Two weeks ago, I spent 24 hours in Marshall, Minnesota. Here’s the story. Friend Nick lives in Marshall with his wife, Celia. They wed during the pandemic, a ceremony Paula and I watched on our computer. Nick is a terrific baseball companion, including an unforgettable five-game road trip in 2019 – Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh.
Friendships, like any long-term investment, require ongoing vigilance… and periodic deposits. So, when a seam in my calendar emerged, I texted Nick, asking about October 21-22. He responded positively. Paula was out of town and my overnight guests caught an early morning flight home. Saturday mid-morning, I embark on a 144-mile, autumnal drive.
My initial destination is Walnut Grove Mercantile, their family business on the edge of Marshall, where Nick and his mom give me a tour. Nick’s grandfather started the company seven-plus decades ago. I notice numerous “best of show” awards for their honey, now a relatively small portion of their business, fudge being the company’s mainstay.
After lunch at Nick and Celia’s – wild rice soup, a Minnesota staple – we make our way to nearby Camden State Park, savoring pleasant fall weather. We then quench our thirst at the first-ever Knights of Columbus “Oktoberfest” at the 4-H Building, Lyon County Fairgrounds. Six beverage options from local “Brau Brothers Brewery,” bratwurst and sauerkraut, two polka bands. We’re joined by Celia’s parents and uncle, and by Father Shawn, sporting his clerical collar.
Our table tracks loosely on the Hawkeye-Gopher game. With two minutes left, we access the video feed via cell phone, watching without sound. A Hawkeye punt return prompts groans from our table. The chyron score changes from Minnesota 12, Iowa 10 to Minnesota 12, Iowa 16. After considerable consternation, which we’re unable to follow, the 12–10 score is restored. Game over, table happy, Father Shawn accepts gratitude for the miraculous ending. Oktoberfest gemütlichkeit!
Before departing the Fairgrounds, Nick shows me the rolle bolle courts. I’m generally up on such matters – admittedly, self-assessment – but I’ve never even HEARD of rolle bolle (rhymes with roly-poly). It’s a Belgian team sport, a blend of bowling, bocci, and horseshoes. From Wikipedia: “In North America, Rolle Bolle is played in rural areas ranging from Iowa to Winnipeg, in towns settled by Belgian emigrants. States and provinces include Illinois, Iowa, Manitoba, Minnesota, Indiana, and Wisconsin.” Seven miles away, Ghent, Minnesota, population 374, calls itself “Rolle Bolle Capital of the World”. Those zany Belgians! Who knew?
Night falls. Celia’s parents and uncle join us on Nick and Celia’s front porch, light jackets required. Comfortable family chatter. “Heard it might snow later this week…” this sort of thing. Sunday AM, Nick, Celia, and I walk the half-mile from their home to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, where we sit behind Nick’s parents, his brother and sister, both friends of mine. Magnificent sanctuary, largest parish in the Diocese of New Ulm. Father Shawn celebrates the Mass and visits with us afterwards. I meet Nick’s dad, who’s returned from a stamp collecting trip to the Twin Cities.
The upshot of this ramble: To know people – to really know them – see them in their home, in their work setting, in their community. Break bread at their table. Meet their families. Attend church with them. Obviously, this isn’t “new news”, although it’s worth noting: when doing something like this, you’re apt to encounter something previously unknown – rolle bolle, anyone?
These ramblings often cite the value of relationships, a belief supported by public opinion. Pew Research Center reports 61% of Americans say having close friends is extremely or very important to a fulfilling life. (Comparable figures: having children, 26%; having a lot of money, 24%; being married, 23%.) Wow!
To engage in meaningful friendships involves connecting with people where they are, in this instance, a classic emersion experience. It also requires an investment of time, always a precious commodity. I gained much from my 24-hour stay in Marshall, something as basic, yet beneficial, as a fun, old-timey weekend with valued friends. Time spent… or time invested? Your thoughts?
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* — For non-German speakers / readers, loosely translated as a feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer… the feelings you might have while sharing a beer with friends at an Oktoberfest celebration. The good cheer is derived through interactions with others, from a general sense of community.
The photo above is courtesy of the rolle bolle website (www.rollebolle.org).
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