07/23/2026
Our first Big Stone County Historical Society summer picnic was a success on all levels. With absolutely perfect weather, 102 guests on the lawn of a re-created village that one could call Yankeetown. Dennis Stotesbery created it, and apparently had the skills, the drive and the determination to stick-to-it. It was a rare opportunity to visit this private property. Our All-American menu included fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, rolls and butter, red, white, and blue jello, and apple pie and ice cream. Catered by Mary at Bobby Jo's, it was delicious! We began the evening with some local history storytelling, centering around attacks that happened on Big Stone Lake during the Daakota-U.S. War of 1862, along with some details about Yankeetown, Battle Abbey Point, and Bonanza. The evening was capped off with a concert by Tri-State Band, including patriotic tunes and pops concert hits and a polka or two.
We invite you to look forward to this event next summer. We'll likely be in Graceville next year and will feature history on that area. The plan is to move the picnic to other areas each year.
THANKS TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO WORKED WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS on the multitude of details that comes with hosting such an event. TUSEN TAKK to Corey and Jodi Stotesbery who now own the property, allowing us to spend a magical evening on their property!
