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Keeping the Collections: Deaccessioning
August 8, 2025 @ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Halcyon Days: Leisure on Lake Shetek
An Evening of History, Art, and Prairie Nostalgia
Join us on Friday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Slayton Public Library for a special evening celebrating the stories and scenery of Lake Shetek.
Local author and historian Janet Timmerman will present her latest book, Halcyon Days: Leisure on Lake Shetek. This beautifully written work blends the history of leisure with the environmental legacy of one of southwestern Minnesota’s most beloved prairie lakes. Timmerman explores how recreation, memory, and nature have shaped Lake Shetek over the decades—inviting readers to reflect on the ongoing balance between preservation and progress.
The word halcyon refers to a peaceful, idyllic time in the past—often remembered with fondness and nostalgia. It’s a fitting title for a book that captures the golden moments of summers at the lake, family cabins, and community gatherings that have become treasured memories for many.
At the same time, artist Diane Foster will be showcasing artwork inspired by Lake Shetek. Her pieces beautifully reflect the lake’s spirit and landscape, offering a visual counterpart to Timmerman’s historical narrative.
This event is free and open to the public.
This project is made possible by support from the Society for the Study of Local and Regional History (SSLRH), the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council, the Clean Water Legacy Fund, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Come enjoy an evening of storytelling, art, and reflection as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Lake Shetek.