 I LOVE CROOKSTON BECAUSE:
Beth and I were driving through Crookston last week and were impressed
enough with the "good look" of the town to chat about it for several
minutes. Coming from the east and just getting a good feeling.
Things looked clean and well kept, and then the downtown with it's
classic buildings and finally the finishing touch of the beautiful
flowers and look of UMC. I heard about this site from a guest in
our little eatery and wanted to say, "Way to go Crookston!" Kim &
Beth Holmes, Grand Forks
This past weekend I was at the parade in Barnesville, MN (Potato Days)
There where 2 high schools that had bands in the parade, Barnesville had
a nice sounding band, the members wore similar color shorts and same
t-shirts. CROOKSTON CENTRAL PIRATES however stood out BEAUTIFULLY in
their uniforms,....WOW, I saw their picture on a local Crookston
web site check them out. They are so professional in their marching,
their umbrella and flag routines and the band sounds spectacular. I was
so proud to have my home town represented in such a professional way, I
was moved to tears. Hats off to all the kids for their commitment to
excellence, to their parents for encouraging them and to the band
director and choreographers for their hard work and dedication. I love
Crookston for keeping an old tradition alive and very well. Thank you,
Lori Jensen (Waller) class '77
I love Crookston!!! I was passing through on my way back to the east
coast not knowing where I was going to live and ended up at Care and
share in 2003. After being in a major accident in Washington state I
found myself not able to work any more and from the very first day here
I felt welcomed by the whole town. I enjoy the fact that when I say
hello to someone on the street that they look me in the eyes and answer
back with a hello or good morning, unlike some places I have been in
where they look at you like you're crazy for talking to someone you
don't know. I walk into the pharmacy and they know me by name and take
the time to answer any questions I may have where in other towns they
want you to get on so they can deal with the next customer. It doesn't
bother me one bit when I see two cars blocking the road while the
drivers talk because most likely I know one or both of them.
In the stores I have passed people who are talking and overheard the
conversations ranging from the beet harvest, the weather, the children
or just saying hello. I have been in towns where you do not see this.
People are in to big of a rush to take time out of their busy schedule
any more. While I am in the checkout lane I enjoy joking with the clerks
and hearing their laughter. If I don't make at least one person laugh
during my day then I feel that my day has not gone well.
What with the flood project going on now I have talked with total
strangers about it. One man I talked with said that his mom who lived
just down the street had to sell her house to the city for the project,
others who have not sold yet but are going to have to. That is what I
love about Crookston. You can talk with total strangers and they talk
back to you. I could keep going on about how I love this town but have
yet to find any thing I hate about it with the exception of some of the
sidewalks. David Aronis
I love Crookston because it is
where I call home. I was born and raised there and I love the small town
atmosphere. I worked for 3 years at good ole Hugo's and I am sure knew
everyone in town. I think it was a great place to grow up and I still
love when I go home to visit. I still see many faces that I know and
love. I read the Crookston daily times on my lunch hour at work and make
my parents who still live there laugh when I beat them to telling me
about something that happened in town. Crookston is a wonderful place
and I miss it.
We are new to Crookston and had to use the hospital last week.
Everyone was so nice and helped us get care for our youngest child.
Thanks so much.
Crookston has been a GREAT place to grow up. I remember riding my bike
or walking to where ever and not having to worry about talking to
"strangers". I remember the A&W, Roberts Restaurant, Your Host and the
Hasty Tasty all good spots of days gone by. We're lucky to have the good
spots today of Happy Joes, the Dairy Queen, the Shanty, the Northland,
the Novel Cup (which has the best soup for lunch), Subway, Taco Johns,
Arby's and all the goodies at all the gas stations in town, not to
forget the BEST goodies at Widman's. We are fortunate to have the
services of The Crookston Daily Times to keep us informed. Our school
teachers ROCK and the local churches give us a faith foundation like no
other! No matter where you travel, it's always good to come home.
KR
I love Crookston because even if you come back to visit after being away
for a long time, you can always find friendly, familiar faces and old
friends to talk to. Whether you go to the Eagles during the holidays or
take part in the Ox Cart Days festivities, coming back home almost makes
you feel like you never left. You can meet up with people you haven't
talked to in 10 years, and it will seem like you saw them yesterday. I
think the people of Crookston stay connected in a way that is unique and
noteworthy. -- Elizabeth (Ames) Leake, CHS '98
Last year, I took my hockey team from Texas to Crookston to scrimmage
against the Pirates. My boys are southerners, from the city, and were
amazed at the warmth and friendliness, the general sweetness of the
place and it's people. I was so proud to be a Crookston native. It
remains one of my favorite places on earth.
Tim
Madigan CHS '76
I love Crookston because of family being there AND
Widman’s Candy store….LOVE those chocolate covered chips. They are
uniquely “home.”
The
hospital provides top-notch care in a supportive environment to my aging parents. JR
"When I walk into a store, people call me by name!" BJ
My son can get a 4 year degree and stay nearby.
The River is beautiful to drive by.
It's easy to find your way around.
It's Homey!
I’ve lived in a large metro area, had to commute by city bus, making bus
transfers to get to and from work each day. Just one of a million little
ants, I had enough! No one talks to you, I’d see the same people on the
bus every day but no one would say a word!
I love Crookston because when I go to the post office in the morning or
walk down the street, people often greet me. They say good morning or hi
or how’s it goin’! People acknowledge my existence in this small
charming community, even if they don’t know me! It’s a good feeling!
“It’s such a wonderful environment to have a family. It’s a place where
everyone watches out for everyone else and you know most people by name
or face. There is plenty to do if you look hard enough (like I just
discovered how fun it is to fish our River)! I also love having plenty
of educational & family centered opportunities such as parks, quality
daycares, ECFE, Pre-Schools, All Day Every Day Kindergarten on to our
relatively new high school, and a branch of the University of Minnesota
in our back yard. I wouldn’t live anywhere else – if you need a little
change from time to time – go and visit…but call here home! We have
plenty for every type of person…sometimes you have to look and not take
things for granted.”
Amber Bailey
I love Crookston because it’s my hometown.
I love Crookston because it is a slower pace of life.
I love Crookston because everyone knows my name, if it is Lori Ann you
have known me forever and if it is just Lori you didn’t know me when I
was growing up.
I love Crookston because of the people here really are giving and caring
for their community.
I love Crookston because of family and friends.
I love Crookston because it is small and not a click town, if you are
new to town you too need to engage yourself.
I love Crookston because we have great schools, teachers and healthcare.
Crookston is all about people. At Hardware Hank or All Seasons oil
change or Teri faithfully at the McDonald’s drive through - people know
me by name. Once I lost my wallet in Hugo’s parking lot and by the time
I got home a nice person from Crookston had called and told me they
found it and would keep it for me until I could pick it up. Crookston is
home to a great University, a fine health care facility, and many good
businesses and employers. I live in Fisher but Crookston is just as much
home to me. I’ll root for the Pirates unless they are playing the
Knights. Steve Hannah
I love sitting on the porch in the evenings during the summer listening
my favorite music and watching the day turn into night. Neighbors stop
by and chat when they take their evening walks. You can here the
children laughing and playing down the street and the wind through the
cottonwood leaves. It’s so calming at the end of a hard work day. SK
I like the fact that it’s 5 minutes to anywhere in town. SK
I have lived in Crookston for over ten years, coming with the intention
of staying only for 5 years or so and moving on. From my first day in
town, I was given an opportunity to be active in the community in any
area I chose, as people were open to new ideas and interested in getting
newcomers involved. I have met dozens and dozens of committed people,
passionate about their fellow Crookston-ites and truly dedicated to
making our town a better place to live. I work for an organization,
RiverView Health, that is mission-driven and makes decisions based on
what is best for our local residents. Our leadership believes strongly
in meeting people's medical needs close to home and I am proud to be a
part of providing medical care for my neighbors and friends. I have met
wonderful caring people and have great fun being a part of activities
and festivals within the community. I am not a native of Crookston but
have found it an exceptional place to call home.
"If you’re an outdoors person, Crookston and UMC are located where the
prairie meets the forest and is defined by its many lakes and rivers.
The Red Lake River winds through the city and is a popular canoeing and
fishing river. Excellent hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing,
cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling opportunities are available in
the area. The Glacial Ridge Project, the largest prairie and wetland
restoration project in North America, is just 10 miles to the east. Just
beyond Glacial Ridge is the Deciduous Forest biome and a bit farther is
the transition to the Boreal Forest; all in Polk County! From a outdoors
perspective, you might say, “We’re in the middle of everywhere! Hooray!”
W. Daniel Svedarsky
I love Crookston because we don’t have to leave town to get what we need
or entertain our kids. There is the movie theatre, with current movies,
the Krazy Kiln to paint pottery or buy gifts, the candle shop and
Widman’s for unique Crookston gifts, the swimming pool all year round,
the bike paths for evening rides, the numerous programs for children
with programs to keep kids involved and parents connected, in the winter
there are ice skating and hockey facilities, cross country ski paths and
all kinds of sporting events throughout the year. I could go on and on.
I can’t imagine anyone could honestly say they get bored in Crookston.
I have lived in Crookston all my life and I like it because you know
most of the people you see and they call you by name. We live in the Red
river Valley where the soil is good for raising our crops so we can
provide for our families . We have good schools and a college for our
kids and grandchildren to continue their education. We have a good
sports program for kids, music and theater. We have good medical care
and good care for our elderly. We are a town that cares about the people
who live here.
I love Crookston because:
I was born and raised there by GREAT PEOPLE
I was schooled there by GREAT PEOPLE
It is in a state populated by GREAT PEOPLE
Our mosquitoes bite GREAT PEOPLE Bob Mercil
I just moved to Crookston MN about 1 year ago and I have found Crookston
to be a very warm and welcoming environment. The University students,
staff, and faculty add a vibrant energy to the community with
opportunities to take in athletic events, speakers, and concerts. Even
though I have only been in Crookston for one year I have been invited to
join several community service organizations, I have been given the
opportunity to make a recognizable contribution. Crookston and northwest
MN are beautiful-the winding Red Lake River, the native prairie habitat,
the sunflower fields, and the golden grain fields ensure picturesque
views and great sunsets all year long. Crookston has great schools,
great healthcare, and great industry.
I love Crookston because I can get to any location in town in under five
minutes!
I love that we have excellent health care in our local hospital.
I love knowing every parent on my boys sports teams and can share rides
and any time. |
Links
To & About Crookston MN
Google Map of Crookston
Crookston Walking Tour
Chamber
Web Page
Crookston
Times
University of
Minnesota
RiverView Health
Lots O'
Data/Facts
Mount St. Benedict Monastery
Catholic Diocese
Lake Agassiz
Regional Library
Public School District #593
Valley Technology Park
Crookston.com
Polk County Historical
Society
Crookston
Development Auth.
Community Pool
Crookston Youth Soccer
Crookston Youth Basketball
Crookston Blue Line Hockey
City
of Crookston Website
Some E-Mail Addresses:
Police@Crookston.mn.us
(send us your public email addresses)
Open
Position!
We are looking for someone interested
in video production- cameraman. Interest in Travel & Wildlife a
Plus! More INFO |
Local Web Pages:
(send us your links)
PrairieRV.com
4 Self Contained Campers
RBJ's
Spreadable Fruit and a Restaurant to boot!
Help
Desk Guys
Phone Support 4 your BIZ
AmericInn Lodge & Suites
Quiet Nights, Rest Assured
Golf Terrace Motel
Very Clean/Budget Priced
CrookstonHomes.com
Sharon Bushaw, Realtor
|
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I only lived in Crookston for two years but my mom lived there 51
years. We moved there in 1956 and I was a junior in HS at Crookston
Cathedral. It was a safe town with lots of beauty. You could walk
anywhere and the parents did not need to worry. It was a great place
to grow up and it still is a great place to raise your children. It
had a lot to offer in those days with the ice skating rink, two
theaters etc. I made some good friends in those 2 years and we are
still friends today.
Shari (Martin) Schlosser, AZ
Anyone that grew up in Crookston will always be
bound... what memories.. what a place to be a kid....
I like to find some one that could tell me more about
Pearl Harbor.. Leo Oclaires (sp?) play ground up by Washington grade
school... what a place and what a generous loving man.. and what a
warm toasty warming house in a good cold winter night...
I wish that some how we could get the All School
reunions going again... Anyone else interested let me know..
cpeach1@msn.com
PEACE, Peaches Gorder '
Mary Sue thanks for sending me this page....
(WEBMASTER ASKS, ANYONE GOT PICTURES OF
PEARL HARBOR?)
I love Crookston cause i went to central high 64 thru 67 and we were
a closely knit community. its nice that people can say hi to you
when your walking the streets or even the neighbors are all
friendly. i grew up in Crookston and it was small but a mighty
community. its got great surrounding towns also Grand Forks, Thief
River, Red Lake Falls, Gently, Fertile, man you never know what you
miss until there not around anymore for you to enjoy. All these
towns and many more I remember playing in hockey and football and
baseball and I still have many friends that still live in the town.
My dad used to own a woman's clothing store right below the Eagles
called Bray's Ready to Wear and there was a barber shop next to it
that I use to go to and get all my hair cuts by Butch. And
after that could go down a block to the swimming pool and it was a
nice pool diving boards and all. I even worked there a summer
or two. My friends some still live in Crookston and i miss them. so
enjoy it all. Deane Bray, class of 67 go Pirates! PS also remember
sand bagging many winters when the river ice would block under the
bridge and flood the Woods and Central Parks.
My father recently passed away. During the last few years of his
life he suffered from Alzheimer's disease. Even though he and my
mother had moved away from Crookston and back to St Paul. It is
Crookston that he always remembered.
You see my brothers and sisters and I all went to CHS. I was born
and raised in Crookston, and all of my formative years were spent
there. Some how, maybe through the grace of God, these are the
memories that my father never lost. When I would call him and say
hi, even though I live in Kansas now, he would always ask me how
things are at home, in Crookston. I think in his mind home and
happiness would always be found along the banks of the Red Lake
River.
There is no way I could place a value on the memories my family has
of that small town. It will always be home to me. When my dad
passed he was 87 years old. He lived only 20 of those in Crookston,
yet more than anywhere else, this was his home. There are many ways
that this could be found amazing. To me one of the greatest is that
my family is Mexican American. My dad grew up in Texas having to
drink water from the "colored" public fountains. When I was growing
up the Mexican population in the Crookston area came in the spring
and left in the fall, with only a few exceptions. Somehow, the
people of Crookston accepted my dad and his family. So much so that
in his final days, he remembered.
So thank you for creating this site. My dads 88th birthday would
have been later this month. When it happens, on the 19th of
September. I bet he will be in Crookston somewhere, remembering his
life and his family.
Thank you.
Marc Garcia Loving Son of Theodore P. Garcia
Crookston will always be
home to me, it is where I grew up going to Happy Joe’s and the 2
screen movie theatre…. I love the people, the familiar places, and
the memories. When my father (Jerry Forsberg) passed away in ’95 the
whole town embraced our family in love and support. He had 800
people show up to his visitation and funeral to pay their respects.
I will never forget how such a small town could have such a BIG
heart. When I come to a visit people still remember our family and
send a message of hello to my mom always. Thank you for being such a
beautiful place to grow up. Leah
I was born and raised in Crookston. I will admit when I was a senior
at Central High I couldn't wait to move out. I guess all teenagers
feel that way . So my best friend and I packed up and moved to NYC,
can't get much different from Crookston then New York. After getting
married my best friend Suzy and her husband moved back to Crookston.
My Husband was a military man for 27 years, so I have lived all over
the U.S and I can truthfully say "I love Crookston". We go "home"
once a year to visit my folks who still live there, and I would move
back tomorrow if it was totally up to me. I've see many
changes, but the people are still the same friendly people they
always were. When we go to Crookston we go the Legion for Fish fry
and people I haven't seen in 20-30 years still come up and say "HI."
I can say the memories I have growing up in Crookston in the 50's
and 60's will always be treasured.
Summer's in the outside pool, remember Wednesday night was family
night, and it was only 10 cents each if the family was there. My dad
and mom would fill our station wagon with half the neighborhood kids
and they all became family that night.
Every Sunday it was pack up the car with a large picnic and head to
Maple Lake for the day. Ice skating at the parks, or frozen
river or even turning on the garden hose and flooding the back yard
to make our own rink. Getting in free at the movies on
weekends , because Bridgman Creamery would give free movie passes
with 10 prove of purchase from their products. Hanging out the
the Crookston Hotel or Sekula's and having about six friends in a
booth sharing one large order of fries and one large coke. while we
spend all our money in the small juke boxes that were at every
booth. Waiting until it was late at night and real dark and
the kids in the block would all get together and play hide and seek
or just catch fire flies.
Waking along the railroad tracks in the spring and picking fresh
asparagus the grew wild there. Having "field day" at
Washington School every spring just before school ended for the
year. I was raised in the northern part of town and playing in
the culvert plant on North Broadway "without getting caught" brings
up all kinds of memories. The little wading pool in Central
Park. Snowmobiling on the frozen river in the winter.
Dances at Maple lake that I wasn't allowed to got to, but managed
to, with out being caught. Dances every Friday night at the
old Armory, my dad and his friends put them on. The old dime
stores Ben Franklin and Woolworths, and Woolworths cheesecake " I
have that recipe" worked for "Ms. Bussee" for a year, when my
husband was overseas and I moved back to Crookston with two kids
until he came home. The New York Store. Fashion City, Bray's,
C.O.D. Clothing, Rudtell's Clothing Store, Ramstad's hardware and
the toy store they would open at Christmas time. Gale at the Coast
to Coast store.
The soda fountain at Eagle Drug. Sliding down the hill by the
railroad bridge on an old car hood, in the winter. Building
snow forts big enough to stand in. Widman's candy and going
there with my grandma for a fountain cherry or chocolate coke. or
their homemade ice cream. I still think they make the BEST caramel
apples in the world. Playing in the river in the summer by the
old dam.
Remember the old ice house, on the river back by the train tracks,
behind Rocks Jewelry "It was the Ben Franklin Store back then."
Going to Peterson-Bidick's at Easter and getting Easter dyed baby
chicks for 10 cents each. Snow storms and white outs and
staying in a warm house drinking mom's homemade hot chocolate and
wishing we could go out and play in the storm. When your a kid and
want to play in the snow it was never to cold. Sundet's Hobby
Shop, I bet that brings up a lot of memories for a lot of people.
Red Owl, Piggly Wiggly, George-Pete's or Peter-George's depending on
who was talking.
Mr. Barnes and his famous boat paddle " who didn't get smacked by
that once in their life was never a teenager in Crookston!"
The Grill Cafe. The Spot Cafe, Blackies, Hasty Tasty, Gopher Grill,
Salem's Corner. Al's Pizza " first and only place I ever had shrimp
pizza". the pool hall next door. It was a simple life and it
was safe to let the kids play in the dark out side. And if you were
walking home on a really cold day and a stranger offered you a ride
you felt safe to take it. Every one knew who you were and if
you were to do something wrong, by the time you got home someone had
already called and told your parents. Or did that only happen to me?
Sliding down a snow hill on a piece of cardboard, the warming house
at the Central Park outdoor rink, summer band concerts in the park,
the "Little Swimming Pool", the candy store in the park, the outdoor
bathroom place, the merry-go-rounds that someone would inevitably
fall off of and then end up under while it was still whirling
around, the great swings and teeter-totters, Crazy Days, Ted's
popcorn stand, the first sip of A & W Root Beer when it finally
opened in the spring, Bonnie Bell Ten-O-Six, Yardley Lipstick
(white, yellow or blue frosted of course), Sylvia, the Cosmetic Lady
at Johnson Drug with her mile-high red hair, walking to Widman's on
a Sunday afternoon, hearing the wonderful words "Snow Day" at 6:00AM
on the radio, having a REAL library card which felt like a credit
card because our very own name was imprinted on it,
When our phone numbers started with "Atlantic 1". We would tell
people our telephone number by saying, "Call me at AT1-5544. The
wonderful Ice Follies. Ice skating all Christmas Eve day as hard as
we could to make the time go by fast before getting ready to go to
church, eat that grown-up dinner which took FOREVER . . . and then
finally open up presents. The great and free movie at the Grand on a
Saturday afternoon at Christmas time. Kids sat on their
sisters/brothers laps for the whole movie and all over the aisles.
Once they opened up the balcony . . . the thunder of hundreds of
little feet pounding up the steps to get one of the rarely opened
balcony seats which were hard as a rock but who cared because it was
just so exciting to be up there, the neon First National Bank clock,
the ushers with flashlights and ticket-takers with that metal stand.
Ordering a "Graveyard" at The Host (all kinds of pop mixed together
- really dangerous!), thinking drinking Coke with an aspirin would
get someone high, believing you'd get "blood poisoning" with you
wrote on your skin with ink. Winning pizzas from Johnny's by
figuring out the "Scramble." School Patrol and Patrol Camp.
Bluebirds and Campfire Girls. Swimming lessons at the pool and
earning pins or badges when you passed your test and proudly wearing
them on our bathing suits, bathing caps, getting a written note from
your mom saying that you babysat during the day so you would be
allowed to swim at night, babysitting for 25 - 50 cents an hour -
multiple kids - cleaned the house too!, ponchos, the Pirate Patter
handbook we got from Central when we started school, being a Candy
Striper at the hospital, Drum Corps, cruising the streets of Crook
for hours - "Wanna go cruisin'?
Thanks so much for putting together and maintaining this site. SUCH
FUN!!
I used to live in Crookston for many years. I really enjoy visiting
the friendly small town. It is such a clean and friendly
environment. Even after years of being gone, I’m still remembered by
someone every time I go into a store. I’ve made so many friends
there and miss them dearly. Keep up this great positive site. I bet
it’s getting a lot of hits. Brenda
I remember first hearing and seeing the Beatles record at a junior
high school dance in the, then, almost new gymnasium. It was
two nights later that they were on Ed Sullivan and changed the world
of music forever. On Monday morning some of the cool high school
boys were being kicked out of class because of their new stylish
haircuts. For me it all started that night, music, boys, really my
life
Back in the 70's when CB radios were so popular there used to be an
active CB Radio group. Some nights we would have a fox and
hounds game where 1 person would go and hide and then using our
Radios (and some hints) we would try to find them. Sometimes
the game would go on for hours. What great fun that was.
I remember the first flood of my life, in the late '60's.
Everyone was so working together to keep the river in it's banks.
Churches all over town were making sandwiches, this was before
bottled water and so there was Kool-Aid stands everywhere.
Even the sandbags were the old burlap style and we were filling them
way to full. But it sure brought everyone together and the
town was pretty much saved.
I love Crookston because of the memories. The beautiful tree
lines streets, the hot summers and cold winters. I loved the ice
skating rink in the winter, the roller skating rink in the summer
- one and the same thing. I loved the library and the swimming
pool. I loved Widmans, the Grand and Gopher theatres and the
Gopher Grill. I loved the Cathedral and the two high schools,
Cathedral and Central. There were great hockey and football teams
at both schools. Then there was the "AG College" too. It was a
wonderful place to bring up children. We wish we could just pick
it up and move Crookston out west to the Seattle area - then we
would truly have paradise.
Aunt Polly's Slough - Johnny Holmes band at the Viking - The
Viking! - Burlington Northern picnics at Wildwood park when we were
kids - Going to the Piggy Wiggly before it was the Legion to use the
phone after swimming - Devons - Vanity - Penny's - Mjoen's Sears -
A&W! always remember stopping there on way out to the lake for root
beer floats -
Buttenhoff's Pizza Place -Upper Deck! The Maves! best memories ever!
bartenders (DM, RH, LH, Gabe, Frito...) -KKXL nights at the Upper
Deck! - The Pepster - Cox's Bakery -
Green Stamps - Diamonds Bar & Lounge - drinking Orange Crush in
bottles as a kid - parties at Black Lagoons - Gravel Pits - Senior
Skip days at Union and Maple lake
 I love Crookston because of soo many things, mostly because of my
folks! Being brought up in Crookston will always be dear to my
heart. I love to talk about it! It is, and always will be "home" for
me even though I have lived many places. The memories are strong,
and I call upon them every chance I get. My favorite memories are
growing up in this quaint town. I'll reminisce some for you, my
pleasure.....
I have soo many fond memories of growing up in the Carmen addition
and going to Carmen school. Of course it was within walking
distance. Then there was ice skating on the outdoor rink on the
school grounds in the winter time. The closeness of the neighbors
who always watched out for you. On my trips home now, I still enjoy
walking down the "alley" to bring my daughter to the playground that
has no fences. I remember the neighborhood "penny" candy store,
owned by the Arel's, across the street from the Shanty. And speaking
of the Shanty (still my fav), I remember going trick or treating as
a kid, in Carmen, (by ourselves, much safer back then) and stopping
in the Shanty to get popcorn balls! The good old days of playing
outside till dark, under the street lights, and being called home by
a whistle. Things you never forget. Rhubarb, crab apples, choke
cherry trees and rich black dirt (which I don't see in GA). People
are so warm and welcoming. I compare the good, friendly, "Crookston"
people in all aspects of my life. I know one New York friend of
mine, tells me I must have been from "Mayberry", the way I tell her
my home town stories. To walk downtown or to walk home from h.s.
school in my younger days was fun. Some one you knew always drove by
and asked if you needed a ride. Everything seemed so simple growing
up in a close knit small town. All your neighbors looked out for
you. They would call you if they saw your lights on in the wee hours
to see if you are ok, or to tell you that you left your garage door
open. Where I live now, I don't know all my neighbors in our
subdivision, and that just seems odd to me. Everyone knows everyone
in Crookston. Parents know your friends and we know their parents.
It means so much to me to come back home and see everyone. Even if I
don't see my old friends, I stop to see their parents. You never
lose touch. To reiterate what another person wrote in this blog......it
doesn't matter how long you have been away from home, when you come
back it was like you never left, and you catch up like it was
yesterday. That is soo true. I enjoy "bumping" into old friends on
each visit home. I always see someone! From walking down Main
street, stopping to say hi to Mr. Maves, stopping at the Bank to say
hi to Beth, going to Widmans, seeing Lori at her office, going to
all my old stomping grounds, seeing all the relatives and friends,
going to the lakes, viewing Union Lake from on top of Jack's hill,
is all part of my "master to-do-to-see list" of things to do when I
get home. Sorry to say, I do miss one or two people on my list, as
just not enough time to do it all. Other fond memories of town is
that it was great being so close to Union and Maple Lake. As a fond
memory was driving out to the lake with Julie Janecky and she forgot
her curling iron! no problem, drive back and get it and drive back
out! Crookston was a great spot, close to all. Even choosing a
college, I choose MSU so I'd be close to home. Any weekend, some
Crookstonite would be driving home (RH), so rides were always fun
and available. High School was great in Crookston with all the
sporting events, especially hockey, with "Mount vs Central". Were we
really there to watch hockey?? and then that makes me think
of.....the "Hall Rat Gang". Anyway, Crookston is a great small town
to come home to. To live. To visit. To remember. I go over and over
the thought of moving back home (especially after each visit). I
never miss a class reunion. It brings all of our memories flooding
back when we get together and so wonderful to catch up. If you
ask my daughter why she loves Crookston...she'll say "Grandma, Papa,
AND HAPPY JOE'S!" I have to agree. Memories of all the weddings and
parties at the Eagles. No place on earth like that where you can
play Bingo at the same time. Crookston has a lot to offer with all
the seasons and everyone caring for their community. I also have
fond memories of swimming at the old outdoor pool for 25 cents, or
swimming all day at the lake and fishing for sunnies. People here in
GA ask me "how do they live in that cold weather?".......yet every
winter when I was growing up, you played out in the snow, you just
bundled up of course. I have a lot of friends from all over the
States, but nothing compares or brings me "home" like my Crookston
home town friends. Which reminds me of another reason why I love
Crookston....shooting tequila with GW! I could go on, but I wanted
to participate in the majority of all who have grown up in
Crookston, that we absolutely love it. Becky Leguee Siani
Each February, we hold a Crookston
Reunion in Arizona. The past few years, we’ve had over 150 attendees at
this event. Someone will start a conversation with , “Do you
remember…..” and others will respond and keep the conversations going
and growing and you can see smiles on their faces as they recollect the
good times they had and have in the Crookston area.
For those of us who were born and grew up in Crookston, it was a great
place and the values we were taught were passed along to our children
and their children, no matter where they may live. Tony Bennett,
left his heart in San Francisco and many of us left ours in Crookston.
RCK
I was one of "The Jeromes's Addition
Girls". There were eight of us and we had a wonderful time in
Crookston.. We were all active in our school and the community.
Among my memories, are that Mr. Ted Thorson appointed us to be Drum
Majors. We were so proud to lead the High School band down the
street. I,ve lived in the Big City for many years, but there is
nothing like growing up in a small town. My Best Regards to all. And
a PS. I did marry my high school sweetheart and we,ve just
celebrated our 66th anniversary! --MARVYL TORRANCE MILLER
PORTLAND, OR
Hey, I loved Crookston for I grew up there in the 1920's and 1930's
and very often think back to those years and recall the wonderful
small town environment. the Wednesday night band concerts in Central
park under the direction of T. W. Thorson, our high school marching
band on the fourth of July, the old ice skating rink in the park,
before the arena was built in Jerome's Addition. I loved walking to
the old Carneige library which was a great place to meet your girl
friend. Also, I loved the skiing on Sampson's Hill and clearing snow
on the frozen river to make an area for ice skating and playing
hockey. One knew where everybody lived and people watched out for
one another, especially Art Roy, the motorcycle cop. Remember the
"Mill Woods", now a city park, where we picked gooseberries and shot
our sling shots at birds. Crookston was such a very wonderful town
tp grow up in and after eighty years, I remember it with such
fondness. --GIFFORD W. MILLER--PORTLAND, OR
Crookston was a great place to grow up
because a kid had the freedom to do whatever he wanted to do, and
most of the things he wanted to do were free! I loved to hike by the
river, swim in it and the pool, ice skate in Central Park and the
arena, and hang out at Schreiter's, Wallace's, and Daniel's Drug
Stores. And I loved to be able to just hang out at the Playhouse and
the bowling alley. The Royal, Lyric, Gopher, and Grand Theaters were
fun places, too. Minnie Mike kept us busy with baseball in the
summer. I imagine it's different, nowadays, more organized, but it
was a blast living in Crookston when I was a kid, I guess that's why
I wrote Remembering Crookston: A Minnesota Memoir, because I had so
many pleasant memories about growing up in the place.
Chuck Dowdle
One if my best memories was going to Woolworth's and getting a hot
dog. They were on a toasted (on the sides) bun and had been
cooked in the deep fryer. YUM (Thank you Mrs. Bussee) Then a
visit past all the tropical fish in the back of the store and a bag
of air popped popcorn to bring home!
I had my first Chicken-in-the-Basket at "The Barrel." It was
so cool with the little honey packet to put on the toasted bun!
I remember waking into the Winter Shows building and that special smell
that was a mix of sawdust, and animals, and food venders and you just
knew that winter was almost over and spring would soon be here. The ten
cents-all you could drink milk at the 4-H booth was fun too.
My best memories are swimming in the outdoor pool everyday. It opened at
1:00 p.m. everyday and I was always one of the first ones in line to get
my wire basket with my number on it to put my towel. I always idolized
Nancy Johnson (Nelson). She had beautiful blonde hair; she was always
wearing a red or blue bandana. I wanted to be just like her. It was
where everyone played and socialized, all the neighborhood (town)
friends. It was a great work out trying to get away from the boys in the
water. I was pretty fast back than. Squinting all the time because I had
bad eyes, I still learned to see what I wanted too. No contacts back in
the early seventies.
Being a lifeguard or sometimes I acted like one; they would let me sit
in their chair sometimes. Than we would go to the old library and check
out Nancy Drew books. When I talk to people today they say their fondest
memories are of the Crookston outdoor pool. I hope the city of Crookston
would entertain the idea again (outdoor pool) no one wants to be inside
on a hot summer day. Or a water park or even a 2 foot splash park would
be used a lot. The baby boomers love water. I’m still a fish today
thanks to the Crookston OUTDOOR pool. LNW
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