Vol. 10 Red Cow Gazette, Amboy, Minnesota 56010 Holiday 2016 No. 4Funding and Content for the Amboy Red Cow Gazette is Provided by the Amboy Area Community Club.

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COW TALES – HOLIDAY 2016 AMBOY’S MUSICAL HALL OF FAME

Gail grew up on a farm not far outside of Amboy. She is a 1961 graduate of Amboy High School, where she was in many extra-curricular activities, most involving some aspect of music. Through the years, Gail has used her God-given talents in church, school, and community.

Gail Leffel Graaf & Amboy Community Chorus — 2016 Induction into Amboy’s Musical Hall of Fame

Arts ’n more Festival Committee needs new membersThe Arts ’n more Festival is an important annual event in the life of our community. A small volunteer Festival Committee takes the responsibility for planning all the activities for this event (the weekend after Labor Day), promoting it to the surrounding communities and securing the finances to make it happen.

A number of our volunteers are retiring and we are in need of new volunteers for the Festival Committee if we want the Festival to continue.

Please call the Amboy Area Community Club at 507-276-7029 if you would like to participate.

Gail Leffel as the AHS choir accompanist in 1961

Gail Leffel’s graduation picture in 1961

In 1978, Gail put together a group to plan a spectacular event for Amboy’s 1979 Centennial Celebration. It would include incorporating songs featuring vocal music accompanied by piano, with some additional instruments. Vintage fashions from each decade, both fancy and everyday styles, were featured on all ages and for men, women and children. The production included songs, stage scenes, and a little bit of dance and humor, to tell Amboy’s story in a colorful and interesting way. Every era of Amboy’s history was represented in ways that we all could relate to.

“A Tribute to Amboy in Costume & Song”

was a huge endeavor, and the highlight of our Centennial Celebration...and 25 years later, when the next generation joined us in an updated version, Gail was there as our fearless leader!

Gail also was an integral part of Amboy Community Theatre, helping with the music and much, much more. We couldn’t have done it without her!

Gail and her husband Ken live on the family farm. Their family also includes son Jason, his wife Kim and two grandchildren.

Gail Leffel Graaf at her farm west of Amboy today

Page 2 • Red Cow Gazette • Holiday 2016

How did the turkey get its name?(from an article in Wikipedia)

There are two theories for the derivation of the name "turkey" for this bird, according to Columbia University professor of Romance languages Mario Pei. One theory is that when Europeans first encountered turkeys in America, they incorrectly identified the birds as a type of guinea fowl, which were already being imported into Europe by Turkey merchants via Constantinople and were therefore nicknamed Turkey coqs. The name of the North American bird thus became "turkey fowl" or "Indian turkeys," which was then shortened to just "turkeys".The other theory arises from the fact that turkeys came to England from the Americas via merchant ships from the Middle East where they were domesticated successfully. Again the importers lent the name to the bird: because these merchants were called "Turkey merchants" as much of the area was part of the Ottoman Empire. Hence the name “Turkey birds” or, soon thereafter, “turkeys”.

In 1550, the English navigator William Strickland, who had introduced the turkey into England, was granted a coat of arms including a "turkey-cock in his pride proper". William Shakespeare used the term in Twelfth Night, believed to be written in 1601 or 1602. The lack

of context around his usage suggests that the term had widespread reach.

In many countries, the names for turkeys have different derivations. Ironically, many of these names incorporate an assumed Indian origin, such as diiq Hindi ("Indian rooster") in Arabian countries, dinde ("from India") in French, Indjushka ("bird of India") in Russia, indyk in Poland, and Hindi ("India") in Turkey. These are thought to arise from the thought that Christopher Columbus had originally believed that he had reached India rather than the Americas on his voyage.

Several other birds that are sometimes called turkeys are not particularly closely related: the brushturkeys are megapodes,

and the bird sometimes known as the "Australian turkey" is the Australian bustard (Ardeotis australis). The anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) is sometimes called a water turkey, from the shape of its tail when the feathers are fully spread for drying.

Talking Turkey

Letters to ImogeneDear Imogene,My neighbors are driving me crazy!!! They don’t rake their leaves, they don’t mow their lawn and they have completely covered their property with Halloween, Thanksgiving AND Christmas decorations!!! Any time my friends come to visit I am so embarrassed!! I feel visually assaulted by these displays!!! What can I do to make my neighbors take better care of their property and keep from over-decorating?!?!?! Next to a Nightmare.

Dear Next,I believe I counted no less than seventeen exclamation points in your letter. This type of punctuation indicates that driving you crazy would be a relatively short journey for your neighbors. What you need, my dear, is a vacation. You sound

very stressed and confronting your neighbors in this frame of mind would prove to be counterproductive.Your neighbor’s property belongs to them. Their decorating ideas are part of their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If their lack of lawn care violates some city code, then take your complaint to the city.

I would suggest first however, that you knock on their door and find out a bit about them. Perhaps they are caring for several small children and it’s difficult for them to find the time to mow. That might also explain why there are so many holiday decorations in their yard. It sounds like they may be very devoted parents and that they are just doing what they can to spend quality time with their kids.

Take that vacation and mull over adopting a different perspective. You may find that it is easier to change

the way you look at things, than it is to change your neighbors.Imogene.

Dear Imogene,I heard a rumor that Art Sidner is running forPresident. Do you know if this is true?

Curious

Dear Curious,I have also heard this. My hope is that it is not merely a rumor! I have worked with Mr. Sidner and I have complete confidence in his leadership ability. The only way he would be a lesser choice than the current candidates would be if he were in a coma.Imogene

Red Cow Gazette • Holiday 2016 • Page 3

COW TALES – HOLIDAY – 2016 A TRIBUTE TO AMBOY IN

COSTUME AND SONG by Kelly Reuter

Gail Graaf and the Amboy Community Chorus – organized in 1979 to compliment many of the planned events of Amboy’s Centennial Celebration, including their own “A Tribute to Amboy in Costume and Song”. They followed that great success with various themed concerts through the years. The years flew by and they came together again for Amboy’s 125th Celebration, sadly missing a few members, and joyously welcoming the next generation…

The Amboy Community Chorus made its first appearance singing “O God Our Help In Ages Past” and “Now thank We All Our God” at the Opening Ceremonies of our Centennial. In the moments that followed, we sat in our park–brilliantly green, refreshed by the rain. As birds chirped a chorus around us, we thought of the times of our lives that brought us to this day. . . .

“A TRIBUTE TO AMBOY IN COSTUME AND SONG”

As Saturday evening’s program began, the gym was filled to capacity plus. Master of Ceremonies David Stevens welcomed approximately 1,300 people who had come to enjoy “A Tribute to Amboy in Costume and Song” under the direction of Mrs. Gail Graaf. The 51 members of the Amboy Community chorus had practiced long and hard for many weeks in preparation for this evening. It was well worth all the work, as all who saw it agreed, it was a never-to-be forgotten night to remember. The Community Chorus committee also worked to find appropriate costumes for each scene. Along with the chorus there were special accompanists on piano, organ, guitar, trumpet and bass.

The program began with a special version of “Dearie” with new words appropriate to our Centennial:

DEARIEDearie, do you remember back in eighteen-hundred and seventy-nine the town was named that’s yours and mine?Amboy was the name that they gave it, back a hundred years ago.Test your memory, my dearie, do you remember when our schools and churches had their start, the railroad came and played a partOf the history, that made life cheery, in the good old days gone by.Do you remember, if you remember, then you’re much older than I?Amboy, one hundred years ago, they made lye soap out in the yard, kept salted pork in big stone jars.In a two-seated surrey they rode in May, in winter a sleigh.Cast your memories on Amboy, one hundred years ago, they turned the furrow with walking plow, hand-milked the old brown cow.Sidewalks were made of wood, horses by hitching rails stood.Old horse and buggy days, high steppin’ matching bays, our fathers passed this way.Dearie, do you remember that down through those onehundred years, events occurred that brought smiles and tears?Join us now and we’re going to bring you songs from all walks of life.Test your memory, my dearie, do you recall the years that some of the clothes were worn, or maybe you can’t cause you weren’t even bornDearie, life was cheery, in the good old days gone by.Do you remember, if you remember, you’re much older than, quite a bit older than, you’re much older than I?

The next song on the program was especially for all the pig farmers, entitled, “The Sow Took the Measles”. We were shown the clothing of the pioneer woman as we heard the story of “When I was young I bought me a cow, a couple of chickens and a little black sow.”

The backdrop of the stage showed the four seasons. The panorama of the seasons then passed before us as we heard that “Spring is here, life is carefree and dear, at this time of year.” Girls in frilly dresses and boys goin’ fishin’ represented the “Right of Spring”. Then came “Those lazy-hazy-crazy Days of Summer”, those days of soda and pretzels and beer”… and also picnicking, tennis, bikinis and beachballs. As “The falling leaves, drift by my window” the hats and furs appeared along with school dresses and “Autumn Leaves.” We heard “Those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling too” as children with sleds and women in winter capes took us on a “Sleigh Ride” back through the seasons of our lives.

“My Grandfather’s Clock” was too large for the shelf so it stood ninety years on the floor, tick tock.” Through

the life of the grandfather’s clock, we saw the costume of the social scene of half a century ago. A man in tuxedo and top hat escorted a woman in opera cape and feathered headband to the more sophisticated events of that day. The flappers in rhinestone-studded dresses did the Charleston as the years tick-tocked like minutes into the present day.

With a spotlight on “The Old Rugged Cross”, our religious heritage was visualized. The pastor entered and stood at the pulpit as his congregation was seated in the pews. The christening of the baby, the children in Sunday School, and the

“Cow Tales” continued on page 6

Amboy Community Chorus with Gail Graaf as director“A Tribute to Amboy in Costume and Song”

Page 4 • Red Cow Gazette • Holiday 2016

No Bake Rum Walnut Balls

2 C crushed vanilla wafers1/8 tsp. salt1/2 C maraschino cherries, cut fine1 C nuts cut or chopped fine1/3 C sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon1 tsp rum flavoring 2/3 C sweetened condensed milk

Mix all ingredients well. Form in ball, roll in sugar and top with pecan halves. Vanilla or other flavoring may be used in place of rum.

From Verla Boesch through Billy’s Aunt Frieda Nelson

Red Cow Gazette • Holiday 2016 • Page 5

Our annual event will be Saturday, November 5th, of course…opening day for deer hunting season and an excellent day for the ladies to shop in Amboy!!

This year we are having a spin the wheel chance at gifts and prizes from the local businesses! Come to the Depot Mercantile and spin the

Amboy’s Does & Bows

wheel to win gift certificates, prizes, Amboy bucks, and more. Dress in orange hunting gear, and you may win more! All participating businesses will be open extended hours, from 10 am to 7 pm for your shopping convenience.

Come see what Amboy has for you this year!!

Oh! You know, Santa’s Reindeer! We all have heard the story “The Night Before Christmas”. Did you know that story was written in 1822, and was originally titled “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore? This was the story that introduced us to Santa’s Reindeer.

Donner, Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet and Cupid.. and

don’t forget Rudolph! Yes, Rudolph was introduced to Santa in 1939, by Robert L. May when he wrote the story for Montgomery Ward called “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Reindeer are real!! They come from one of the oldest cultures in Northern Europe. These animals are a way of life for the Sami people.

They are in Norway, Finland, Sweden, and the

Kola Peninsula of Russia known as Sapmi.

They came to the US via Alaska in the mid 1800’s. In 1898, more then 100 Sami reindeer made passage from northern Norway to the US. This is where Santa and his reindeer met!

The reindeer and the jolly gift giving “Santa Claus” were introduced by a businessman in Alaska

Dash away! Donner and Blitzen!

named Carl Lomen, who, by the way was a native of Minnesota! He saw an opportunity to market reindeer for meat and fur in the US, and wanted to promote it aggressively.

In a clever marketing scheme, in 1926 in conjunction with Macy’s department store, Santa got his team of reindeer.

In a promotional Christmas parade, Santa led the

parade with his reindeer pulling a sleigh with several Sami herdsman in vibrant traditional dress.

Today, Santa and his Reindeer are very much a part of the holiday celebration.

There is even a local herd of reindeer that make public appearances from Lake Crystal, MN. They are called Crystal Collection Reindeer.

Nov. 5th

Back in 1980

In the fall of 1980 the Amboy Centennial committee should have been resting after our two years of planning and putting on a spectacular celebration...so it was only logical that we decided to have a unique 5 day Holiday Event! Christmas Wonderland began on the day before Thanksgiving with special tours for preschools and rest homes and ran through the Sunday after. Little did we know how many people would be needed to staff it but we were so happy that everyone was enjoying themselves, visiting with each other, and raving about how unique it was. In the adds, we billed Christmas Wonderland as “Amboy’s Christmas Gift to All!”

Photo by Bob Ikier

Page 6 • Red Cow Gazette • Holiday 2016

Shelby’s Dance Studio

Tap, Jazz and ballet instruction for ages 3 and up

New location on Maine St. in Amboy

Contact Shelby to join

507-514-0109Sdkirchner@hotmail.com

loving parents, all dressed in their Sunday best, showed us that “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hand” and that all ages and all generations have put their “Hand in the Hand” of their “Beautiful Savior”.

During intermission, the First Minnesota Regiment danced with the local ladies in Centennial costumes and their wives in the hoopskirts of the civil War era. They did several dances of that period to the music of Gladys, Herb and Dick.

The second half began with childhood memories of the teacher at the old country school and learning “The alphabet” The “School Days” began with the ringing of the school bell as children came running, in calico dresses and overalls, to present the teacher with an apple or sometimes, a rubber snake. A warning finger was shook many times before the dunce cap was firmly placed upon the head of a mischievous lad.

The students grew up into Boy Scouts and baseball players in Purple and Gold, to the tune of “Solomon Levi”, our first school song. Excitement mounted and everyone stood up and were led by Black and White Husker cheerleaders in a rousing chorus of “Anchors Aweigh”. Our Green and White Chargers then entered to the tune of our current school song, “Confidence”. Both the joy and sadness, the reflection and expectation of the graduate returned to us as “the footsteps of us all echoed down the halls” for “we love the “Halls of Ivy”, that surround us here today, and we will not forget, though we be far, far away.”

The feeling of the evening was building and it rose even more as the World War I flag of Bert Jennings, the first Amboy serviceman to die in the war, was carried down the aisle, raised and saluted. As the chorus began the “Armed Forces Medley” the World War I veterans ascended the stage to a standing ovation. The Army entered as “the cassons went rolling along,” “Anchors Aweigh” brought on the Navy men, the Air Force climbed the stage to “off we go, into the wild blue yonder” and the marines proudly sang their hymn, “we are proud to claim the title of United States Marines.”

That wonderful feeling that came from being a part of the Centennial soared even higher as we sang “This Is My country, Grandest On Earth.” Our proud heritage was proclaimed ever more as we heard “My Country Tis of Thee” Sweet land of Liberty. . . from every mountainside, let freedom ring. . . Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light. Protect us by Thy might, great God our King.” The beauty of our land was brought to life by “beautiful for spacious skies, amber waves of grain, and purple mountain majesty above the fruited plain.” We certainly know that “God shed his grace on thee.” Trumpets proclaimed the “God of Our Fathers” whose “love divine has led us in the past. . . thy word is law, thy path our chosen way.”

The steady beat of the drum and the airy tune of the fife sent shivers down our spines as our Civil War soldiers marched forward to “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. “Glory, glory hallelujah, His truth is marching on!”

The crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation, many with tears in their eyes. Gail was presented with flowers by the chorus and an encore was announced. More tears were shed as the people of Amboy sang together, “This Land Is Your land, This Land Is My Land”−from Sterling Township to the Pleasant Mounds, from Shelby Township to the village of Amboy, this land was made for you and me.” The joy of our Centennial was at its peak, a peak which continued throughout the whole celebration.

Sunday Morning - Rejoicing in Sunshine and “God’s Love: The Same Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow!”

“Words of Beginning”, a responsive reading about Creation, led into the singing of the Hymn: “O God Our Help In Ages Past”

“YESTERDAY-OUR PAST” began with the words of Psalm 100:5 “For the Lord is good, His steadfast love endures forever, His faithfulness to all generations.” Following, was read a brief history of the beginnings of our Amboy area churches. “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty!” Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore Him! All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him! Let the ‘Amen’ sound from His people again! Gladly for aye we adore Him.

“TODAY-OUR PRESENT” began with the words of Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”The sky is clearing AND THE NIGHT IS SWEPT AWAY Morning has broken LIKE THE FIRST MORNING God’s recreation OF A NEW DAY: A new way TO CARRY ON

The Community Choir added the Choral Response, “This Is the Day” and followed with the Anthem, “Beautiful Savior”

“FUTURE – OUR TOMORROW” began with the words of 2 Corinthians 5:16, 17 “Worldly standards have ceased to count...When anyone is united to Christ, there is a new world…a new order has already begun.”

The gym became alive with color, as people came forward with dozens of banners of all sizes, shapes, and bearing messages of faith, hope, and love. As the congregation poured out into the sunshine, “The Peace” was with us all. There were wishes of a good day, hand shaking, smiles of love, and best of all—embraces! The joyous banners formed a brilliant semi-circle around the cage as God smiled down in the radiant sunshine. His love was with us all. As the cage was lifted, the birds flew free, symbols of our joy. The Benediction we had just heard was carried out in these living symbols!

FLY!....SING!...REJOICE!...LAUGH!...CRY!...LIVE!...LOVE!…AND MAY THE LOVE OF CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALWAYS!..AMEN

“Cow Tales” continued from page 3

Red Cow Gazette • Holiday 2016 • Page 7

What if Mud Lake is the next Camp David?

Santa’s Workshop near Amboy

When Santa needs to replenish his supply of sturdy wooden toys, he goes to one of his favorite elves, William Feldmann of the Maple River Toy Company near Amboy. William started making baby furniture, cribs and dressers in 2011 but was soon making a series of tractors and semis and another line of doll furniture for 18” dolls. William prides himself on the fact that his toys are not just great looking toys designed to sit on a shelf, but are built just as strong as they look. The best thing about these toys, in Santa’s mind at least, is that there is no noise box, no batteries required, and no lights or buttons. All of these toys are powered by imagination.www.maplerivertoys.com

William Feldmann in his workshop

Like many Americans, I am not satisfied with the choices available to us this year for the office of President, so I decided to pursue the office myself.

Believing that Almighty God is the ultimate authority over all nations on earth, I appealed directly to him to raise me up, if he chooses, to the Office of President. I promised him that I would do what he wanted in that position if he put me there. I would look to him as young King Solomon did, to give me wisdom to do justice.

Should this become a reality, I thought that I should consider how I might benefit the community of Amboy. I would certainly like to steer some private financial resources this way to plan and complete a new Amboy Community Center on the site of the old Amboy Middle School. I would consider local citizens to become part of my administration. The experience of Sandra Arcement on the Amboy City

by Art Sidner

Council makes her tough enough to serve as Vice President and I am in the process of vetting Steve Kittelson for consideration as Secretary of Interior.

To get away from the craziness of Washington D.C., I would construct a new Presidential Retreat near Mud Lake. Here, I would prayerfully consider the great issues of the day with my friends here in Amboy. This would keep me rooted in the sensible, solid, values of the Midwest which I believe would be good for the country as a whole.

Nov 5 Does & Bows

Nov 6 Daylight Savings Time ends

Nov 8 Election Day

Nov 11 Veterans Day

Nov 16 Amboy Night Out at Jackson Lake Lutheran

Nov 21 Amboy Book Club - Library

Nov 24 Thanksgiving Day

Dec 3 Xmas Traditions Amboy Maine Street

Dec 8 Santa at the Amboy Fire Station

Dec 12 “El Dia de Guadalupe”

(Our Lady of Guadalupe)

Dec 25 Christmas Day

Jan 1 New Years Day

Jan 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Jan 18 Amboy Night Out at Jackson Lake Lutheran

Page 8 • Red Cow Gazette • Holiday 2016

Join us for a Lindberg Family tradition! Christmas Eve reservations are available at 11:30 and 2:00.  Menu will include mulled cider, cheeses, fishes, meatballs, potatis korv, sil salat, limpa bread, rice pudding, favorite cookies, etc. Call 674-3123.

Amboy Night OutFREE Community Meal & Fellowship

Nov. 16 Jan.18