We Bought A House!
In November of 2021, the Blue Earth County Historical Society shared our BOLD vision to expand the History Center. [...]
Mankato’s Nickname
Key City was the nickname for Mankato for many years, and can still be found in the names of [...]
The Farmer’s Market in Mankato
An old-fashioned farmer’s market, sponsored by the Old Town Neighborhood Association, began operation on a Saturday in early July [...]
Cigar Making
Prohibition, World War I, and nationwide advertising put an end to cigar making in Mankato, according to Joseph Bienapfl, [...]
The See Scout
Believe it or not … a homemade boat weighing thirty-three tons, named the See Scout, was once launched unto [...]
Remembering the Flood of 1951
After a cold spring where 88 inches of snow had accumulated, including a late March wet snowfall, the conditions [...]
Ibach Brewery
Ibach Brewery was a little-known brewery was once located on James Avenue at the present site of Jefferson School [...]
The 1920 Mankato Winter Carnival Royal Court
The Mankato Winter Carnival of 1920 was an event like no other. Main Street was converted into a toboggan [...]
1902 Public Library Wall Collapse
On April 7, 1894, the Mankato City Council unanimously passed a resolution creating a free public library. The new [...]
Christmas Lights in Mankato
Based on the area’s past experiences with Christmas lights displays, there are at least two reasons the Kiwanis club’s [...]