Proceeds of the pancake breakfast will enable the Historical Society to meet expenses that have arisen as a result of the fire. “Not only did we lose our Heritage Center and county’s history”, says Director Kathy McCully, “but we also lost our ability to generate revenue from building rental.”

Tickets for the breakfast will be available at the door. Everyone is welcome. In the event you cannot attend and you want to support ICHS, donations can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.

Week twelve and ICHS is ready to begin making plans for the future—a history business for the 21st century. A clean slate we have to envision great possibilities. Do you have any ideas? If so, we would like to hear them. Don’t tell us where to build or how to build. We will figure out the where and how after we figure out what there is about Isanti County history that you want to know? Is it a specific area, a notable person or business, era, education, building, or is it more general—your ideas are wanted. There is a form on our web site for you to complete, or call 689-4229 and we will mail one to you.

Fall is upon us, and before you know it the snow will be falling. We have perennials to relocate before it freezes, items to put in storage that will await a place in the new facility when it is built, and salvaged papers and artifacts to bring to Oakview to be cataloged and filed. It seems that this work is never done, however, it is getting cleaner and drier as we have moved past that stage. Thankfully, the weather is also cooperating so we can do these last tasks without fighting the elements.

Thanks goes to our Hero for History Bob Hupfer from Cambridge Launderers & Cleaners, who generously cleaned several woolen items that were miraculously removed from the fire untouched. Most of the salvaged textiles were able to be washed, but wool not so much. A military uniform, hats, a coat and a few more items all came back clean and odor-free. Businesses and individual support continues to amaze me and is the strongest indication that history is an important part of this community.

Two fundraisers for ICHS are planned. On October 22 we will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the Cambridge Armed Services Center in conjunction with the Chamber Business Expo. Beginning at 8:00 am with tickets at the door. On October 23 we are holding a Heritage Jam with four (or more) musical groups—My Cousin Dallas, Old’s Getting New, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, and Michael Monroe. There will be music from 3:00-6:00 at the CIHS Hardy Performing Arts Center, a raffle for $1 a chance with drawings throughout the performances, and homemade jam and apple butter for sale. Our tag is “We are in a Jam, will you help us out?” Get it? Heritage Jam! Cost is $15 per person with 6 and under free. Something for everyone! I hope that you and yours will be able to attend one or the other, or both, to support ICHS.

I guess it doesn’t matter whether you are a farmer, a homeowner, a business owner, or a historical society that was burned down. There are still many things to do before the outdoors is less inhabitable. This never changes, the seasons come and go, the years pass and the history adds up. Our journey continues as we make plans to begin anew to preserve and promote Isanti County History.

Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and can be made by mail, at our website, or directly at Cambridge State Bank. For all other inquiries, visit www.ichs.ws, follow us on Facebook, call us at 763-689-4229, email at ichs@izoom.net or drop us a letter at 1700 E. Rum River Drive S., Suite K, Cambridge, MN 55008. We are open by appointment only at this time.

Kathleen J. McCully, Executive Director

Isanti County Historical Society

New's Getting Old is an up-and-coming alternative band that incorporates many influences into their music. From an up-tempo Third Eye Blind riff to a dramatic Damien Rice song, New's Getting Old will appeal to all audiences with their vast repertoire, which includes a majority of their own tunes. Reigning from the small town of Cambridge, MN, band members Nick Kohn and Alex Lutterman joined forces in 2009 after realizing they had similar musical taste, style and goals. A concurring belief in conservatism has also brought the two together to create a meaningful and powerful message. 

More at Myspace/newisgettingold

The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra will be performing at Heritage Jam in Cambridge on Saturday, Oct. 23.

The Band
Newgrass Art-Rock

The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (GCO) is a unique and powerful musical ensemble that fuses an eclectic mix of original and traditional bluegrass-edged tunes with jazz and world/fusion elements. Their music is Chick Corea meets The Dixie Dregs meets "A Prairie Home Companion." The mix ranges from highly accessible bluegrass tunes to extreme arrangements of East Indian ragas. GCO's instrumentation includes guitar, fiddle, bass and drums. The widely versatile instrumentals are accessible to music-lovers of all ages!

They are a brand new band that is already making a name for itself in the national music scene. Two of The Orchestra's pieces were performed on "A Prairie Home Companion" in November of 2008.

The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra's first album, "Lookin' for a Little Strange," was released in November 2009.

More at http://www.galacticcowboyorchestra.com/video.html


The Players
Dan Neale — Guitar — Dan Neale is one of the Twin Cities' most adored pickers. He has played with Bo Diddley and Martin Zellar, and is a semi-regular on Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion." He was most recently seen in the house band (along with Rolling Stone's keyboard player, Chuck Leavell, Bonnie Raitt's bass player, Hutch Hutchinson and John Mellencamp's drummer, Kenny Arnoff) in the 50th Anniversary Buddy Holly Tribute, backing such greats as Graham Nash and Wanda Jackson.

Lisi Wright — Fiddle — At the age of 25, Lisi has begun to make a name for herself in the Twin Cities' music scene, playing with Martin Zellar until his retirement and Mick Sterling. Lisi's background spans the genres of classical, country, bluegrass and rock.

John Wright — Bass — John is celebrating his tenth year with the Celtic/American folk/folk-rock band Lehto & Wright. Wright's background spans many different musical styles including blues, fusion, pop Latin and rock.

Mark O'Day — Drums/Percussion — Mark is a graduate of the world renowned Musicians Institute of Technology in Hollywood California. Studied with Joe Porcaro (Stan Getz, Freddie Hubbard) Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa, Barbra Streisand, Rita Coolidge) and Dave Beyer (Melissa Etheridge, Joan Osborne, Gregg Allman, Michael McDonald). He has also been on numerous European tours with Minneapolis blues legend Willy Murphy. Mark is endorsed by Paiste Cymbals.

Michael Monroe will be performing during Heritage Jam on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 3 to 6 p.m. Heritage Jam will benefit the Isanti County Historical Society following the devastating arson fire this summer which destroyed most of the society's archives and office supplies.

ABOUT MICHAEL MONROE

From vinyl to digital, Michael Monroe is now in his fourth decade of performing nationally in concert, festival, corporate and educational settings. He has travelled many miles since his first paid performance for an audience of 4000 and he recorded his first demo 30 years ago in a “chicken coop” studio owned by Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary.

His unique creation of music leaves his audiences mesmerized as he blends his rich vocals, guitar, bamboo and glass flutes, combining musical styles of acoustic folk and jazzy reggae.  Michael's original music and compelling energy bring a powerful style that is as much fun as it is innovative,,, music and technology working together powered by creativity... and he recycles his music on stage with his "live" layering/looping technique.

Michael Monroe lives and records on the North Shore of Lake Superior in his solar powered log cabin. His instrumental music is seen across the nation on PBS and Canada in the award winning documentary, "Chased By The Light", about Jim Brandenburg, National Geographic photographer and best selling author. They created a LIVE theater experience in several venues including the Guthrie Theater which featured Brandenburg’s magnifcent images and Michael Monroe’s instrumental music. "Soaring On Mended Wings" received a 2004 regional Emmy for a TV documentary.

A 2001 McKnight Performing Musician Fellowship Finalist, his eighth Simple Life recording was nominated 2006 "Best Contemporary" Recording from the prestigious JP Folks out of 25000 albums in 81 categories. Its an acoustic collection of tunes inspired by his 11 rustic years hauling wood and water. The music was also inspiration from his new guitars made on the Gunflint Trail by luthier David Seaton. His new tenor, “Baby Snow Leopard” and baritone, “Snow Leopard” named so as they are made of “birds’ eye poplar” wood which resemble spots of a leopard, unique in that they have the sound holes on the top side of the guitar.

About his third “as far as i can see” recording the Star Tribune named it Top Ten and said, “Monroe, a rich-voiced eco-folkie, played all the instruments on this touching hymn to nature...A work of art straight from the heart.” It was also nominated for “Best Independent Recording” by the Minnesota Music Academy as well as a JPF nomination for “Best Folk Recording.” “Plugged into the sun,” says the Duluth News Tribune and “Fully at peace with his subtle, yet expressively powerful, delivery" about his music and life in the woods.

ABANDIN MY OWN MIND, his fourth recording, was released in July 2000, preserving his last performance of the past century and his first of the new...a LIVE CD, recorded at several venues in MN including a MN Public Radio event in Grand Marais, MN. A "Best Of" recording as well as his demonstration of how he performs using his LIVE looping/layering technique...where Michael recycles the musical harmonies, sings and plays on guitar and bamboo and glass flutes.

In 1980 Monroe released his first record, “Summer Rain” on vinyl which was featured May 2003 in the Japanese “Music Magazine” and released by the Japanese label "Bittersweet America" (Vivd Sound) in 2006, followed by a feature in the Japanese publication, “Record Collector”. This TOP TEN Twin Cities MN (Sweet Potato, 1981) album received airplay on “THE BREEZE” and led to performances in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A combination of these experiences and the acquisition of a bamboo flute in India provided the inspiration for his 1992 “Twice In One Day” CD which blends expressive lyrics with an “island sound” about which Dirty Linen magazine said, “This guy could sell a million records...”

In addition to performing at festivals, conferences, colleges, and clubs, Michael performs his original music in school programs and residencies since 2000 with the MN State Arts Board Performing Artist Roster as well as the Young Audiences since 2001.

Michael Monroe's solar powered recordings Listen up atmyspace/michaelmonroemusic