Melvin, Garrison, Dayton
A while back I wrote about the unexpected death of my friend Melvin Giles. The post is here. I went to the celebration of Melvin’s life on Saturday. Several hundred people were in attendance and it was a joyful gathering. Melvin was a wonderful addition to any community of which he was part. Judging by his audience, his witness will continue. The proceedings were filmed, and if/when they are on-line I’ll pass on notice.
At Melvin’s celebration of life August 2, 2025, Como Park HS St. Paul.
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Also I gave notice about a new book about the genealogy and history of over 100 French-Canadian residents of the Minneapolis suburban community of Dayton, on the Mississippi River. That post is here.
Earlier Saturday I picked up the 475 page volume. Anyone with any interest in French-Canadians in the midwest, especially, of course, the descendants of the 100+ families presented in the book, will find this volume not only interesting, but a wealth of information helping to spur further research. Information about receiving a copy is in the link of the preceding post. I would guess there are several hundred photos from the originating families and other sources. Take a look.
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Finally, Saturday night was the celebration of the 83rd birthday of Garrison Keillor. (His actual 83rd birthday is August 7).
The Fitzgerald Theatre was basically sold out, and the program was excellent. My photo (below) doesn’t pass muster, but the two apparitions are Garrison and Heather Masse, backed by pianist Rich Dworsky and three other musicians. The audience was mostly old-timers, long time fans. If you miss Garrison, check out his substack.com presence. I subscribe. I’m glad I do. BONUS: In April, 1979, I took a photo of Garrison crossing a street at St. John’s University at the then-Swayed Pines Festival. He started his career with PHC about 1975 on then KSJN-Radio which had been founded about that time at St. Johns U. That was 50 years ago.
Put the words Garrison Keillor in the search feature of this blog, and you will find many references, if you wish. I have been a fan for years.
A quick internet search yielded this writing by Garrison in 2010. Garrison Keillor on his birthday 8 4 25 is Garrison’s review of the show on Aug. 2. (It’s his post for August 4, 2025).
Garrison Keillor and group August 2, 2025
Garrison Keillor at St. John’s University Swayed Pines Festival April, 1979
Enjoyed the report on GK’s birthday show. Hope there is an 84th! Of course, next March I’ll reach that 83rd milestone too. I remember Garrison from way back in ’74 when he started APHC. And MPR and Prairie Public in ND were just getting started. In many ways, he helped build MPR and then, nationally, NPR. When he went off the air, public radio lost some soul. He was so mistreated on that dumping. I read his column and/or listen to it every time it lands in my e-mailbox. I don’t subscribe yet, but I should. Your subscribing, Dick, prompts me to do so. He is such an inspiring writer and stimulates my interest in continuing my YouTube “essays,” as you do with your web pieces. Keep up the good work. I recall several Prairie Home broadcasts done from the Concordia fieldhouse, even one at the North High School Gymnasium in Fargo prior to his going national. He was just getting started on the MPR network. I think many of his fans don’t know that “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show was named after the Prairie Home Cemetery in Moorhead, MN. I drive by it frequently on 8th Street in our sister city, across the river from Fargo. Thanks for this report! Keep up the interesting work. BTW, his book “Home Grown Democrat” is excellent. Bought it at one of his live radio shows at Concordia College during the first Obama campaign.