Posted 01/02/2009

Minnesotans of all generations might enjoy the small town spunk of two places my wife and I visited last week: Mineral Point and New Glarus, Wisconsin. Like many communities, they have faced tough times. In both cases, they’ve responded with creativity and cooperation to draw in millions of dollars, and survive, as other places declined.

Mineral Point’s historians say that in the 1820’s, the town had more people than Chicago and Milwaukee combined. The town, about 50 miles southwest of Madison was the site of one of this nation’s first “mineral rushes” (like a gold rush, except that in this case, it was for lead). Miners from Cornwall in England were among those who streamed into the town, building many homes. The state of Wisconsin was first proclaimed in Mineral Point.

Early residents also tunneled into hills, living in caves they created. Some historians think these cave dwellers, nicknamed “badgers,” are part of the reason Wisconsin residents sometimes are given this name.

Eventually the lead (and later zinc) ran out, and most people left. The distinctive Cornish style homes were left to deteriorate, and many did. But in the mid 1930’s, two people, Bob Neal (who had grown up in Mineral Point) and Edgar Hellum decided that at least a few of these homes should be saved.

Over the next few decades, Neal and Hellum were joined by artists who loved the rolling hills, distinctive (and inexpensive buildings) and the growing community. In 2007, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Mineral Point one of a “dozen distinctive destinations” in the country. Midwest Living magazine selected it as “one of 100 best small town getaways.”

Even in very cold weather, there was wonderful warmth from people we met in Mineral Point. They’ve restored buildings large and small, and converted them into shops, studios, galleries and restaurants. (See for example, the accompanying pictures two caves located in The Walker House, a pub and restaurant being revitalized by the Dickinson family.)

30 hilly miles east of Mineral Point is New Glarus, one of the first places in the United States settled by people from Switzerland. Not surprisingly, that heritage is widely promoted in a variety of stores. But it’s also celebrated in several pageants, including one honoring the successful struggle of Wilhelm Tell (aka William Tell) and others for Swiss freedom. That pageant has been presented annually since 1938, drawing thousands of people a year. It’s performed both in German and English (take your pick) over the Labor Day weekend.

Another festival (and pageant) celebrates the story of Heidi. That’s been held for more than 40 years.

And there are other festivals (including an Oktoberfest). New Glarus also features both beer and wine that are produced locally.

What struck me in both towns was the intergenerational cooperation and can-do spirit. Business, community groups and local schools were united. There was a deep, warm, optimist and positive spirit in each community…worth supporting, and worth emulating.