From Flour to Fashion: Winneshiek County Feed Sack Legacy to be Celebrated

Stay informed, stay empowered: invest in the journalism that invests in you. DECORAH — The Winneshiek County Historical Society invites the public to a special evening celebrating the rich and resourceful history of feed sacks on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Vesterheim Commons with a presentation by author and historian Linzee McCray, who will explore the legacy and cultural significance of feed sack textiles in rural America, with a special focus on their use in Winneshiek County. Following the talk, guests are encouraged to head to the WCHS Historic House, located at 302 S. Mill St., Decorah, for the opening of a new exhibit. The exhibit features a collection of handmade items created from feed sacks, accompanied by an original audiovisual installation by Rebecca Blumhagen. This immersive component brings to life personal stories and community memories tied to the feed sack tradition. Community members who own feed sack items or have stories connected to them are encouraged to contribute to the project. Submissions can be shared by emailing Blumhagen at feedsackstories@gmail.com. This event is free and open to all, made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.