The Minnesota Trip

last updated 13 February 2004

We waited way too long to visit Butch and Anita and Minnesota. The middle of September was a great time, spent with great friends, in the great State of Minnesota.

Places like Belle Plaine, New Prague, New Ulm, Waconia, and Minnetonka, all became part of our vocabulary as we traveled the roads of Minnesota. From Concertinas to crafts to relaxing "at home," to the Mall of America, we managed to do a lot in just a few days. Pictures tell the story best, so check out 'Our Trip."

Off the plane and down the ramp to our arrival gate and we were all set for our first visit to Minnesota. Butch and Anita were waiting and, of course, Anita had her camera ready to take this photo.

Butch Herrmann, Jerry Minar and myself in Jerry's recording studio. Here Jerry, and his Hengel, is sandwiched by a couple of "Star" boxes. Talking and playing concertina is a way of life for Jerry Minar in New Prague. He loves the music and the concertina.

Brown's Music in New Ulm is an accordion and Concertina player's dream store. The walls are lined with accordions and concertinas. The racks are filled with accordion and concertina music and Vitak-Elsnic books, and Polytone amps are everywhere. That's owner Bill Brown and myself in front of a wall of concertinas. A visit to Bill's workshop, outback, found accordions from all over the world in for repair and concertinas in various states of reconditioning. I could have spent the entire day there.

Butch Herrmann and myself in front of the concertinas at Brown's Music. The sign near the accordions and concertinas says, "Play Me," so we did. To be honest, I think we played just about every Concertina including and "Andrew" Triple with a low "C" and a fabulous Triple reed Glass that is about as grindy at you could ever want. Thanks to Bill, Helen and Bob Brown for their hospitality and spending time with us. We'll be back!

Anita, Butch and Adele take a break while you know who is taking the photo. Concertinas, craft shows, Christmas shops, New Ulm Gift shops, the Shell Brewery, the Mall of America and some time to just sit, talk and relax, were all on the agenda.

Christy Hengel's name is known throughout the entire Midwest as "The Concertina Maker." Now semi-retired, he still manages to make a few boxes. A visit to his home/shop is something all concertina players should experience. A recipient of numerous National and local awards, Christy was featured in National Geographic magazine in January 1991. Manufacturing concertinas since 1955, he is an encyclopedia of concertina history.

The Shelves of Christy Hengel's place are overcome with concertinas. But, not only the shelves, the closets, corners, and even the bathroom is filled with concertinas of all types, sizes, shapes, sounds and makes.

All good things "must" come to an end and here we are at the US Air check in, just before boarding the plane. When you leave good friends, you are struck by mixed emotions. You treasure the time together but hate to see the time come to an end. Of course, there is always the next time. Butch and Anita, we'll be back.