Six Feet Under: A Graveyard Guide to Minnesota

If you're a cemetery fanatic like I am, then this is the book for you!  Stew Thornley has put together the stories and final resting places of some of Minnesota's most interesting people. 375 in all! As you begin to read his stories, very well researched I might add, he will take you on a mental journey thru the state of Minnesota and introduce you to people ... [well, you know] ... that you probably never even knew existed..... until now that is! My personal goal is to follow his footsteps and to see for myself these people who lie "Six Feet Under"!!!

Author: Stew Thornley

Murder In Minnesota

If you have ever wondered what ambition, greed, lust, and love, were capable of, then this book is for you! The book covers 16 actual cases that took place between 1858 and 1917, all in the state of Minnesota! The author makes every attempt to present the evidence in a way so that every reader can decide for themselves if the justice fit the crime. Did racism, or prejudice play a role? And what about a little whiskey? Could that have helped matters? Were every one of the convicted truly " guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt"? That's something you'll have to determine for yourself! You won't be able to put this book down! Of that I am definitely "guilty"!!!

Author: Walter N Trenerry

Oddball Minnesota

Something I've made as a goal for myself as I travel the great state of Minnesota is to enjoy and appreciate the traditions and values of the Minnesota people. As the immigrants from Europe started coming into the state in the mid 1800's, they brought with them the traditions and practices of the old country and made them a part of their new life here. I always have my well worn copy of this book along, ready to reveal the unique attractions that lie along my path. And trust me, the attractions are everywhere! Nicely organizing the state into regions, this book quickly reveals what is in the vicinity and what to look for. [Did I mention great directions too!] It gives a excellent description of the attractions you will see. The Spam Museum, The Jolly Green Giant, Tiny Tim, or the comic strip Character Peanuts, and many many more .. It's all right here in the proud state of Minnesota! And you thought all they had was water!!! Buy it now!

Author: Jerome Pohlen

Oddball Iowa

If you thought that Iowa was just a big flat field with nothing but corn and beans, you have been terrible misinformed. And NO... it's not the "potato" state either. Whether it be the "World's Smallest Church" or the "World's Largest Steam Powered Tractor", Iowa has claim to both. How about Merideth Wilson and Music Man Musical? Yup, Iowa lays it's claim! And How about Hart-Parr tractors? It eventually became Oliver Tractors in Charles City. Did you know that the origins of the tractor John Deere was developed by a man named John Froelich, in Froelich, Ia? Now of course it's the John Deere Tractor Works out of Waterloo, Ia. How about a 3 hole outhouse on the National Register of Historic Places? The original motorcycle out of Easy Rider... Peter Fonda.. remember? How about the world's oldest Dairy Queen. The first Phillips 66  service station. The Golden Delicious apple? Iowa has more going for it than you could ever imagine. And the proof is all here in this incredible book: Oddball Iowa, by author Jerome Pohlen. If you live in Iowa, or even close by.... you should have this book in your travel bag and start checking this place out! Now where was that mule cemetery again!

Author: Jerome Pohlen

Scenic Driving Minnesota

With all of the forests and iron range peaks and quarries... rolling landscapes of farmland and it's 10,000 lakes, do you think Minnesota claims even one straight road? Would it even want one? With all the differing landscapes and variety of industries and with all it's natural resources, Minnesota is a state where the roads meander and wind and twist along. Always reaching their destination, but making sure that you appreciate it's spectacular scenery along the way. Even something as simple as a sunset or sunrise becomes  a painting of breathtaking beauty with Minnesota's natural landscape in the foreground.

Author Phil Davies takes you on a total of 22 different scenic tours thru all the regions of Minnesota so that none of it's spectacular beauty is left out. He gives you great maps along with an ample amount of photos to help you along your way. The best times of the year to go, along with highway numbers, special attractions, local services and a general description of the area, are all included. What a great book to have if you want to check out Minnesota's fascination natural and man made resources! You won't miss a detail with this book along!

Author: Phil Davies

Iowa Curiosities

Have you ever went for a week end get away and stayed in, of all places, a pyramid? Well you can in Iowa! How about seeing a 25 foot statue of the Indian maiden Pocahontas? Yup! She's in Iowa too! How about a town with a medieval castle and protected by armored knights? How about a Hillbilly festival? And Buddy Holly. Remember him? The Big Bopper? Ritchie Valens? The Surf Ballroom where all three last played before dying later that night in a plane crash, along with the pilot. Yes, there's a beautiful memorial at the crash site. The songs "Peggy Sue, Donna, and Chantilly Lace"? If you listen quietly, those songs still fill the air in northern Iowa.

How about the Worlds Largest Strawberry? Or the Worlds Largest Cheeto? The Worlds Largest Catfish?

Like suspense? The learn about the Vallisca Murders that took place in 1912! The site of the worst mass murder in Iowa's history. You can even spend a night in the house if you're daring enough. Even a tour of the cemetery if you want more yet! And did I mention that Bonnie and Clyde visited Iowa? Jesse James and the gang?

Written with a fun and entertaining style, you'll soon learn that Iowa has something for everybody! This book is a must read!!!

Author: Dan Coffey and Eric Jones. Contributions by Berit Thorkelson

Sacred Sites Of Minnesota

If you have a love for history, then you realize how devastating the loss of a historical artifact is! It's gone forever! But that is exactly what has happened to so many of the sacred places across the country. Especially our cemeteries. More so than you can imagine. The very people who settled the land, who fought for our freedom, who built the towns and left their mark with their habits, their religions and their  practices. The people who sowed the seeds of what we have to day.... have been largely forgotten.

The authors of this book have spent hours upon hours gathering valuable information about the sacred historical places in the state of Minnesota, 350 in all. The facts, the data, and the stories will draw you in and your thirst to know more will only be quenched by reading more of the contents of this well written and unique book. Over 60 photographs accompany the articles, along with a complete index and appendix making it easy to learn more or even to visit these sites.

It's a book with a cause, and that is to save and respect the sacred sites of our ancestors. Don't we owe them that much. This book is one of my favorites!

Author: John-Brian Paprock & Teresa Peneguy Paprock

Minnesota Travel Companion

This is one of the most fantastic books ever written about the beginnings of the state of Minnesota. Easy to read, it presents hundreds of historical facts about Minnesota's major travel routes, and the towns that lay along them. Have you ever wondered where some of Minnesota's towns got their names? It's in here! Lots of them!  There are fascinating details presented about some of the obstacles that stood in the early pioneers way and how those obstacles were overcome! The rivers and the lakes... sometimes friend, and sometimes foe, but conquered regardless! And the railroads...why did they go where they went. Why did some towns boom, and why did some towns bust! What role did the Indians play in the settling of Minnesota. Illustrated with scaled maps and 160 photos from the Minnesota Historical Society, the author gives you just enough detail before moving on to make the stories exciting and unique! It makes no difference whether you like to travel from the comfort of your favorite chair, or you like to jump in the car and go, everything you need is here in the pages of this informative book. It's a winner!

Author: Richard Olsenius