The Jewell County Historical Society's museum opened in downtown Mankato in 1977. In conjunction with the open house held on the last Saturday of May, The community's main street was lined with old machines and a newspaper report of the event said their chugging, banging and clattering were deafening.

But the crowd gathered in Mankato did not seem to mind as the noise was part of a the holiday atmosphere which filled the afternoon.

There was plenty of local entertainment on hand including square dancing grade schoolers and gospel singing Baptists. Free ice tea, lemonade and cookies were availa...