Northfield Downtown Development Corporation

Steve Edwins, of the Historic Preservation Commission, and Hayes Scriven, of the Northfield Historical Society, quickly assembled a group of interested parties for a meeting this morning. The topic was the creation of a website, or at least a web presence, of what was referred to as a “Historic Walking Tour Podcast”.

The idea, continuing threads of 10 to 20 years of various discussions, was advanced as a result of one of the sessions at the recent Historic Preservation Conference. The specific inspiration was New Ulm’s historic tour.

In addition to Edwins and Scriven (and, of course, me), Joe Hargis of Carleton College, Kathy Feldbrugge of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Lynn Young of the Northfield Public Library participated, watching New Ulm’s show and voicing their enthusiasm for the piece. Representatives of St. Olaf College and the Arts and Culture Commission were invited but unable to attend on such short notice.

Edwins suggested that the power of New Ulm’s podcast was the linking of historic sites with heritage stories. In addition to bringing history to life, the stories offer another compelling reason to visit the featured community.

He went on to cite other examples of powerful web-based “tour guides”. Grand Marais, Minnesota, Chino Hills, California and Tallinn, Estonia were among those highlighted by Edwins.

The group also explored related topics, including the need for a central and neutral portal with clear and appealing links to other sites, organized by interest areas such as arts and culture, economic development, history, and shopping. During the discussion, all the attendees voiced recognition of the effectiveness of enhancing text with images.

Everyone praised the New Ulm concept and offered their assistance to the Northfield initiative. Hayes is going to convene another, and larger, gathering in the near future, at which experienced potential resource people will present to the participants.

This weekend’s events strike me as a rather literary mix.

Friday, September 26th, there’s a lecture, “Preserving Culture: Evolving Traditions and Outside Influences Facing the Ecuadorian Amazon”, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., in the Gould Library at Carleton College, by Joseph Molinarc, professor of art at Eastern Kentucky University, Kids Night at the YMCA, 6 to 9 p.m., in the Armory, 519 Division Street, a Book-signing and Discussion: Northfield Reads, “Riding Shotgun: Women Write About Their Mothers”, 7 p.m., Boliou 104 at Carleton College, a Guest Recital, Spencer Meyer, Christiansen Hall of Music, at St. Olaf College, Aaron Kaufman, 7 to 9 p.m., at Hogan Brothers Acoustic Cafe, 415 Division Street and local favorites The Last Known Whereabouts, at The Contented Cow, 302B Division Street.

Saturday, September 27th, there’s a Coffee Tasting, 9 a.m., at Just Food Co-op, 516 South Water Street, a Book Release Party, noon, at River City Books, 306 Division Street, for Laura Goering’s “Whistling Wings”, a new children’s book, Norman’s favorite, The Eggmen, are at The Contented Cow, 302B Division Street, and Joey Heinz is at the Tavern Lounge, in the backside of The Archer House, a historic river inn located at 212 Division Street.

Sunday, September 28th, it’s all about The Cow, with Policy and a Pint at 6 p.m. and Northern Roots Session at 7:30 p.m.

…after all, it’s when those wild and crazy historic preservationists are going to start showing up.

There’s a pre-conference reception (September 18th) at the Northfield Historical Society, 408 Division Street, welcoming the folks attending the statewide Historic Preservation Conference, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Hayes Scriven tells me that there’s free wine and cheese.

Speaking of free wine and cheese, there’s also ChARTdonnay Thursday, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at ArtOnWater Gallery, 217 South Water Street. Come check out the work of Mark Daehlin and Ingrid Bjerstedt Rogers.

And speaking of yet more free wine and cheese, finally, there’s the Northfield Liquor Store Wine Club, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Grand Event Center, 316 Washington Street. In addition to the samples of fine wines, there’ll be baguettes from Brick Oven Bakery and cheese from Just Food Co-op.

Oh, and Ian Alexy is playing at The Tavern Lounge, river side of the Historic Archer House, 212 Division Street.

Friday (September 19th), Bonnie and the Clydes are playing at The Contented Cow, 302 Division Street, from 8 to 11 p.m., and Cam Waters is playing at The Tavern Lounge and then on Saturday (September 20th), Christina and Peter at playing at The Contented Cow, 7 p.m., Chad Johnson is playing at Froggy Bottoms, 9 p.m., and Relativity is playing at The Tavern Lounge.

Also on Saturday, there’s an Opening Reception at the Carleton College Art Gallery for “World Ceramics: Transforming Women’s Traditions”, from 8 to 10 p.m. “Science, Art and the Imagination” continues at the Flaten Art Museum on the St. Olaf Campus.

…and if those wild and crazy preservationists are still around on Sunday night, they can join in “Politics and a Pint” at The Cow.

The NDDC’s Block Head Gathering this morning was both a good time and a productive session. Over thirty downtown building and business owners met this morning at J. Grundy’s Rueb-N-Stein to discuss issues of interest.

The group shared stories of life during the summer construction projects. Several attendees suggested that a portion of the project’s budget should address adverse impacts on businesses. EDA President Rick Estenson and City of Northfield Interim Economic Development Director Jody Gunderson said that currently the resources aren’t available but that the idea could be further explored. Both suggested that the balance between the EDA’s efforts on supporting existing businesses and recruiting future businesses in the pursuit of greater overall economic vitality is being evaluated.

A number of participants offered their experiences with “Back Door Business”, including Jerry Bilek of Monkey Read, Linda Schneewind of digs and Kathy Collison of Glass Garden Beads. These are sources of income other than sales out the front door of the retail shop and include internet sales, special services and product manufacturing. Scott Taylor, Small Business Instructor from South Central College in Faribault, said that retailers now work to generate 20 to 40% of their income from these alternative lines. Several of the attendees noted that their back door business now accounts for between 20 and 50% of their income.

Blake Abdella of the Northfield Enterprise Center told the group that he and his College Board of Business Consultants and Experienced Business Advisors were available to work with people on business plans. He, along with Jody Gunderson and Rick Estenson, are ready to work with businesses on structuring private and public financing.

A number of potential future topics were raised, including the Outside Dining Ordinance, the Downtown Code of Conduct, ideas for a Holiday Sales Boost, accessing St. Olaf’s Fiber Backbone, and an on-line Main Street Market. The group agreed to gather again in mid-November.

The buzz surrounding the Friends of the Library’s Third Annual Adult Spelling Bee begins. This year’s bee will be held next Thursday, September 25th, 7 p.m., at the Grand Event Center.

The theme for 2008 is Bees at Work, and proceeds from the bee will go toward expanding the library’s business resource area. Hey, talk about increasing Northfield’s business-friendliness!

Will Healy will be emcee for the event again this year. Paul Zorn, who was a member of the winning St. Olaf team the past two years, will serve as pronouncer for the event. Finally, the other teams will have a chance!

If you’d like to compete as a team, sign-up sheets are available at the library reference desk, the Friends of the Library web site, or by calling 645-6566. Otherwise, it’s a great spectator sport.

So come on down(town) for the Bee!