In the mid-1900s, Preston, Minnesota became the focus of statewide scrutiny when officials and newspapers accused the town of operating a so-called “marriage mill.” Couples—many from Iowa—crossed the border for quick weddings, raising questions about waived waiting periods, fees, and legal oversight.

This episode traces the investigation that followed: court hearings, grand jury proceedings, and the local officials pulled into the controversy. Was Preston exploiting loopholes in Minnesota law, or was the town unfairly branded during a time of shifting marriage norms?

Using contemporary newspaper reports and court records, we explore how one small Fillmore County town found itself at the center of a legal and moral storm.