Alphabe - Thursday Z is for Zumbrota

ALPHABE - THURSDAY




Our letter for Jenny's Alphabe - Thursday is " Z "


From Zumbro Valley we'll stop by

Zumbrota, Minnesota. 

I'm thinking somebody

was a poet and didn't know it!

They say,
it's also the only Zumbrota in the world.

One important fact about Zumbrota, is that it's known for having Minnesota's only Covered Bridge.

.....and like most towns they all have their own special set of rules, one must live by.

The Sign says, $10.00 Fine for driving faster than a walk across this bridge.

Inside the covered bridge, looking out over the Zumbro River.


The Zumbrota Covered Bridge Park encompasses 44 acres but it's also in walking distance to their business district.

This Carnegie Library has ties to Carnegie Hall. (more about that after a peek inside)


Originally built as a library for Zumbrota, with funds from Andrew Carnegie, it's now called, Crossings at Carnegie and functions as a community music venue, and arts and education center.


I know you'll enjoy a few shots from inside the gift shop.

Just hanging out ...... waiting for another piece of wood to be carved into somebody.

Everything here has been crafted by local artists.

On November 27, 1906 the city of Zumbrota secured $6,500 from Andrew Carnegie for their library. It was the smallest Carnegie Library built in Minnesota and opened in May 1908.

Andrew Carnegie was born in Dunfermline, Scotland and emigrated to the United States in 1848 with his parents. 
A "rags to riches" story.
He made most of his fortune in steel.
In 1901 he sold the Carnegie Steel Company in 1901 for $480 million to J.P. Morgan.

Amazingly, his first job was in a bobbin factory, then bill logger for the owner and soon after a messenger boy, again he stepped up the ranks within the telegraph company.
Until he built Pittsburgh's Carnegie Steel Company.  Through a merger with other steel companies he eventually built U.S. Steel.

Carnegie was an important philanthropist and big on education.
The man who gave us Carnegie Hall, had a net worth of $298.3 billion in 2007 dollars according to the List of wealthiest historical figures.

Bank of Zumbrota

It's nice to see

Small town charm

big on community!

 A community bank locally owned and managed by local people

serving their community with integrity.

Back at the Covered Bridge Park

I think a few of the local artists must have had their hammer and saws out to put their children's play center "Kid's Kingdom" together.


The park also features, a camp ground, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.  Besides, picnicking, horse shoes, and some interesting historical objects
like this

Two stall jail cell!

I heard many stories around town, about how this double jail cell arrived at the park.
One reaching back to the Civil War.

This is only a mere glimpse into Zumbrota.

Outside the Clay Studio at the Crossings at Carnegie.

If you're in the area in late June, you might want to check out the Covered Bridge Festival.  I know I will.





If you want to view more letter Z post go here
at Jenny's blog "Off on my tangent"

http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/2012/05/alphabe-thursday-letter-z.html