Sports and Recreation | Page 21

Walter Hoover

Walter Hoover in the single-person rowing shell (boat) he designed. From the collection of Walter Hoover, Jr.

Walter Hoover was a competitive rower and rowing coach from Duluth who became world famous by winning the Diamond Sculls at the Henley Royal Regatta in 1922. The annual event, held in England, was the world championship for single scullers (rowers who propel their boats alone) at the time.

Lori Cole at Riverfest 2019

Lori Cole with open-face sandwiches at Riverfest’s Stavanger Smorgasbord on June 10, 2018. Photograph by Janelle Kaye. Used with the permission of Janelle Kaye.

Joseph and Ann Burton with a clown at Riverfest 1990

A clown gives candy to Riverfest attendees Joseph and Ann Burton, June 1990. Cottonwood County Citizen, June 13, 1990.

William Windom

William Windom, grandson of the namesake of Windom, Minnesota, rides in a Riverfest parade in June 1970. Cottonwood County Citizen, June 9, 1970.

The Des Moines River at Windom

The Des Moines River at Island Park in Windom, ca. 1955. In 1957, the river provided inspiration for switching the name of the annual community celebration from Flax Day to River Days.

Registration table at Riverfest 1990

Curt Loken (Windom High School class of 1948) visits with volunteers at the Riverfest 1990 registration table.

Beer-can regatta at Riverfest 1988

Paddlers maneuver a raft made to resemble a six-pack of beer cans during the regatta in Windom during Riverfest 1988. Cottonwood County Citizen, June 1988.

Riverfest

Riverfest, an annual summer celebration in Windom first held in 1957, has its roots in an earlier celebration known as Flax Day. Under each name, the event has thrived and brought together people in the area for fun and festivities.

Traditional Ojibwe lacrosse stick

Traditional lacrosse stick used by Jack F. Rohr (Ojibwe) between 1900 and 1932.

Gale Family Library