May 27, 1985 - WWII marks a watershed in the life of this nation and in the lives of all who lived through it. In the documentary “We Were the Lucky Ones,” MPR’s Mark Heistad examines the experience of the war and its legacy through the stories of residents of New Ulm, many of which were German-American.
July 13, 1985 - MPR’s Mark Heistad interviews Elizabeth Ebbott, author of Indians in Minnesota. Sovereign Nation status and economic development on reservations are discussed.
July 27, 1985 - Weekend’s Paula Drake interviews Clarence Young, who spent time at the Split Rock Lighthouse in the early 1900s. His father, Orren "Pete" Young, was the lighthouse's first head keeper from 1910 to 1928. Clarence recalls the experience of travel to lighthouse, playing there as a child, and weather along Lake Superior.
August 1, 1985 - MPR’s Stephen Smith takes a nature walk with author and journalist Paul Gruchow at Blue Mounds State Park in southwestern, Minnesota. Gruchow writes about the prairie and is a frequent visitor to the park.
August 2, 1985 - Sports commentator Howard Sinker comments on the Minnesota Twins acquisition of star pitcher Bert Blyleven from the Cleveland Indians. The looming possibility of an MLB strike and new team manager Ray Miller is also discussed.
August 6, 1985 - James Farrell, St. Olaf professor of history, American studies, and environmental studies, describes the reasons behind and contents of his book The Nuclear Devil's Dictionary. The book sarcastically presents definitions and terms related to nuclear weapons, warfare, and the Cold War era, highlighting the absurdity of nuclear politics.
August 14, 1985 - On this Midday program Wayne Olhoft, executive director of the Berean League, answers listener questions about the political goals sought by this fundamentalist Christian organization.
August 22, 1985 - MPR’s Suzanne Strickland interviews Gale Frost about Minnesota State Fair History Museum. Frost shares a few artifact highlights and his affection for the Minnesota State Fair. Frost created the Minnesota State Fair History Museum in 1976 and serves as its curator.
August 28, 1985 - Jerry Cassidy examines issues of Indian hunting and fishing rights in his documentary "American Indians in the 1980s: New Struggles for Old Rights." Program includes numerous interviews and commentary on treaty rights.
August 29, 1985 - Garrison Keillor, author of Lake Wobegon Days, answers listener questions about his writing and his show "A Prairie Home Companion."