Plainview Public Library Author Visit

Chad Lewis has traveled the world for 30 years, seeking strange, odd, and unique stories. The Wisconsin-based author said he has never seen anyplace quite like Minnesota. 

Lewis shared many of his Gopher State findings - bizarre, sinister and entertaining - during a presentation on June 13 at the Plainview Public Library.

The Plainview News reports a large crowd enjoyed his tales and slide show photos, focusing mostly on the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Uniquely Minnesota oldies also include the mysterious Kensington Runestone near Alexandria; and all things Paul Bunyan, the legendary lumberjack born right here. Except Big Paul is also claimed as the native son in Wisconsin, Vermont, Maine - and other states.

Ghosts-wise, we learned about a haunted mausoleum in Mankato, and the ‘Demon Doctor’ who chases visitors away. And the Loon Lake Cemetery in Jackson, known by locals as the ‘witch cemetery,’ where people have claimed to hear mysterious voices and see disembodied lights.

A favorite local subject, ‘Mysterious Creatures,’ featured giant river monsters - including the Crookston area’s ‘Devil Moose,’ and Lake Pepin’s own ‘Peppi,’ whose legend, Lewis said, dates to the Civil War era. Did you know the people of Lake City are offering $50,000 for Peppi’s capture? It’s true! They have been. For decades now.

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