Hidden History of the Minnesota River Valley

Hidden History

by Elizabeth Johanneck

Traveled by mammoth-hunters and motorcyclists alike, the Minnesota River Valley shows the traces of a unique where else are you going to find a political party with ideals based on honest conversation and gymnastics? Not all of it is as lovely as the natural scenery it accompanies--Mankato was the site of the largest mass execution in United States history--but its heritage demands contemplation. Discover the valley's most enterprising characters, from Fort Snelling bootleggers like Pierre "Pig's Eye" Parrant to the Granite Falls lawyer behind Prohibition, Andrew Volstead. With a guide like Johanneck, you might meet some familiar figures in surprising circumstances as she steals up behind Dr. Mayo at the grave he was robbing for medical research or catches FBI director J. Edgar Hoover in a moment of unguarded correspondence.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2010

Reviews

[Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone currently living in the Minnesota River valley, there were some interesting stories of Minnesota life and history in this disorganized collection of anecdotes and summaries of historical events, some I had been unaware of before, such as the 1929 bank robbery trap in Shakopee or the story of “Mustache Maude.” The story of J. Edgar Hoover's correspondence with Andrew Volstead's daughter Laura was particularly surprising. As a mix of personal recollections and sketchy essays on prominent subjects such as the US Dakota War or Prohibition, though, the book lacks much focus and rarely delves very deep into historical context. If one was not already familiar with these topics, one might be a little lost, but on the other hand, if one were, little new information is included. Johanneck does provide some good ideas for places to visit along the Minnesota, though, and might inspire students of history to explore deeper into one of these stories.

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

It just goes to show that impulse buys aren't always that great. Found this little number at Garrison Keillor's Common Good Books (GREAT bookstore in St. Paul.) Maybe it's because I grew up in the Minnesota River Valley, but there wasn't any "hidden" history here. There are nice photos, but that's about it. And the prose is something else. Remember, just because you can write a blog doesn't mean you can write a book. I also question some of Johanneck's historical accuracy. She revels in the supposed "repressed history," yet when has the chance to share documented history, like in the case of Wanda Gag and Minnesota's own Trail of Tears, she glosses over it. An extreme disappointment for a Minnesota River Rat.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I live in the Minnesota river valley and wanted to learn more about the history of the area. There were definitely some interesting facts that the book presents but it kind of felt the information became fragmented at times causing me to loose interest.

[Dianne]

I did enjoy reading Beth's book. Some of the stories I have read before but a lot were new. I liked reading about her childhood since she grew up outside of Wabasso. Beth just lost her mother this week whom she referred to a few times in the book. My condolences to her and her family.