Check out the history of the downtown buildingsDuring the All-School Reunion you will have the opportunity to check out the "Who’s who of Luverne’s Main Street buildings."Although it’s a work in progress, Betty Mann has taken on the task of finding the history of Main Street buildings.The history of the various buildings will be posted on the buildings, so you can wander up and down Luverne’s Main Street and see how many of the former occupants you remember.Do you remember who used to be in the building I’m writing this column from?Prior to 117 W. Main becoming the Rock County Star Herald, cars were being repaired at Don’s Body Shop at this site. And before it was Don’s Body Shop, did any of you ever buy a car from Rapp Motors?Prior to that, the history is still in question. Some think there might have been a livery stable here. We may find that out later.How about Ben Vander Kooi’s current law office?Prior to Ben Vander Kooi Sr. setting up shop, the building was at one time used by KLOH radio, before KQAD’s time, as their "Window on Main Street."They actually shared space with the Vander Kooi Law Office. Ben Jr. said he still has the "Window on Main Street" sign in his basement.Betty has traced the use of the Vander Kooi Law Office back to a post office run by C.O. Hawes, son of Luverne’s founder Philo Hawes.Hawes later went into the music, jewelry and school supplies business with a man named Harroun.Then it became the Bert Leas Jewelry Store, followed by Stan Remme Variety Store.Two more businesses occupied the space before Ben Sr. took over, Coast to Coast and Remme Variety. If the history of Luverne’s Main Street interests you, check it out when you’re in town.Not too late for the talent contestIf you’ve been thinking about entering the talent contest at the fair, you have one more week to make up your mind.Whether you’re under 12, a teen between the ages of 13 and 18, or want to take a shot at the open class, there is a spot for you.You will also be competing for $50, $75 or $100 prizes in each of the three categories along with a chance to advance on to the Minnesota State Fair competition.Next Thursday, July 28, is your last chance to sign up.A stage, sound system, lighting and piano will be set up and waiting for you.Last year 23 separate acts performed before a crowd of more that 400 people.What tree is that?If you find yourself asking that question every now and then, the National Arbor Day Foundation has a pocket guide available for identifying trees.The 72-page guide will help identify 135 tree varieties found in the eastern and central U.S.Many well-known trees, such as oak, maple, spruce, and pine, are included along with lesser-known species such as horsechestnut and mockernut hickory, sassafras and shadbush, persimmon and pawpaw, and pagodatree and pecan.The guide uses illustrations of the trees, leaves and needles and their acorns, berries, seedpods, cones, and other unique features for identification.To obtain a copy of the guide, send $3 to "What Tree Is That?" at The National Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska City, NE 68410, or go online to arborday.org.The National Arbor Day Foundation was established to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.Publisher Roger Tollefson can be reached by e-mail at tolly@star-herald.com
