The day began with prairie games like hoop and stick and scarecrow tag as a chance for kids to get their morning wiggles out. Once everyone was settled, Christine Koester, the class instructor introduced both pioneer style chores and the Kiesling House where the event took place.

“The Kiesling House survived the US – Dakota war of 1862, a tornado in 1881, a blackbird infestation, and even a grasshopper plague–it survived many, many things, and it’s the only wooden structure left from that era,” explained Koester. “Settlers would have had to work very hard to manage their home back in 1861.”

After introductions, the class split in half to tend the house’s two gardens. Half the class got a turn watering the back flower garden and half the class had the opportunity to dig up potatoes, pick corn, green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, and a squash. Then the groups switched so everyone had a chance to try each chore.

The class moved into the basement of the Kiesling House to drop spindles, make paint and paint pictures. Then there was more chores, like laundry, butter making, a sewing project, and finally relay races to end the afternoon.

Jade Dalluge picks green beans from the vine at the Keisling House garden.

Most of the kids wore 1800s style dresses and clothes. Jane Dalluge wore an old fashioned dress and apron purchased from the thrift store and her mother’s bonnet from 35 years ago. When asked why she wanted to attend the camp and do chores in the summer, she was a little shy.

“I did this last year, and we did cross-stitching, which I liked. This year, I got to see the Little House on the Prairie pageant in Walnut Grove Minnesota.” Jade Dalluge said. “I’ve read all the books.”

Next week, Brown County Historical Society hosts a variety of events for the 2025 US – Dakota War Commemoration. Wednesday there is Lunch and a Bite of History, walking tours both Thursday and Saturday, and cemetery tour Sunday. For more information on these events contact Brown County Historical Society website or call (507)-233-2616.

Gretchen Dolan, Haddie Grundmeier, Ida Scharf digging for potatoes during the 1800s Heritage Chore Camp.

Christine Koester and Jade Dalluge, dig up potatoes from the Keisling House garden.

Nadia Goblirsch shows off a freshly picked potato from the Keisling House garden during 1800s Heritage Chore Camp.

Mrs. Christine Koester and her 1800s Heritage Chore Camp class after tending the Keisling House garden. (Back row left to right: Beckett Penkert, Sawyer Lieser, Nadia Goblirsch, Gretchen Dolan, Jade Dalluge, Ida Scharf, Ava Fischer and Haddie Grundmeier; Front row left to right: Blaine Penkert, Nadia Wels and Sophie Schultz, Lydia Grundemeier.)