History 21: The Podcast‪!‬ Anoka County Historical Society

In this episode, MSgt USAF (retired) Troy Woodruff reminisces with ACHS Board Member Steve Florman about his time in service, including flying AWAC (Airborne Warning and Control System) planes with NATO forces. During his 20-plus year career, Troy participated in Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, the Cold War, the Yugoslavian conflict in the 1990s, the drug war, and missions over South Korea. To hear the entire conversation, become a History 21: The Vault member or visit the history center and request the interview recording.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director, Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Steve Florman, ACHS Vice President

It’s a busy spring at the Anoka Count Historical Society! Our Executive Director Rebecca, along with Board Member Orville, break down all the upcoming events that you don’t want to miss including a Murder Mystery fundraiser.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

The Anoka County Sheriff's department history dates back to 1857 with the 1st Sheriff James C. Frost. Who someone complained was speeding his horse down Main St. in 1868. In this episode, listen to a portion of the program about the department given March 9 at the Anoka County History Center.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

What is a typical day like at the Anoka County History Center? It’s not all working with artifacts, and definitely not quiet. Follow along with ACHS Volunteer Coordinator, Sara Given, for her first audio diary of everything that happened around the museum on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 - well, at least everything that happened until lunch time.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Listen to Burton Dupre's stories as he remembers growing up in Centerville in the 1920s and 30s and the farm chores and shenanigans he and his friends got up to (including when they were arrested by the Anoka Game Warden for fishing without a license.) Burton also shares his time in the service during WWII as a medic at an English hospital, and then bartender for the Company Bar in Germany.

Stories taken from his collection of short stories, “Sincerely, Burton” printed in 2001 and read by ACHS volunteer Brian Boldt.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Valentine’s Day is billed as the day of love, couples and all things romance.  But where did this day of hearts and cupids come from and why do we celebrate it each February 14? Skeptics may say it is only a plot from the greeting card and candy companies….but Anoka County residents were celebrating and engaging with Valentine’s Day long before Hallmark Company even began.  Learn how people in Anoka County celebrated Valentines Day through the years.

This episode is a portion of a program given at ACHS February 10, 2024.

Host Rebecca Desens, ACHS Director and Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator.