Category Archives: KYMN Radio

Entertainment history

04 Tuesday Jun 2019

Posted by in Arts and Culture, Carleton College, History Blog, KYMN Radio, People, Primary Source Sets, Recreation, Social Issues, St. Olaf College

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Have you ever wondered how people in the past spent their free time? In Northfield, they had plenty of options. There were theater performances and motion picture houses. Musical groups often performed in town, and the people of Northfield also participated in bands, choirs, and other groups. People listened to the radio and went to dances. And there were many more things to do, too, of course.

For an overview of the many kinds of entertainment from Northfield’s history, I’d check out this Primary Source Set – Entertainment in Northfield.

Northfield Community Band, c. 1920

As you look at these materials, imagine what it might have been like to be entertained the way these Northfielders in the past were. How has entertainment changed over time? How is it still the same?

If you’re an educator, this lesson plan may be another great place to start:

Bruce, Charlotte and Helen Stephan. Twentieth Century Entertainment: When Work is Done. Lesson plan developed for the Library of Congress.

Also, this set is only one of a group of 12 available on the DHC’s website. See the other Primary Source Sets here!

Fun Finds in the NHC: KYMN Radio jingles

17 Friday Jun 2016

Posted by in Businesses, History Blog, KYMN Radio

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Northfield’s history month is already half over, but you still have time to enjoy another exploration of Northfield history as preserved by the Northfield History Collaborative. You may not know this, but the NHC can digitize not only documents and photographs, but also audio files.

Today we will take a look at more recent history from our partner, KYMN Radio. KYMN started broadcasting on September 27, 1968. Although the station broadcasts from downtown Northfield today, its original location was in Waterford Township, just a few miles away.

KYMN Radio building, 1979

KYMN Radio building, 1979. See more details on the NHC: http://contentdm.carleton.edu/cdm/ref/collection/KYMN/id/47/rec/31

The station has focused on local interests since its beginning. Businesses within and close to Northfield advertised with them over the airwaves. The NHC has digitized a number of 1970-era commercials and jingles, and these are my favorites (they last about 1 minute each):


Also on the NHC are jingles for these companies:

Sit back and take a listen. Do you remember listening to the radio more than 30 years ago and hearing these commercials? See what else is in the KYMN collection on the NHC!

P.S. History Month may be half over but there are still plenty of events to attend! Hope to see you there!