The Murray County Historical Society invites the public to attend its November Lunchbox Lecture on Thursday, November 13th, 2025, in the 4-H building on the Murray County Fairgrounds in Slayton starting at noon. This month’s lecture will feature author Naomi Helen Yaeger Blooming on her new book, “Blooming Hollyhocks: Tales of Joy During Hard Times”—a memoir-like true story of her mother, Janette Minehart, growing up in 1930s Avoca.
Join author Naomi Helen Yaeger for a Lunchbox Lecture on Blooming Hollyhocks: Tales of Joy During Hard Times— a memoir-like true story of her mother, Janette Minehart, growing up in 1930s Avoca. This heartfelt event brings her family’s Murray County roots to life. Naomi is a has told midwestern stories since she was a teenager. Naomi’s parents— and nearly all of her aunts and uncles—are proud graduates of Slayton High School. She is the daughter of Janette Minehart Yaeger and Earl C. Yaeger. Janette’s father, Russell, served as the depot agent in Avoca, and the family owned Minehart Hardware, while Earl’s family, Ernest and Edith, farmed outside of Slayton. Both families attended Slayton Methodist Church. This event brings her mother’s family story home to the Murray County community.
The cost of the talk is $3.00 per person, or Historical Society members get in free. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch. Refreshments and light snacks are provided. For more information about this and other museum events, call 507-836-6533 or email museum@ murraycountymn.gov.
