Digging Deeper: The Rest of the Story

Episode 4.24 - The Ponczek Murder Case

In June of 1935, Mrs Josephine Seeker went to the sheriff’s office in Minneapolis and asked them to begin a search. Where was her sister Mrs Clara Williams??

This act set off a chain of events that led deputies to a run-down farm in Anoka County and a shocking murder – Clara had been beaten, killed, and buried on the suspects farm underneath the remains of their dog in an attempt to confuse searchers. Hear the story of the Ponczek murder case.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published December 20, 2024

Episode 4.23- The Witte Block in Anoka

As you cross the Rum River Bridge into Downtown Anoka the road curves slightly past a long row of tall brick buildings that have been home to businesses for over 140 years. Hear the story of one city block, and the stories it contains from drug stores, shoe, and hardware stores, to restaurants and bowling alleys.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published December 6, 2024

Episode 4.22 Anoka County Reactions to WWI

The United States officially entered World War I in 1917, three years after its start. Local historian and ACHS volunteer Brian Boldt explored those years and what Anoka County residents knew about the war. While some aided in the war effort with their dollars and aid packages, others looked to Canada and joined the Canadian Expeditionary Forces to join the fight.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published November 15, 2024

Episode 4.21 Wargo Nature Center’s Heritage Lab

Each fall hundreds of kids visit Wargo Nature’s Heritage lab to experience a melding of nature and history with a day immersing them in a part of Minnesota history. The Wargo naturalists are joined by staff from Gibbs Farm and ACHS to create seven different stations the kids rotate through. In this episode listen as Eric Vehe, Program Services Supervisor, shares what goes into creating this program, and hear the kids’ excitement as we take a microphone into the woods to capture the day.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published November 1, 2024

Episode 4.20 Ghosts at the Music Store

More Ghosts abound in Anoka! Rebecca wandered into the music store on Main St. on the hunt for ghost stories and met Jerry Olson from Twin Cities Music Repair. He shared the mysterious happenings that he’s witnessed, and his connection to past Reynolds Music owner, John Reynolds.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published October 18, 2024

Episode 4.19 Reboot Ghost Stories from Ambi & the BWH

To officially kick-off Ghost Tour season at ACHS, a classic reboot episode of Ghost Stories! In 2022, we sat down with Ambi Wine Bar and The Big White House to talk about their ghostly encounters. Both businesses are stops on the Ghosts of Anoka Tour which run September and October in the City of Anoka. This episode originally published September 2, 2022.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published October 4, 2024

Episode 4.18 - The Great Depression in Anoka County

The Great Depression affected the lives of Americans for a decade in the 1930s. In this episode, we explore how the national economic collapse impacted the lives of the local people of Anoka County. Hear about local bank collapses, county relief programs, and WPA projects.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published September 20, 2024

Episode 4.17 - The Electoral College with Mel Aanerud

Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution establishes the Electoral College as the method of electing the President and Vice President of the United States. Since the state began, Anoka County has had five such electors. Mel Aanerud of Ham Lake was one of the state electors in 2020.

In this episode Mel explains the history of the Electoral College, how it works, why it was established, and how the 2020 experience was different from others.This episode is part of a program given August 20, 2024 at the Anoka County History Center.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published September 6, 2024

Episode 4.16 - The East Bethel Air Force Base

In 1957, East Bethel was incorporated in preparation for the construction of a new Air Force Base. This mini-history of the new village recounts the story — with all its twists and turns — of the almost-built base and the various events surrounding the establishment of East Bethel.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published August 16, 2024

Episode 4.15 - Anoka Kindness Rock Garden

Kindness matters—especially for Stacey Burnham and Missy Merschman, who began the rock garden in Anoka to “scatter kindness, positivity and love while connecting us to one another.” After the devastating news of her daughter’s suicide in 2018, Stacey began receiving tokens of friendship from Missy that carried her through a time of healing. This grew into a space in Anoka where people can leave a painted rock or take one, sit and contemplate life, or celebrate the joy of the moment. Learn more in this podcast as Stacey and Missy talk about the rock garden and the parent nonprofit, The Kindness Alliance, and share stories of hope inspired by the organization’s events.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published August 2, 2024

Episode 4.14 - Anoka County Fair Mini History

Every year, ACHS moves into the Farm House on the Anoka County Fair for a week in July. In celebration of the Fair starting on July 23, this mini-history episode of the podcast explores its history, and the surprising buildings that have been moved onto the grounds over the years.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published July 19, 2024

Episode 4.13 - Mary and the Woodbury House

Mary Woodbury lived in the same house on the Rum River in Anoka for 75 years! She moved there as a toddler in 1861 and was on the front lines watching the city grow and change. The Mad Hatter Restaurant, which now resides in her home, and ACHS have unveiled new house tour you can enjoy that covers the 167 year history of the home. In this episode, learn about the self-guided tour, and hear Mary’s own stories in excerpts from her diary and short memoir, “Reminiscences.”

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published July 5, 2024

Episode 4.12 - Cemetery Research Confessional

Historical research doesn’t always go smoothly. Sara reveals the three biggest research fails she experienced while creating a new tour for St. Genevieve’s cemetery in Centerville.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published June 21, 2024

Episode 4.11 - Mapping Prejudice

Before 1968, contractors and landowners deliberately wrote racial covenants and clauses into some property deeds to keep anyone "other than the caucasian race" from buying or occupying homes. Rebecca Gillette talks about the history of these racial covenants and their work at Mapping Prejudice to find and identify them among millions of pages of documents, including in Anoka County.

This is a portion of a program given at the ACHS Annual Meeting, May 19, 2024.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published June 7, 2024

Episode 4.10 - Rediscovering “Anguish”

In 2005, ACHS produced an award-winning exhibit focusing on the veterans of the Vietnam War. One of these veterans, Bruce Sommer, created a piece of art titled “Anguish” as part of his healing process. In this episode, Collections Manager Kassandra Mackenthun visits with Gather Committee member Jo Rhoady to hear more about the art, Jo’s connection, and how ACHS plans to revisit the exhibit material.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published May 17, 2024

Episode 4.09 - Troy Woodruff

In this episode, MSgt USAF (retired) Troy Woodruff reminisces with ACHS Board Member Steve Florman about his time in service, including flying AWAC (Airborne Warning and Control System) planes with NATO forces. During his 20-plus year career, Troy participated in Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, the Cold War, the Yugoslavian conflict in the 1990s, the drug war, and missions over South Korea. To hear the entire conversation, become a History 21: The Vault member or visit the history center and request the interview recording.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Steve Florman, ACHS Vice President

Published May 3, 2024

Episode 4.08 What’s up at ACHS?

It’s a busy spring at the Anoka Count Historical Society! Our Executive Director Rebecca, along with Board Member Orville, break down all the upcoming events that you don’t want to miss including a Murder Mystery fundraiser.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published April 19, 2024

Episode 4.07 - History Anoka County Sheriffs Department

The Anoka County Sheriff's department history dates back to 1857 with the 1st Sheriff James C. Frost. Who someone complained was speeding his horse down Main St. in 1868. In this episode, listen to a portion of the program about the department given March 9 at the Anoka County History Center.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published April 5, 2024

Episode 4.06 Sara’s Museum Audio Diary

What is a typical day like at the Anoka County History Center? It’s not all working with artifacts, and definitely not quiet. Follow along with ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, Sara Given, for her first audio diary of everything that happened around the museum on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 - well, at least everything that happened until lunch time.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published March 15, 2024

Episode 4.05 - Burton Dupre

Listen to Burton Dupre's stories as he remembers growing up in Centerville in the 1920s and 30s and the farm chores and shenanigans he and his friends got up to (including when they were arrested by the Anoka Game Warden for fishing without a license.) Burton also shares his time in the service during WWII as a medic at an English hospital, and then bartender for the Company Bar in Germany.

Stories taken from his collection of short stories, “Sincerely, Burton” printed in 2001 and read by ACHS volunteer Brian Boldt.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published March 1, 2024

Episode 4.04 - Valentine’s Day in Anoka

Valentine’s Day is billed as the day of love, couples and all things romance.  But where did this day of hearts and cupids come from and why do we celebrate it each February 14? Skeptics may say it is only a plot from the greeting card and candy companies….but Anoka County residents were celebrating and engaging with Valentine’s Day long before Hallmark Company even began.  Learn how people in Anoka County celebrated Valentines Day through the years.

This episode is a portion of a program given at ACHS February 10, 2024.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published February 16, 2024

Episode 4.03 - Deb Wallace at Ticknor Hill Bed & Breakfast

With a round “tower” column and a stately presence, the 157 year old Ticknor Hill Bed & Breakfast has been welcoming guests since 1997. For 25 of those years they were greeted by Deb Wallace. In this episode, she sits down in her own parlor with Rebecca to talk about how she purchased the property with her husband, tips of running the business, and what the future might hold for the beautiful home as they decided to sell.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator

Published February 2, 2024

Episode 4.02The Anoka State Hospital History

Over 120 years ago, the first male occupants arrived at the newly constructed State Asylum for the Insane following a battle for the Anoka location. It’s history looms large in local lore and this program promises to tease fact from fiction. Listen to a portion of the program given January 13 at the History Center in this episode.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator

Published January 19, 2024

Episode 4.01 Watch Fob Reboot

On her family’s Ramsey farm in 1890, 10 year old Phoebe [Daisy] Guderian was kicked in the head by their horse and survived. In this episode, follow along with the story as told from newspaper reports, Daisy’s own daughter, letters from the doctor who came from the rescue and his descendant. Special guest Peter Jablonski.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator

Originally aired June 17, 2022

Published January 5, 2024

Season 3

Episode 3.24 - Scott LeDoux

Scott LeDoux served as an Anoka County Commissioner from 2004 to 2010. But years before his shift to politics, LeDoux, or “The Fighting Frenchman,” was a professional heavyweight boxer. In this episode, Scott describes his time as a boxer, as boxing commissioner for Minnesota, and how he decided to run for County Commissioner to serve Andover, Coon Rapids, and Fridley.

Hosts Rebecca Ebnet Desens, ACHS Executive Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published December 15, 2023

Episode 3.23 - Charles Triggs Remembers Pearl Harbor

In this episode we remember Pearl Harbor with Charles Triggs. He served on the USS Wright, a sea plane tender, during WWII stationed at Pearl Harbor. He describes his journey to enlisting in the Navy, his responsibilities, and the shock of returning from a routine mission on December 7, 1941 to find the ships in the harbor destroyed, sunk, or still burning.

Hosts Rebecca Ebnet Desens, ACHS Executive Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published December 1, 2023

Episode 3.22 - Market Garden Youth Program

At 7 am on summer mornings, kids gathered on a lawn in Anoka, waiting to be bused to local farms, ready to help maintain and later harvest crops for the farmers as part of the Market Garden Youth Program. A traveling filmmaker, Robert M Carson, captured images of this program as part of his film “This is Our Town” in 1953. In this podcast episode, we learn more about the documentary, its filmmakers, and the research journey to discover more about this mysterious program for children.

Hosts Rebecca Ebnet Desens, ACHS Executive Director, and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published November 17, 2023

Episode 3.21 - Arthur “Two Gun Pete” Caswell

Arthur Donald “Two Gun Pete” Caswell was born in 1898 and saw a different world than we do today. Through a couple recordings of him from 1977 and 1983 he shares snippets of his life during before serving in WWI, his time as a federal officer during Prohibition raiding stills, and as an inventor to make shooting ranges safer and more efficient.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published November 3, 2023

Episode 3.20 - Pearl Schenk and the Howling Hound Farm

Pearl Marea Schenk was born in 1911 on her family’s farm along the Mississippi River in Ramsey (city). Over 90 years later she sat down to share her memories of growing up on the Howling Hound Farm, the changes as highway 10 became busier and busier, and the transition from horses, to cars, and then greyhound bus on her school commute along the way.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published October 20, 2023

Episode 3.19 - Kassy Saves the Museum From Disaster

No one expects disaster to hit - but a flood, fire, or severe storm can destroy priceless, one-of-a-kind artifacts faster than staff can react. Follow along with ACHS Collections Manager Kassy as she attends a Disaster Planning Workshop and begins the process of creating an official disaster plan for ACHS. And here’s a bonus thought: much of the information is applicable to your personal items and storm damage at home (as Rebecca has unfortunately found out!)

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Published October 6, 2023

Episode 3.18 - Our Haunted House Reboot

What’s it like living in a haunted house? Jen Shoemaker and her family (along with a couple permanent, ghostly residents) lived at 403 Van Buren in Anoka for four years. Hear how they came to own this beautiful home, the surprise of finding that their new house was on the Ghosts of Anoka Tour, and all the supernatural occurrences they experienced along the way.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

This episode is a reboot of episode 1.20 originally aired September 27, 2021.

Published September 14, 2023

Episode 3.17 - The Alice Starrett Diaries

Samuel Starrett has become the literal poster child for the annual Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tour at ACHS. As the guides lead over 1,000 people past his home on Madison St. in Anoka, they share his legacy and stories from the homeowners about how he never really left. In this episode, you'll learn more about his daughter Alice through the eyes of ACHS volunteer Dave VenHuizen, who transcribed her six diaries. Dave chats with Rebecca about what he learned about Alice, her family, and the city of Anoka by reading her thoughts as a young society woman. Follow along with the conversation, join them on a trip to the Starrett home, meet its current owner for an inside look, and hear Heather Birch's first introduction to Sam.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published September 1, 2023

Episode 3.16 - Genealogist Jane LaMusga

On Friday afternoons at the Anoka County History Center, Jane LaMusga takes her place, ready to research family genealogies or the museum mystery of the day. Jane grew up in the city of Anoka and received a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University. In this episode, and across social media as “Genealogist Jane”, she shares how she started her genealogy journey, and her tips and tricks along the way.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published August 18, 2023

Episode 3.15 - Lynn Klonowski

It isn’t uncommon for people to stop Lynn Klonowski and ask, “Are you related to that coach or counselor in Anoka?” In this episode Lynn, accompanied by her niece Nichole, remembers her father and mother — telling the stories of their life, victories, death, and her own adoption story. Mark Klonowski worked as a coach at Anoka High School, and then served as Principal at Anoka Junior High until his unexpected death in 1965. Anna Klonowski triple majored in college before working as a math teacher and later a school counselor.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published August 4, 2023

Episode 3.14 - Richard Sorenson

On February 2, 1944 Richard Sorenson risked his life above and beyond the call of duty by jumping on a grenade to save the lives of his fellow Marines, and miraculously survived himself. For those actions on July 19, 1944 he received the Medal of Honor. In this episode Richard Sorenson sat down with John Weaver (ACHS Board President at the time) and another WWII veteran R.W. Johnson to discuss growing up in Anoka, his enlistment story, and the events that led up to and after his injuries in the Marshall Islands during WWII.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Steve Florman, ACHS Board of Directors.

Published July 21, 2023

Episode 3.13 - James Groat Fan Fiction

An expanded partnership between the Anoka Middle School for the Arts in Anoka and ACHS created a surprisingly fun result—fan fiction from the diary of a local Civil War veteran. Listen to the Creative Writing students as they explored the historical fiction genre and how each of their characters met, interacted with, or were related to James Groat who served for a time with the 1st Minnesota.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published July 7, 2023

Episode 3.12 - MinneCulture’s “The Tiny City That Almost Wasn’t”

At just 16 square blocks, Hilltop stands as the smallest city in Anoka County while also completely surrounded by Columbia Heights. Matthew Schneeman took an audio journey to this special space to tell the story of its creation. This episode includes a rebroadcast of KFAI’s MinneCulture episode, “The Tiny City That Almost Wasn’t.”

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published June 16, 2023

Episode 3.11 - Secret Archeologists at ACHS

In this episode, learn about the secret lives of those closest to ACHS! Don Johnson (ACHS Staff) and Allison Schmitt (ACHS Board Member) chat about their experiences in archaeology and geophysics while also dispelling the myth of being a real-life Indiana Jones. They share how their academic skills transfer to the museum, proving that indeed, no education is ever wasted.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published June 2, 2023

Episode 3.10 - Conference Fun at MALHM

Kassy and Rebecca (ACHS Archivist and Director) traveled to a conference overrun by other history nerds this past month, and brought the microphones along with them. Listen to what the museum folk got up to at the Minnesota Alliance of Local History (MAHLM) conference, how Kassy survived the SPAM museum, and conversations with museum friends all over MN from Otter Tail County to Richfield.

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, Kassy Mackenthun, ACHS Collections Manager, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published May 19, 2023

Episode 3.09 - AMM Essential Questions

The Association of Midwest Museums, the largest network of museum professionals in the Midwest, invited ACHS staff to participate in their Essential Questions Series focusing on the challenges and triumphs we experienced during the pandemic. Rebecca, Kassy, and Sara discuss the unexpected opportunities that arose from slowing down as well as how we continue to carry those lessons into the future.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published May 5, 2023

Episode 3.08 - Cemetery Tours Behind-the-Scenes

The ACHS Cemetery Tours are back by popular demand this spring! But what does it take to organize, research, and put on a tour? Go behind-the-scenes with Daryl Lawrence and Sara Given as they share the winding road that ends at Glen Cary Cemetery in Ham Lake and Forest Hills Cemetery in Anoka.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published April 21, 2023

Episode 3.07 Vickie Wendel

Vickie Wendel returns from retirement to chat about her 30 years working at the Anoka County Historical Society. Vickie saw the museum through the introduction of computers and internet (at different times of course), and our move from Colonial Hall to the current building. During that transition when a contractor bid $20,000 to create the first exhibit, Vickie declared she would get it done!

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published April 7, 2023

Episode 3.06 Coon Rapids Dam

Construction on the Coon Rapids Dam began December 1912. This episode explores the journey it took to build a dam that spanned nearly half a mile across the Mississippi River. Hear its history as well as the voices of those who worked there in its early years, or lived next to it in one of the remaining seven “dam houses.”

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Kassandra Mackenthun, ACHS Collections Manager.

Published March 17, 2023

Episode 3.05 Jill Morrison

Jill Morrison from Bee Memorable Marketing joins Rebecca to talk about local non-profit Toys for Joy, and how different generations approach furnishing their lives, and being able to pass on those pieces.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published March 3, 2023

Episode 3.04 Lester Peterson

Lester Peterson was born in 1908 on the farm his great-grandparents homesteaded in Ham Lake. In 1987, he shared his memories and favorite stories growing up, including attending school in Constance, the six Peterson “Tall Men” brothers who performed at the Palace Theater, and the Constance Post Office robbery.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published February 17, 2023

Episode 3.03 Myra Blumenthal Shapiro

Myra Blumenthal Shapiro grew up in Columbia Heights in the 1930s and 40s. The city she remembers from her childhood with one stop light is very different from the bustling city today. She shares stories about her father, the community that surrounded her, the Heights Theater and the way her graduating class still comes together each year. Myra recorded her “docu-memory” in 2010.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published February 3, 2023

Episode 3.02 Meet Kassandra Mackenthun

Kassandra Mackenthun joined the ACHS staff as their new Collections Manager at the end of 2022. In this episode she sat down with her new boss, Rebecca, and talked about how she thinks about history, what she wants to tackle first in the collection, and her joy in sharing history with family.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published January 20, 2023

Episode3.01 Tony Palumbo

Tony Palumbo began his career in the Anoka County Attorney’s Office in 1977 as a clerk. when he passed the bar two years later, Tony became the Assistant County Attorney. He held this position until his election to County Attorney in 2010, retiring in 2022. In this episode, Tony reflects on his journey to become a lawyer, his 45 years in the County Attorney’s office, and the emotional toll that comes with the job.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published January 6, 2023

Episode 2.24 Jim Kordiak

Jim Kordiak served as Anoka County Commissioner for 32 years and was often seen walking the streets of his constituency in Fridley and Columbia Heights. Days after the first election his name wasn’t on the ballot since 1986, Kordiak reflected on his time in office, how he decided to run for the first place, and his motivation to start a new chapter of his life.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published December 16, 2022

Episode 2.23 Sam Hermanstorfer

Sam Hermanstorfer enlisted in the Army in 1968, after three years working to raise his status from 4F to 1A. A year later he was in Vietnam assigned to the 1st Division 26th Infantry Company B in the motor pool. Sam describes his journey to Vietnam, and his day-to-day life as a soldier from arriving in Vietnam and building their own hooch, to his strategy of “acquiring” better food than the C Rations provided.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published December 2, 2022

Episode 2.22 Forgotten Star Brew Co.

Andy Risvold from Forgotten Star Brew Co. in Fridley shares the history (new & old) about the brewery. Located in the last remaining building from Northern Pump where over 10,000 employees made weapons during WWII, the brewery honors that legacy with a new life.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published November 18, 2022

Episode 2.21 VEERAC: Anoka’s Own Car Company

Move over Ford and Chevrolet, from 1910 to 1922 the City of Anoka was home to its own car manufacturing business: VEERAC. This August, ACHS hosted an old car club at the museum for an afternoon dedicated to this unique vehicle. Listen to the program as Sharon Hastings, and Steve Florman share the history of the company, their connections to it, and even the story of the one, intact and running VEERAC in the world.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published November 4, 2022

Episode 2.20 Liz McFarland and the Anoka Halloween Parades

Thousands of people attend the Anoka Halloween parades each year to see the floats. What they don’t see is all the work behind the scenes. Liz McFarland has organized the parades as a volunteer with Anoka Halloween for over 10 years. She stopped by the museum to share the story of how she fell into the role, and all the details that go into creating the Anoka Parades.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published October 21, 2022

Episode 2.19 Mary Jo Pehl from Circle Pines to Mystery Science Theater

Writer, comedian, and actress Mary Jo Pehl grew up in Circle Pines, MN. She carried those memories with her working on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in the 1990s, working them in for comedic effect. In this episode, Mary Jo sits down to talk about her childhood and her unique experience as a comedienne working on cult classic MST3K.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published Oct 7, 2022

Episode 2.18: Anoka State Hospital with Karen Siewert

The Anoka State Hospital housed and treated mentally ill patients from 1900 to 1999 and its large, three-story cottages standing next to the Rum River are a source of fascination. As part of an oral history project in 2014, Karen Siewert talked about her time working there in the early 1960s, conditions in the overcrowded buildings, and her continued work to transform the Hospital’s cemetery into one of remembrance and dignity for the patients buried there.

TW: Mental illness and outdated treatment practices

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

Published September 16, 2022

Episode 2.17: Ghost Stories with Ambi Wine Bar and The Big White House

To officially kick-off Ghost Tour season at ACHS, we sat down with Ambi Wine Bar and The Big White House to talk about their ghostly encounters. Both businesses are stops on the Ghosts of Anoka Tour which run September and October in the City of Anoka.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published September 2, 2022

Episode 2.16: History of Cedar with Linda Lee Rodgers

Linda Lee Rodgers grew up in the close-knit community of Cedar, MN (located within the south east portion of Oak Grove today). Once a small town in its own right with a Main Street, railroad depot, creamery, and grocery stores, Cedar’s “modest grandeur” has faded over time. Linda shares her love of her hometown, and its history she is working to preserve.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator

Published August 19, 2022

Episode 2.15: Daryl Lawrence Update

ACHS's first podcast episode guest, Daryl Lawrence, returns! In this episode Daryl talks about the journey writing a book about his great and great great grandmother, tips for other people thinking writing their family histories, and a grant we just received so everyone can access his family’s archive.

It feels good to welcome Daryl back after 40 episodes (gasp!)

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator

Published August 5, 2022

Episode 2.14: Ham Lake History with Mel Aanerud

The history of Ham Lake’s name begins with Scottish settlers and a town named Glen Carey before Minnesota even became a state. Join Mel Aanerud as he tells stories from Ham Lake’s history including the origins of Soderville and how the construction of Highway 65 demolished the small town within Ham Lake.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator

Published July 15, 2022

Episode 2.13: Josh Hamm Working at Federal Cartridge

Josh Hamm began working at Federal Cartridge in 2021 continuing a family tradition after his mother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather also worked at the company. During his oral history at ACHS he described what it’s like working at the factory, what line he watches over, and even the smells and sounds of the building.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator

Published July 1, 2022

Episode 2.12: The Watch Fob

On her family’s Ramsey farm in 1890, 10 year old Phoebe [Daisy] Guderian was kicked in the head by their horse and survived. In this episode, follow along with the story as told from newspaper reports, Daisy’s own daughter, letters from the doctor who came from the rescue and his descendant. Special guest Peter Jablonski.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator

Published June 17, 2022

Episode 2.11: Bruce Cameron, WWII

Bruce Cameron enlisted to fight in WWII in 1942 and trained to be a part of an armored tank division. In combat a total of 19 months, he became part of history at Normandy, crossed France to take Paris back and was in the Battle of the Buldge. He shared his memories of his time in service in an oral history at the Anoka County Historical Society in 1991. On this Memorial Day episode we remember his, and all Anoka County County residents, that served.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator

Published June 3, 2022

Episode 2.10: Lindsay Christensen

Over the last several years, ACHS has made thoughtful changes in staffing and operations. This, when coupled with strategic planning from the board of directors, resulted in a COVID-friendly digital existence and plenty of options for the future. The next step in exploring, “what if?” required an investment from the savings account and the creation of a Development Specialist position. To fill this part-time, one-year contract hire, ACHS partnered with Lindsay Christensen. In this podcast, you’ll hear more about Lindsay as a person, her hopes for ACHS, and how you can help support these endeavors.

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published May 20, 2022

Episode 2.09: Fridley Tornado May 6, 1965

On May 6, 1965 a series of tornadoes hit the Twin Cities, including Fridley and Spring Lake Park in Anoka County. We talk with author Allen Taylor about what happened that night, how people learned of the danger, and why this weather became so devastating. Interspersed in this conversation, you’ll hear clips of WCCO’s award-winning radio coverage of the event that saved hundreds of lives.

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published May 6, 2022

Episode 2.08: Adem Ojulu & the McWatt Foundation

Adem Ojulu joins ACHS through funding from the McWatt Fellowship. In this episode they share how coming from an African immigrant family shaped their interest in helping black immigrants tell their own stories, preserving native languages, and how that melds with project plans during this fellowship with ACHS.

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published April 15, 2022

Episode 2.07: The Big Stoop Orchestra

The Big Stoop Orchestra played to a crowd of 600 at Anoka High School on January 28, 1948. In this special episode, hear the story of how Wilburne “Big Stoop” Chamberlain started the band in 1946, the band’s time at Oak Ridge Resort on Crooked Lake, as well as listen to music the band played at that concert in 1948. Special thanks to Mark Joslyn and podcast guest Ron Chamberlain.

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published April 1, 2022

Episode #2.06: Ben Mchie and the McWatt Foundation

Since stories remain the heart of history, ACHS consistently looks for new avenues of gathering and preserving those that live in Anoka County. In this episode of History 21: The Podcast, you can hear the conversation between Rebecca Desens and Ben Mchie, one of two fellows hired though Legacy funds this spring. Ben underscores the importance of intergenerational storytelling, how strategic conversations can help bring understanding to a community, and the magic of his program called Street Teams.

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published March 18, 2022

Episode #2.05: Hazel Hartman

Born at the tail end of the 19th century in 1897, Hazel Hartman lived in a different Anoka County than we experience today. In this oral history, recorded at her home in 1989, she shares memories about growing up in Constance (located in present day Andover) and her life in a rural Fridley after she married Carl Hartman (Fridley’s first mayor) in 1928.

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published March 4, 2022

Episode #2.04: Erin’s First Anniversary

Erin McBrien returns to the podcast with ACHS Board Member, Steve Florman, to reflect on her one year anniversary working with the collection at the Anoka County Historical Society. How did Erin react to the (quite literally) dump truck-sized load of documents and photographs from Federal Cartridge to go through? What does Erin’s job have to do with a [19]80’s video montage? What surprised her most about being a “lone arranger”? This truly behind-the-scenes conversation will shed light on what goes into managing the collections at ACHS. Feel free to laugh along!

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published February 18, 2022

Episode #2.03: Reading Corps

Sometimes the most impressive things live right in our backyards and we don’t even know they exist. Join Cindy McKenny, former front desk staff at ACHS, as she talks about her experiences with Reading Corps, a program supported by Americorps. You’ll meet her new boss, Chris Erickson, program and community partnerships manager, and hear some stories about their time tutoring. Feeling curious? We’ve also included ways you can be involved!

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

Published February 4, 2022

Episode #2.02: Dennis Berg

Family is a constant thought in Dennis Berg’s life, and it was for them he wrote his autobiography, “Growing Up Barefoot.” Listen as he reads excerpts from it about his childhood on the farm (complete with outhouse!), meeting his wife, finding employment with the Greenberg’s and being drafted to serving in Vietnam.

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

CW: This episode contains descriptions of engagements in Vietnam. If you would like to skip this section entirely, it lasts from the 22-34 minute mark of the episode.

Published January 21, 2022

Episode #2.01: Flora Aldrich’s “The One Man”

We remember Flora Aldrich as a doctor practicing in the early 1900s who saw patients out of her stately home on 3rd Ave., So, Anoka. In that role she published two medical books and provided countless recommendations on healthy living. What history often forgets is her single novel, “the one man “. In this podcast you can get a taste of Flora’s attempt at creative writing, then commiserate with hosts Sara and Daryl about just how bad we think it is. Warning, in discussing the books themes we ignore all spoilers!

Hosts Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Daryl Lawrence, ACHS Board Member.

Published January 7, 2022

Season 1

Episode #26: Albert Kordiak

Albert Kordiak served as Anoka County commissioner for 32 years, beginning a family legacy that lasted a total of 64 years when his son retired. During his lifetime, Kordiak built a legacy based on supporting causes he firmly believed in, including the anti-communist movement in the 1950’s, advocating for his hometown of Columbia Heights, and remembering his Czechoslovakian roots. In 2009, Kordiak took time to record an oral history for ACHS that detailed many of his experiences.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published Dec. 16, 2021

Episode #25: William Nelson

Before photographing an accident or crime scene became a standard part of law enforcement in Anoka County, William Nelson took up his camera in 1961 to document the scenes as a volunteer. In 2010, Nelson donated his collection to the museum and recounted his time as unofficial photographer.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published Dec. 3, 2021

Episode #24: Levon Williams & Facing Change

Levon Williams, a Race, Equity & Inclusion Consultant with the American Association of Museums, discusses his work at ACHS and other midwest museums through the Facing Change grant. Levon reflects on how diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) work can be messy, convoluted, and imperative for museums.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published Nov. 19, 2021

Episode #23: The Tkach Band from Columbia Heights

Dennis Tkach played as part of the Tkach band for 40 years—four of the members are in the same family! Their parents, Walter and Mary, created B Sharp Music in Columbia Heights. Dennis shares how the band formed when he was a high schooler as a seven-piece variety dance band to compete in the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest (they made it to the finals!). They played for over 2000 events throughout the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin before retiring in 2019…but have they really?

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published Nov. 5, 2021

Episode #22: John Jost Anoka Halloween

John Jost’s love of Anoka Halloween began as a child, and have culminated in the publication of a book celebrating the 100th anniversary of the festival. Learn about his connection to the holiday as a child, and what it was like organizing and celebrating a 100th anniversary during a pandemic.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published Oct 15, 2021

Episode #21: Karen George Anoka Princess

In 1979 Karen George became an Anoka Princess and spent the next year driving back and forth from college in Morehead, MN to represent her home town at various events and parades. George shares her journey as a candidate and Princess, how she designed the first Halloween themed float for the city and her lasting connections with Anoka Halloween.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published October 1, 2021

Episode #20: Our Haunted House

What’s it like living in a haunted house? Jenn Shoemaker and her family lived at 403 Van Buren in Anoka for four years (along with a couple permanent, ghostly residents). Hear how they came to own this beautiful home, the surprise of finding that their new house was on the Ghosts of Anoka Tour, and all the supernatural occurrences they experienced along the way.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published September 17, 2021

Episode #19: Meet the directors -

What’s it like running a county historical Society? Sam Klocksien, Executive Director of the Isanti County Historical Society, sits down with Rebecca to talk about the ins and outs of running a museum - from helping people with research to mowing the lawn yourself.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published September 3, 2021

Episode # 18: Nowthen Threshing Show with John & ANne

Just in time to head out for the annual Nowthen Threshing Show, John Wetter and Anne Zimmerman, President and Director of the Nowthen Historic Power Association, talk about what exactly threshing is, everything you can find at the show in Nowthen, and why it’s important to preserve and showcase these skills for kids today.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published August 20, 2021

Episode # 17: Orville & the History of Blaine

All bound up and waiting for you! This brand new history of Blaine has come out to play with beloved tales as well as newly discovered gems about Anoka County’s largest city. Join Orville Lindquist from the Blaine Historical Society as he divulges some plot twists about Greenberry Chambers, relates how he discovered a slide showing the aquariums at Northtown, and the local connection to the Radisson empire.

Hosts Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published August 5, 2021

Episode #16: This Old House with Dillon & Kristin

Serving as the most recent guardians of their 150 year old home on Ferry St. in Anoka, Dillon and Kristin Cords join a list of familiar names including Woodbury and Goodrich on their property abstract. In this episode of History 21, they share their joys and frustrations of living in an old home, their restoration journey, and some fun things they found inside the walls…along with a few surprise guest visitors who might just frequent the property still.

Hosts Rebecca Ebnet-Desens, ACHS Executive Director; Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator; and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published July 16, 2021

Episode #15: Lyle Bradley

It's an honor to present this podcast in memory of Lyle Bradley, who passed away on June 7, 2021 at the age of 96. One of two oral history interviews he gave the archives of ACHS (2003 and 1993), we invite you to share in the stories of this talented individual who served his community in a multitude of ways. In this episode, Lyle speaks of becoming a combat fighter pilot, including how being a bird watcher can get you in trouble during flight training.

Interview transcript available in the show notes.

Hosts Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Erin McBrien, ACHS Archivist.

Published July 2, 2021