Snellman, Minnesota: Aunes Kauppala

Kauppala is shop in Finnish.  Aunes Kauppala is a quaint little place that is open from May through October ..but only on Thursdays through Sunday.  Aune has a real job..so she is one busy lady. When you shop there, it takes some time..her items vary from homemade potholders..to used paperback with a few antiques and collectibles thrown in for good measure.

Many local artisans consign their wares at Aunes..I believe she still has a few of my Ladyslipper Cards.  She doesn't have any of the tourist trap made in China or Taiwan crap.   She may however have just a few things that are made in Finland.

Last Fall during Snellman Days Aune had her small loom set up outside.  This loom used to belong to her Mother.  Aune was giving a weaving demonstration.

I know nothing of the process other than I used to help cut strips of fabric and then when the ends were sewn together I used to help roll them into balls..they would then go to the rug maker and in a few months we would have new rag rugs.   I have watched a number of people work the loom..I believe it is all about rhythm.. and of course stringing that warp (Thread) on the loom must be a real nightmare.   My Father built a loom.  One winter he took his brother Ervin's Loom and made an exact replica.  There are a few looms in the family..someone should take some lessons..before all the old teachers are gone.

Aune was making place-mats and table runners.. she talked while she demonstrated.  The thing that she said that stuck with me was " My Mother used this loom so much that her hand wore a spot in the wood.  I can almost feel her closeness when I weave.":)

Snellman, Minnesota

My friend Aune owns a little shop in the "town" of Snellman.   Now Snellman is one of those towns in Minnesota where if you blink..you might just miss it.  There is a Store/ Gas Station, Aunes Kauppala (Shop) and on the hill there is a Lutheran Church. There are about four houses.   Snellman population might be about 10 people.  In late June the Lady Slippers bloom their hearts out on the hills before and after Snellman.

Years ago Violet owned the building that Aune now occupies.  It was a "beer joint", I was in there a few times..all I remember is the knotty pine walls.  She also had some of those weird jars..with pickled pigs feet.. Kids I knew used to buy beer there, I never did.  Far Guy bought some there..underage illegal beer..probably underage illegal cigarettes too.  By the time I was old enough to drink it would have been the last place I would have stopped for a beer..I really didn't like the taste of beer anyway.  Now I wish that I had stopped there before she closed..so that I would have had an adult view to share.

The general store used to be owned by Alvin and Hilma, they had the best summer sausage and when times were good my Mother would pick out  a huge chunk, Alvin would wrap it in white butcher paper and put a piece of beige tape on it and mark the price on it with a red pencil.  He always had something fun to talk about..they lived in the back of the store..they had a son Carlton.. if the door between the living quarters and the store was open I could stand in the doorway and watch their TV while my Mother shopped.  Years later Far Guy and I rented a place on the narrows that connect up Straight Lake and the Mill pond.  We rented it for forty dollars a month in 1972 ..when Far Guy was drafted..Alvin said "I will sell you kids that property, just send me money when ever you can."  He wanted $2,000 dollars for it..it had a garage and a nice trailer house and 150 feet of "lake-shore"  it was well worth the money he wanted for it..it was just that we could not afford it on a serviceman's salary.

Snellmans claim to fame was the beautiful Laurie..she was Miss Minnesota in 1982  and was a semi finalist in the 1983 Miss America Pageant.   For years there was a sign that said "Snellman Home of Miss Minnesota 1982"  I hope she eventually got that sign."  Everyone including me..sat on the edge of our seats that night of the Miss America Pageant..she sang a wonderful song for her talent and her evening gown was gold and very heavy..she made it into the top ten!  Her mailing address may have been Osage, Minnesota..but she lived on the hill opposite the church in Snellman.

More about my friend Aune another day..she and her shop deserve their own entry.  I will take you inside!! :)