Painted Rocks

I like to find small, painted rocks (especially with encouraging messages) in unexpected places. On a recent day trip, we found one, big painted rock! 

It’s amazing how the artist captures the folds in the flag…it looks three dementional.

I didn’t know there was a The Freedom Rock project but according to its website: the project has a “goal of at least one Freedom Rock in every state in the union”, to honor America’s Veterans. 

Signage for the Freedom Rock.

A Freedom Rock is a painted boulder depicting “unique to the state” military scenes, painted by Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II. Minnesota has seven Freedom Rocks in seven different areas throughout the state.

A photo of a photo of the original boulder for this Freedom Rock.

When we arrived in Kasson, Minnesota I noticed a huge, painted boulder across the street from the Clock Shop, at the American Legion on Main Street. It caught my eye because on our way to Kasson we had to take a road detour…and on that detour we noticed this stout, old limestone building on the side of the road, with a plaque and flag flying high. We stopped to check it out and discovered it was an old military recruitment station for the Civil War. 

Civil War Recruiting Station in Wasioja, Minnesota.

We didn’t know such buildings existed. I also had forgotten the important role Minnesota played in the Civil War.

Minnesota Historical Society plaque.

The plaque states that Minnesota was the first state to offer and send troops to aid the Union cause.  Recruits from this station in Wasioja, MN totaled 200. The building, built in 1855, has been beautifully restored, and is there for all to see and remember.

One scene on the Freedom Rock, of the Wasioja Recruiting Station.

So, I was surprised when I stepped out of the car in Kasson and noticed the building we had just seen an hour earlier painted on a huge rock! We walked over to explore some more!

I liked this depiction of a soldier holding the SPAM can. The SPAM museum is a great place to visit too.

On another side of the rock was a painting of a WWII veteran holding a can of SPAM. Good old Minnesota SPAM. There were 100 million pounds of Hormel SPAM shipped to our troops during WWII. 

A painting of the world famous Minnesota artist, LeRoy Neiman.

Another side of the rock was dedicated to a St. Paul man who was a cook in WWII and became a world-famous artist, LeRoy Neiman, when he got out of the service (although I had never heard of him.)

One more scene depicted “Kiddy Car Airlift” which was organized by Minnesota US Air Force Chaplain Colonel Russell L. Blaisdell. He rescued orphans and staff from Seoul during the Korean War. This was another mission I had not heard about.

“Doc Kelly” My father’s army picture, 1943.

And amidst this day of military blitz I thought of my own father. A few days before this day trip, while talking with family, I learned my father, who served in WWII, had the nickname of Doc Kelly.  Apparently, the troops usually choose nicknames from last names, therefore “Kelly”, and my dad was a medic, assisting doctors, therefore “Doc”. I had not heard this before.

It was a great morning of discoveries and learning.

13 thoughts on “Painted Rocks”

  1. I can see a resemblance of you in this photo of Doc Kelly! How cool is that!

        1. Well, that’s not a bad thing I guess. He was a good lookin’ guy, don’t you think??? 😉

  2. What a plethora of information you discovered after a random stop at an interesting looking building near Kasson! The stories depicted on the rock were so interesting and the added story you learned about your dad must have been exciting for you to hear!

    1. The rock was a fun discovery, full of facts to learn. 😉
      It was a fun fact to learn about my father, too.

  3. Alright, now I need to go to Kasson to photograph and add this rock to my collection. What a find! I’m familiar with the building in Wasioja, having photographed it many years ago. And I was aware also of Minnesota’s important role in the Civil War. But a history refresher is always good.

    1. The painted rock is well done. You would enjoy seeing it.
      I’d like to see more, I know there are 6 more in Minnesota.

    1. That’s interesting…I’m not sure I see the resemblance…maybe a tiny bit?

  4. Valerie, the rock was so moving. So very moving. I think these are the type of things that help us both remember our history and feel the emotions that deserve to be felt for that history. And then, when you shared you father’s photo and his nickname I found that very moving as well. Oh–and, yes–I also see the resemblance strongly! Thanks for sharing!

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