No one seemed to know his origin. Somehow, he managed to survive the first seven years of his life on the shore of a northern lake in the Kabetogama State Forest by Orr, Minn.
An older Norwegian couple who lived in Orr befriended him when he lived the year-round in the forest. They gave him the Norwegian name Treigh (pronounced tree), meaning ‘to have great height, as in the English word lofty.’
A young family from Albert Lea named Karge heard about Treigh when they were up north on a family fishing vacation. With the help of some local natives, they took Treigh along home to Albert Lea. Using the adage of, “Grow where you are planted,” Treigh did just that at his new residence on the corner of Marie Ave. and Burr Oak Dr. in Albert Lea.
Genie and I bought a house on the corner of Marie Ave. and Burr Oak Dr. in September of 1988 — just across the street from where the Karges and Treigh lived. At that time Treigh was very lofty. Years went by very fast and Treigh became even more lofty. He was a reference point for the giving of directions to any place in the area. He could even be seen when you rode the Ferris wheel at the Freeborn County Fair.
The last couple of years were hard on Treigh. His extremities changed color and became brittle with no life fluid flowing to them. It was very evident that Treigh was dying. It became very clear that even though Treigh was standing upright, a good wind would cause all 60 feet of him to come down.
Late this September, with the help of Albert Lea Tree Service, Treigh was given, as he so well deserved, the recognition of a great bygone landmark. Thanks, Treigh.
Short shorts:
A. KATE Radio of Albert Lea gave Genie and I on-air recognition of our 56th anniversary Sept. 28.
B. The hospital auxiliary is holding a Holiday Boutique Sale in the lower level at the Hospital in Albert Lea Oct. 23, 24 and 25.
C. The Albert Lea Tribune and the Star Eagle newspapers gave a tribute to Doris Krause. As a student of hers in a rural country school, I most certainly agree with the tribute.
D. On Friday, Sept. 27, the sun went down at 7:06 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 28 the sun came up at 7:06 a.m.
E. At County Market grocery store in Albert Lea I mentioned that I couldn’t find any New York Vanilla ice cream. The checker who was leaving asked me to wait and said she would find a pail of it. Yes, Sue found a pail of New York Vanilla and brought it to me as the new checker took over. And now readers, you know what service is. Sue, thanks.
F. The Twins will win the World Series in six. That’s my prediction and I’m sticking to it (as of Oct. 1).
G. Thanks, Brian Bessler of the Minnesota Twins, for the four complimentary tickets to the final home game of 2019.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.