November 2002

In this issue:

There's More to Explore at the Mill

A Look Back: Early Milling Day

Peterson's Event Preview

Value Bin

Minnesota's Wonderful Winter Birds

Join our Focus Group

C&S Suet 49¢


There's More to Explore at the Mill

Peterson’s is growing to bring you more of what country living has to offer. This first issue of “Peterson’s Country Mill” introduces you to our new brand name and theme that will carry throughout the expansion of our store.

Our garden center is being converted into a 8,400-square-foot, glass-enclosed showplace with fresh ideas for every season. You’ll find everything you need and more of what you want including outdoor landscaping and decorating ideas as well as outdoor/patio furnishings.

Change is underway in all of our departments. Beyond our new garden center, you’ll find more of what you are looking for in pet and horse care supplies, hobby farm and fence equipment, gifts and apparel.

As before, Peterson’s carries the finest quality brand-name merchandise including Carhartt clothing and Red Wing shoes. Our full line of pet and horse supplies range from Hubbard, Purina and Cargill to our own special feed mixes as well as Farnam healthcare products.

Along with the new, Peterson’s is committed to preserving the past. Our country mill has a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century. In the coming months, you will see and learn more about the important role that the mill played in the development of this region. Through displays, exhibits, artifacts and photographs, Petersons’ will weave the past into the present for a fun-filled family adventure.

Peterson’s also will be expanding on its weekend event and entertainment schedule. Look for details of upcoming events in our monthly newsletter. This issue previews Santa Days in December, and Peterson’s Tack Swap and Equine Education Day, which will be held in February. Look forward to next month’s issue for news on Peterson’s Open House celebration, coming in spring.

From collectible to contemporary, events to exhibits, horse feed to garden seed, Peterson’s Country Mill specializes in the simple pleasures that country living is all about. Our friendly staff welcomes you to enjoy the experience.

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A Look Back: Early Milling Days

Following is one of a series of vignettes illustrating the history of Peterson’s Country Mill. Special thanks to Max Malmquist for his assistance in providing information.

The year is 1899; President William McKinley is in the White House and John Lind was inaugurated as Governor of Minnesota in January. The mid 1890s marked the new Age of Industrialism, and ideas of bigger machines and mass production are spreading around the world. Except for the muscle of men and horses, steam is the primary source of power that fuels the trains, ships and factories of the day.

The milling of grain is an important industry. New strains of winter-hardy spring wheat and new milling processes have recently been developed, and Minnesota leads the world in the production of flour. With the growth of flour milling comes the grain trade. What will be known in future years as the Minneapolis Grain Exchange is soon to be established.

North of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., in the rural community of North Branch, a group of directors meet in June to adopt the articles of incorporation for a milling company, which is the predecessor of Peterson’s Mill. J.A. Rystrom, C.A. Eckstrand, Alfred Magnison, Wm. Rovell, Robert Striker, H.O. Herreid, E.M. Dahlby, and N.T. Anderson have commenced building the mill with the expectation that it will be completed in time to grind the new crop.

The mill will be managed by Thos. Kaye, a well-known business man and successfull miller. Robert Striker will be in charge of the steam-powered engine room. A former steamboat navigator, Striker is a capable engineer. The North Branch Milling Company will grind wheat and rye for the production of cereals and flour including ‘Kitchen Queen’ and ‘Model Home’ flour. Farmers are encouraged to bring their wheat and rye crops to be milled. A market price of 60 cents is offered on the bushel.

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Peterson's Event Preview

Santa Day, December 14
Santa will be visiting our store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can pose with Santa for digital or print photos. There will be gifts, goodies and fun activities as well as Christmas zoo animals to add to the holiday excitement and cheer.

Tack Swap, February 1
You won’t want to miss the fun at our tack swap, which is quickly becoming an annual tradition at Peterson’s Mill. Sharpen up your horse tradin’ skills and get back in the saddle with new and gently used tack and tools. Get together with friends and fellow equine hobbyists who take their horse-riding fun seriously.

Equine Education Day, February 22
February is horse health-care month at Peterson’s Country Mill, which will culminate with our Equine Education Day. Experts will be on hand to answer questions on proper horse nutrition, worming, foaling and much more. A variety of Behlin stalls and Sioux brand equipment will be on display. Enjoy event discounts on popular Purina horse feeds.

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Value Bin

Carhartt Clothing In Stock Now!
Ward off the winter chill with quality Carhartt apparel and accessories. Our selection of Carharrt clothing is at its peak. Choose from a wide variety of outerwear, including coats and coveralls.

 

Colossal Clearance Savings
We’re making room in our store for great new items, which means that others will have to go! Watch marked shelves for discounts.


Minnesota's Wonderful Winter Birds

Now, before winter sets in, is a good time to restock your bird food supply and inspect the condition of your bird feeders. A little effort will go a long way in helping the birds survive and increasing your bird-watching enjoyment.

Planning for winter bird feeding is easy. There are three main choices of food: large seeds, small seeds and suet. Feeds that are comprised of black-oil sunflower seeds and cardinal mixes are high in energy and appeal to the widest variety of winter birds.

Peterson’s Country Mill carries a broad assortment of birdseed mixtures and a variety of attractive and sturdy feeders. Our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you with choosing a seasonal variety to attract and retain more bird species.

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Join our Focus Group

Peterson’s Country Mill is looking for a few neighborly friends to help us plan and promote upcoming exhibits, displays and events. The primary objective of this group is to gain insight into the wants, needs and interests of our community and clientele. We ask that our focus-group volunteers come prepared to share ideas, memories and opinions while having a good time at our monthly meetings. We’re looking for a variety of people to join us; people who are new to the community as well as long-time residents. This is a great way to get in touch with your creative side while you collaborate with colleagues and friends. We promise to keep topics light, cups filled and meetings brief. If you would like to know more about joining Peterson’s focus group, please complete the information and check the appropriate box on the subscription form below. Bring the form with you on your next visit to the Mill, or e-mail us at info@pnbmill.com

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C&S Suet 49¢

For a limited time, Peterson’s is offering C&S Suet Treats for this special low price. Supplies won’t last, so come in and stock up! C&S Suet Treats are available in a wide variety of seed and fruit mixtures.

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Lecture: Parasites—
Cause, Effects and Control

with Karen Cull Loudon,
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, December 12

Santa Day
Saturday, December 14

Lecture: Shaping a Hoof
with Pat Schroeder,
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 14

Lecture: Equine Nutrition
with Sue Kelly, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, January 9

Peterson’s Tack Swap
8 am - 6 pm, Saturday,
February 1

Lecture: Mares in Foal—
Their Special Needs

by Sunrise Vet Services,
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, February 6

Winter Fest
Weekend of February 8 - 9
Equine Education Day
8 am - 6 pm,
Saturday February 22

Lecture: Vaccines—Cheap Insurance
by Sunrise Vet Services,
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, March 13

Chemical Trade Show
Saturday, March 29

Peterson’s Open House
Thursday, April 3 -
Sunday April 6