Trek Through Time

On this final voyage into Northfield's past, host Kosmo Esplan brings on two of the foremost bank raid scholars, Trip DeMann and Earl Weinmann, to discuss a myriad of September 7th topics. From misconceptions about the James-Younger Gang to popular culture's take on the raid and trivia about the formational event, the trio explore why the story has endured for 150 years.

In this final, DJJD-themed voyage through the past, host Kosmo Esplan brings in the big guns: bank raid scholars Trip DeMann and Earl Weinmann. The trio of 9/7/76 enthusiasts discuss how the story has changed, the various misconceptions and conspiracy theories that have developed, how pop culture has approached the James-Younger Gang, and why it matters that the historical truth is preserved.

On this investigative installment, sleuth Kosmo Esplan invites local author Jeff Sauve to discuss his new book "Wheels of Murder", the history buff's writing process, and an assortment of 19th century crime cases that plagued the early days of Northfield and Dundas.

Primarily recorded live at Loon Liquor on June 22, this month's special Independence Day installment is dedicated to discovering the Northfield Historical Society's past, present, and future as the organization turns 50. Featuring 15 total guests, a live atmosphere, and various stories from five decades, these conversations provide a first-hand example of the community tales that have composed American culture for 250 years.

Host Kosmo Esplan is playing ball on this month's TTT (metaphorically, of course) as he digs into historical highlights of the Dundas Dukes and Northfield Knights, crosstown rivals and staples of Minnesota's amateur baseball landscape. Joining the Time Machine this inning are Mike Allen (from the Knights), Ira Carlson (from the Dukes), and Kevin Sevcik (from both) to reminisce about their own experience and shed some light on both teams' pasts.

This month’s episode is dedicated to the work, impact, and legacy of late notable Northfielder Chip DeMann, a local history lover who was instrumental in establishing the bank raid reenactment tradition, saving the Northfield depot, and preserving Northfield's overall past. Joining Kosmo to discuss more about Chip's multi-faceted life is his eldest son Trip DeMann and close friend John Radtke, both of whom have participated in their fair amount of raids.

(The Northfield History Center's exhibit about Chip DeMann is planned to open in mid-May.)

This month's vintage voyage is dedicated to the work, impact, and legacy of late notable Northfielder Chip DeMann, an inspiring community figure who established the credibility of the bank raid reenactments , was instrumental in saving the depot, and further contributed to historically preserving the town. Joining Kosmo to explicate Chip's adventures are his son Trip DeMann and longtime friend John Radtke, both of whom have participated in their fair share of raids.

(The Northfield History Center's exhibit on Chip DeMann is planned to open later this May.)

This month's stop for the Time Machine is the beloved Northfield Depot, a local institution and the only remaining structure built to accompany the town's early railroad foundations. To get the full picture, Kosmo chats with Alice Thomas and Clark Webster (both of Save the Northfield Depot) about the origin of the train business in Northfield, historical events that occurred at the depot, and the effort to save the building for future community usage.

It’s a rhyming episode this month as Kosmo grabs a beer (a root beer, rather) and sits down with Mark Schiller, co-owner of Loon Liquor and local history buff. The two discuss Northfield’s origin in relation to the prosperous milling business that populated Minnesota in the 19th century; the evolution of local distilling from the temperance movement through Prohibition and today; and how Loon Liquor is continuing these historic traditions and intending to expand the business impact on Northfield as a result.

It's a rhyming show for March as Kosmo sits down with Mark Schiller, co-owner of Loon Liquors, to examine the early origin and various types of milling in Northfield; the evolution of distilling from the town's temperance movement and Prohibition to today's acceptance of spirits; and how Loon Liquors aims to continue the traditions with their successfully unique approach.