Le Sueur County Pioneer Power Pioneer Ladies Building and Broom Making
A large display building in the northwest corner of the show grounds is home to many ladies related displays. Some of the exhibits include kitchen displays, antique ladies hats, vintage wedding dresses, quilting, porcelain painting, rag rugs, wheat weaving, punchneedle, and much more. A demonstration given daily by Anne Smisek Jans about antique ladies hats. Be sure to stop and see these displays. Broom making is also done in this building, see below for info on making brooms.
If you have a talent you’ve learned from your Parents, Grandparents or Great Grandparents and you would be willing to demonstrate during the Aug. show, please contact
Lee Ann at:
507-382-9255.
Broom Making
The broom making operation draws alot of interest. The broom making equipment dates to the 1830’s. Brooms are for sale. Shown is the broom corn used to make the brooms.
The broom factory equipment was donated by Irene Klammer to Pioneer Power in 1985. The Mankato Broomworks was established in 1908 and operated until 1921 by Rudolph Backhertz. Mrs Klammer purchased the equipment in 1950 and operated it as the Mankato Broom Co. until October 1961.
Oscar Dagan of Eagle Lake, Mn. was instumental in getting this equipment donated to Pioneer Power.