Book Notes | ‘Blue Ribbon’
Do you love the Minnesota State Fair and want to know more about its history? Then Blue Ribbon: A Social and Pictorial History of the Minnesota State Fair by Karal Ann Marling, professor emerita of American art and culture, is your chance. Prior to her retirement from the U of M, Marling was affiliated with the departments of art history and American studies.
Published in 1990 by the Minnesota Historical Society, the book does an excellent job of chronicling the fair from its inception in the 1850s. It is a fun, fact-filled history with loads of black and white photos.
Blue Ribbon is divided into 20 chapters covering various aspects of the fair’s traditions and attractions, from Machinery Hill, the animals, and 4H exhibits, to food on a stick and the fine arts.
The book discusses how, in the early days, promoters used various strategies to get people to attend. Many of the exhibits were naturally attractive to male farmers. So, early organizers went out of their way to attract women, with exhibits and competitions just for them. Still, the fruits of the women's labors were often relegated to the fringes, while displays to attract men were featured center stage.
The UMRA Book Club laughed about how the weight of the book did not make it a good choice for reading in bed. It is a 328-page paperback filled with photographs, and physically quite heavy. Many in the group were disappointed Blue Ribbon did not cover the last 35 years, and said they would have enjoyed reading about the state fair’s recent history, too.
—Laura Ericksen, UMRA Book Club
Book Club I in August
Fri, Aug 15, 2025, 2pm
The UMRA Book Club will discuss Blue Ribbon by Karal Ann Marling when it meets via Zoom on August 15.
Upcoming Events
The theme for October is "Monuments."
Join us for the UMRA Breakfast on Thursday, October 15, for a frank discussion about addiction and how it can affect families and friends of the addicted person.
UMRA’s second “Campus Conversation” with a University leader will offer UMRA members an exclusive opportunity to meet with John Morris, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation. The focus of the conversation will be the role of the foundation and its relationship to retirees.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss the historical fiction novel The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict when it meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 16.
Jon C leads the hike at Nerstrand Big Woods with lunch afterwards.
The Vaccine Integrity Project at the UMN Centers for Infectious Disease Research and Prevention is working to ensure that vaccine use in the U.S. remains grounded in the best available evidence, and focused on protecting public health. Kevin Griffis, director of CIDRAP Media Relations and Public Affairs, will tell us about this work as the featured speaker for UMRA’s Living Well Workshop on Tuesday, October 20.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
UMRA’s Fourth Friday Book Club (aka UMRA Book Club II) will discuss the Pulitzer Prize-winning debut novel by Jhumpa Lahiri when it meets at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 23, via Zoom. The nine short stories in the collection speak to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
Discuss long term care options with Fred Andersen.
Chris Coleman, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity president and CEO and a two time alumnus of the University of Minnesota, will provide a deep dive for UMRA’s October 27 luncheon forum into how Habitat creates, preserves, and promotes affordable homeownership for low-income households.
Bob & Jean Hall and Andy Whitman, participants.
The theme for November is "Hands"
UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.
Gift planning strategies and ideas for impactful tax-efficient gifts to accomplish your goals.
Gather with UMRA members in the Campus Club West Wing to share lunch and conversation. No agenda.
The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris Sweeney.
Consult with a tax professional to come up with a financial plan well before year end.
The theme for December is "Pathways and roadways."