Steele County Historical Society

It was a race between the Minneapolis and Winona rail lines. Which would get to Owatonna first and claim right-of-way? The Steele County Historical Society’s Daniel Moeckly shares the excitement of the rail lines coming to Owatonna and how the improved transportation options benefited the city...

The first murder trial ever held in Steele County took place in 1860. A 35-year-old German named Henry Kreigler supposedly abused his wife, causing her to flee to a neighbor. Kreigler was then accused of murdering that neighbor in Freeborn County...

Barry Adams describes the conditions Owatonna’s National Guard Company I experienced during its stint fighting Pancho Villa along the Mexican border in 1916. New episodes featuring Rice and Steele county history are posted to the KRFO-AM YouTube channel and krforadio...

The Little Theatre of Owatonna recently wrapped up its 50th season. Jerry Ganfield shares some of the behind-the-scenes details that go into launching and sustaining a successful community theater troupe. New episodes featuring Rice and Steele county history are posted to the KRFO-AM YouTube channel and krforadio...

Steele County Fair Marketing Director Todd Hale reports that an all-time record was set this year for Mega Ride ticket sales with 5,477 for the all-you-can-ride wristbands.

You can't change history but you can put more of it on display. That's what the Steele County Historical Society will do at the Village of Yesteryear during the fair.

Steve Groening presents the KOBK news for July-August 1916. Topics include a new bridge over the Straight River, the Jefferson Highway and its new logo, Owatonna’s Company I has a permanent camp on the Mexican border, selling bonds to build a new high school, and the Minnesota Women’s Christian Temperance Union convention...

Did you know Owatonna was home to a German prisoner of war camp during World War II? Jerry Ganfield shares some information about the camp, which was on land held by the Cashman family, and some information about the Steele County Historical Society’s display...

The second annual Gus' Station Car Show is set for Saturday, July 16, at the Village of Yesteryear in Owatonna. Hours will be 8:30AM to noon. There will be dash plaques to the first 75 entries, with trophies to the top 10 vehicles. It's free admission...

Jerry Ganfield tells us how the Steele County Historical Society acquired the Pillsbury Cannon from its location at the former Pillsbury Academy at South Grove and East Main Street. It was restored and installed on the historical society grounds in Owatonna near the Dunnell House...