by Kathy McCully The weekend of October 22 started with the most scrumptious pancakes ever made by Kay Rodrigue and her assistants. Here is our recipe for a great way to start a Saturday morning: Two or three large pancakes topped with butter, strawberry or blueberry toppings, whipped cream and maple syrup, three sausage links, orange juice and hot coffee! Boy, were they good … there were many smiles among the 130+ people served, and it was a great chance for many of us to catch up and visit. Of course, the fire was the “hot” (sorry) topic of the morning, plus questions about future plans. What better way to end a weekend than with an afternoon of music by four of the best bands and musicians around. There is not a bad seat in the house at the Hardy Performing Arts Center, and even though our competition for the afternoon was the Vikings/Packer game, everyone that attended had a great time. Thanks to My Cousin Dallas, New’s Getting Old, Galactic Cowboy Orchestra and Michael Monroe for donating their musican talents and time to raise funds for ICHS. A sweet thank you to the chefs and cooks who donated preserves to sell—all are fantastic and so good. Thanks to all volunteers who helped plan and execute this event. Again it was nice to touch base and take the time to visit with everyone. Add Comment 
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 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.  Two Cambridge men will be performing at Heritage Jam on Saturday, Oct. 23 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 Get a taste of My Cousin Dallas before the show on Oct. 23, 2011. The concert at the Hardy Center in Cambridge will benefit the Isanti County Historical Society. "We're in a jam, help us out!" My Cousin Dallas will be performing at Heritage Jam on Saturday, Oct. 23. Band member Derek Anderson is a a 1990 graduate of Cambridge-Isanti High School. Heritage Jam will benefit the Isanti County Historical Society following a devastating arson fire. The event will be from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Hardy Center at the C Ticket prices are $15. Tickets available on-line on our website, or at the door. Children under 6 are free. ABOUT MY COUSIN DALLAS “My Cousin Dallas” consists of: Derek Anderson, guitars and vocals; Carl DiLaura, bass and backing vocals; Margaret Vitalis on keyboard; Bret Running on lead guitar and occasional vocals; and Sam Crnobrna, percussion and drums. The group released its third CD in May of 2011 titled, “Alone Together” which is available on ITunes. They have previously opened for such nationally recognized bands as Low, The Vigilantes of Love, Peter Mulvey, Slaid Cleaves, Annie Gallup, Beki Hemingway, Peter Mayer, and many others. Their music has been described as "a crazy mix of 60s protest music, 70s folk-rock, 80s new wave, 90s power pop, and something uniquely their own." They perform mostly original material but also do some covers. The band has played together for over 10 years, and has a loyal following of fans. To sample their music, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVPDMJREzYo or find out more about them on their “MY COUSIN DALLAS” Facebook page.  Billy McLaughlin is a guitarist and composer. For twenty years, he astounded audiences around the world with his complex and rhythmic music. In 2001, Billy was diagnosed with Focal Dystonia, an incurable neuromuscular disease that rendered him unable to play his own music. By 2002, Billy McLaughlin's career was over. In 2006, Billy began a comeback. He was doing the unthinkable - relearning his songs left handed. Billy McLaughlin is astounding audiences once again with both his story and his music. Meet the Artist - Billy McLaughlin has been changing people’s idea of what an acoustic guitar can sound like since the 1980’s. “…you may swear Billy McLaughlin is two of the greatest acoustic guitarists you’ve ever heard.” - Pittsburgh Post Gazette “… it’s amazing that such an extensive sound comes from one instrument.” - Chicago Sun Times He is recognized as an innovative performer and composer who embraces the advantages of acoustic guitar amplification, unorthodox techniques and altered tunings while celebrating a gift for melody. His enormous yet fluid acoustic guitar tone has carried him around the world, to Billboard’s Top-Ten Chart and most recently through a devastating medical disorder called focal dystonia. McLaughlin has had to re-learn the guitar left-handed and is in the early stages of what might be described as “one of the great musical-comeback stories of all time.” His story is the subject of an award-winning documentary film called Changing Keys - Billy McLaughlin and the Mysteries of Dystonia. The Past - A serious professional in his teens, McLaughlin left his home and rock band in Minneapolis for the University of Southern California guitar department where he became interested in minimalist composers Phillip Glass and Steve Reich. Employing what would become his signature style of placing both hands on the fretboard, McLaughlin began composing for his first release using a technique of “hammer-ons” and “pull-offs” that create a harp-like effect on the acoustic guitar. This unusual approach led Billy to extensive national touring earning multiple NACA Campus Entertainer awards. In 1995 McLaughlin signed a multi-album international contract with Virgin Records label Narada whose first release, Fingerdance, peaked at #7 on the Billboard charts. Hundreds of shows a year and another release deep into the contract with Narada, he began struggling with his hands – something felt “off” and it was getting worse. For two years he struggled with a mysterious and unrelenting condition of unexplainable muscle spasms and contractions. Shockingly as symptoms grew worse he could no longer perform most of his own repertoire. In 2001, Billy was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder called focal dystonia. The diagnosis was confirmed at the Mayo Clinic. Going against doctors’ recommendations to quit music and look for other work, McLaughlin focused on his songwriting and returned to his rock band which was less demanding for his hands. Despite releasing his ensemble’s best recording, Finally – Live! (2002) it was clear that focal dystonia had ended McLaughlin’s career as a virtuoso guitarist. The Challenge – Feeling utterly lost without his music and not willing to give up, McLaughlin began the unlikely journey of teaching himself to play in his signature style, left-handed! Late in 2004 a documentary film crew began following McLaughlin’s desperate attempt to regain his career. Warned by doctors of a higher likelihood for developing focal dystonia in his remaining good hand, McLaughlin chose to press on towards an ambitious goal he had yet to achieve – to perform and record a new project with a string orchestra. In January 2007, McLaughlin published a limited release of Into the Light, a concert recording of compositions for acoustic guitar with string orchestra. This collaboration with Grammy nominated arranger, Eugenio Toussaint, is McLaughlin’s first recording as a left-handed guitarist. In 2008, Coming Back Alive, a companion DVD shot by volunteers from the WWE broadcast crew capturing the historic performance was completed and released via direct marketing. The Future - Billy’s story is truly an inspiration! The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (Chicago, IL) has named Billy their first Ambassador for Public Awareness and for his efforts McLaughlin has just been awarded the international 2010 Leadership in Public Neurology Award at the American Academy of Neurology conference held in Toronto. Previous winners of the award include Paul Allen, Julie Andrews, Leon Fleischer and Michael J. Fox. The documentary film, Changing Keys, chronicling McLaughlin’s physical and emotional struggles, the medical mysteries of dystonia, and this amazing musical come-back has been awarded top-honors at the Houston International Film Festival. This independently produced film will begin airing on over 50 major market PBS stations in June 2010. McLaughlin is a featured speaker at the TED conference in Atlanta (May 2010) and is touring internationally including China, the Philippines, India, Europe and extensively throughout the US. “Many people fail because they quit too soon.” reads the fortune cookie saying that McLaughlin taped to his dashboard in 2001 – it remains there to this day. Concerts/Workshops/Speaking engagements Billy McLaughlin is available for concert performances (solo or with string quartet, string orchestra or modern rock ensemble), master classes, guitar workshops and broad-based lectures on a variety of topics appropriate for middle school, high school; college and graduate level students, corporations and churches. For further information including booking contacts, downloadable high-resolution press photos and video links go to: www.billymclaughlin.com http://www.billymacmusic.com/photos.shtml http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5V6mT-Eix8 In addition to regular concert dates, Billy McLaughlin has performed/presented recently for: Accenture American Academy of Neurology ARC Greater Twin Cities Elmbrook Church Milwaukee Fairview Hospitals Great Lakes Music Therapists Convention Gustavus Adolphus College Guthrie Theater Minneapolis Keller Williams Realty International Mayo Clinic Metropolitan Symphony Minneapolis Mobile Symphony Saenger Theater Peking University TEDxAtlanta Twin Cities Public Television Pledge Securian University of Minnesota Wells Fargo Woodbury Financial | AuthorsThis blog is a group effort. Contributors include: ICHS Executive Director Kathy McCully, Maureen Hasan, Roger Wm. Anderson, Tesha M.C. Pettit, Marilyn McGriff, Jack Puterbaugh, Ruth Anderson, Wendy Quinn and Kay Rodrigue. 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Isanti County
Historical Society 33525 Flanders St. NE Cambridge, MN 55008 Phone: 763-689-4229 Email: ichs@izoom.net See UsAll visits are by appointment only. Research inquiries should be done by phone or email.
Our Heritage Center, located in the northwest corner of the Isanti County Fairgrounds, off Highway 95 and Flanders Street in Cambridge, was set on fire by an arsonist on July 8, 2011 and burned to the ground. Click for directions Help us
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