As my husband and I walked to Laura Baker’s community meal on Thanksgiving Day we marveled at how many renowned institutions are located in two relatively close, small towns in Southeastern Minnesota. I have added links to each place listed below.
In our town, Northfield, there are two prestigious, private, liberal arts colleges: St. Olaf College established in 1874 and Carleton College established in 1866.
Northfield is also the home to Laura Baker Services Association, which was established in 1897. It provides housing, education and support services to mentally and physically challenged people so families can have options for their loved ones.
Eleven miles south of Northfield in Faribault, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School is a well-known, private, boarding school that excells in academics and hockey. It was established in 1858.
Down the street from Shattuck’s are two Minnesota State Academies, established in 1863. The academies offer two separate schools, one for the deaf and one for the blind. Their mission (taken off their website) is “to educate, create opportunities, and motive students for an independent future.”
I don’t know what attracted theses institutions to settle in Northfield and Faribault but people from all over the United States, and the world, come to seek out these special places. I believe they add diversity and richness to our towns. What wonderful gifts they are to our communities.