History 21 The Podcast - 5.04 Ethel Wagner DeLong

In 1954, the Metropolitan Opera held its first regional auditions in Minnesota. They planned to fly the winner to New York and broadcast the performance to the nation on the radio program “Auditions of the Air.” The winner was Ethel Wagner DeLong, a 33-year-old mother of three from the City of Anoka. In this episode, listen to excerpts from her 1954 “Auditions of the Air” appearance and her subsequent MPR interview in 1979, looking back at her accomplishments. Between clips, you’ll hear our conversation with her eldest son, Peter, who shared his memories of his mother and the music constantly permeating their home.

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

History 21 The Podcast - 5.03 George Atwood

George Atwood moved to Anoka in 1912 where he helped construct Cottages at the Anoka State Hospital and spent winters as a lumberjack in Northern Minnesota. In this episode listen as he shares what it was like living in the lumber camps. Hear George’s voice from an oral history recorded in 1979, and a reading of the short memoir he penned describing the jobs, and even smells, at the Ball Club logging camp.

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

History 21 The Podcast - 5.02 Celebrate Episode 100!

We’re celebration our 100th episode with a special tour Around the County! Rebecca and Sara sit down to share 100 of their favorite facts, memories, trivia, and tidbits from each of the county’s 21 cities (and desperately try to make it to the end without getting tongue tied.) Special guests: the ACHS Board of Directors pop in to share their favorite county memories too.

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

History 21 The Podcast - 5.01 Gary Nereson

In 1969, Gary Nereson said goodbye to his pregnant wife and crossed the world to serve in the Vietnam War. After three long months with the 9th Infantry Division, he was reassigned to Advisory Team 66 because of his background in electrical engineering. His new job: help bring electricity to rural villages in South Vietnam. Gary sat down with Rebecca to share his story in November, 2024 as part of ACHS’s Echoes of Bravery project.

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

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