Preserving the Past by Kim Nelson

Kim Nelson is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village, 1031 Bridge Ave.

I recently had a visit from a longtime volunteer and supporter of the museum, Keith Fligge.

He often comes to visit and check in on how the museum is doing. I enjoy our talks and his insight to the history of the museum and Freeborn County. The museum is working hard to update our displays and exhibits.

During his visit, he brought in an article from Aug. 9, 1992 that was printed in the Albert Lea Tribune. The article was about a how lucky he had recently been on par 3’s both in Albert Lea and at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin. He had a hole in one in Albert Lea that summer and then a hole in one at University Ridge Golf Course.

Keith brought the article in because he had just heard about the Champions Tour event that took place at that golf course in Wisconsin. On June 17, 2017, the Champions Cup was played at University Ridge Golf Course and Fred Couples won the event. Keith was so excited to share his success on that very course almost 25 years ago and said he had quite the summer golfing that year. He had an “ace-deuce-ace” sneaking a two on another par three at the course in Wisconsin. He figured he played over 30 rounds of golf that summer.

Each time I visit with Keith, he asks what is up next. I shared with him that we have a Civil War experience coming up July 22. This event is free and open to the public through a partnership with the City of Albert Park and Recreation Department. The event goes from 9 a.m. to noon.

To receive more information about the event, call 507-373-8003, email the museum at fchm8003@gmail.com or visit the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Watch for my weekly Facebook Live video, too. You can also hear me on KATE and The Breeze radio shows Sunday and Monday mornings for updates from the museum.