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Image for event: Never Forgotten: Col. William Colvill, MN's Civil War Hero

Never Forgotten: Col. William Colvill, MN's Civil War Hero

with Historian and Author Steve Hoffbeck

2026-04-09 14:00:00 2026-04-09 15:00:00 America/Chicago Never Forgotten: Col. William Colvill, MN's Civil War Hero Join your library for a presentation bringing the legendary deeds of the 1st Minnesota Regiment to life. Fertile Public Library - Fertile Public Library

Thursday, April 09
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Fertile Public Library

Fertile Public Library

Join your library for a presentation bringing the legendary deeds of the 1st Minnesota Regiment to life.

Why did Minnesotans so deeply admire Colonel William Colvill, the 6’5” Civil War hero? Join your library for a presentation by Minnesota author and historian Steve Hoffbeck bringing the legendary deeds of the 1st Minnesota Regiment to life.


In his latest book, “Colvill Smiled,” Hoffbeck weaves together the powerful recollections, speeches and writings of William Colvill and Martin Maginnis, two officers from Red Wing who led their men through the smoke and fire of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. 


The program is offered free-of-charge thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Legacy Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. Books will be available for purchase with a book signing following the presentation.
About Author Steve Hoffbeck:
Our speaker, Steve Hoffbeck, is a self-described “old but lively” Minnesotan who grew up as a farmer’s son near Morgan. His first book, The Haymakers, was a Minnesota Book Award winner. Hoffbeck, a recently retired professor (Minnesota State University Moorhead), and his wife, Dianne, live in Barnesville, MN, and have four adult children and seven grandchildren.

Find "Colvill Smiled": The Legend of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Regiment at Gettysburg in the library collection here!

Fertile Public Library

Fertile@larl.org
Phone: 218-945-6137
Branch manager
Laura Gullickson

Hours
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We're closed Monday September 07 due to Labor Day
Mon, Sep 07 Closed
(Labor Day)
Tue, Sep 08 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Wed, Sep 09 12:00PM to 8:00PM
Thu, Sep 10 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Sep 11 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Sep 12 Closed
Sun, Sep 13 Closed

About the branch

The Fertile Public Library is tucked inside the Duane Knutson Community Center on Mill Street across the street from the Main Street Station & Deli. The Fertile Library is a large one-room library with access to a small meeting room and auditorium that can be reserved through the city office and 24-hour access to WiFi.

Upcoming Events

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Fri, Sep 11, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is ninjas!

Tue, Sep 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join a group of fellow fiber artists for a dedicated crafting time. All are welcome to bring their projects. It's OK to be early the city usually has the building open.

Wed, Sep 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Join the Resolute Readers Book Club to discuss Nancy Johnson's 'The Kindest Lie.'

Wed, Sep 16, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Join historian and storyteller Doug Ohman for an engaging presentation celebrating 250 years of American history.

Fri, Sep 18, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is pirates!

Fri, Sep 18, 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Minnesotans are gathering at libraries to show support for libraries and their role in our communities! Show your support by stopping by the library to color a bookmark.

Tue, Sep 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join a group of fellow fiber artists for a dedicated crafting time. All are welcome to bring their projects. It's OK to be early the city usually has the building open.

Fri, Sep 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is dragons!

Tue, Sep 29, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join a group of fellow fiber artists for a dedicated crafting time. All are welcome to bring their projects. It's OK to be early the city usually has the building open.

Tue, Sep 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Adults and teens are invited to join us for a free felting event. Our activity is suitable for all experience levels and all materials will be provided.

Wed, Sep 30, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Learn how to press fabric scraps into grooved boards to craft beautifully textured, no-sew designs while giving old textiles new life.
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Fri, Oct 02, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is dinosaurs!

Tue, Oct 06, 10:00am - 2:00pm
What fiber project will you create? The first Tuesday of the month the group has their long day. It's ok if you are early the city has the building open.

Wed, Oct 07, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Connect with other family history & genealogy research enthusiasts. Learn more about the subject by asking and answering questions. All are welcome. View some of The Fertile Journal's big books!

Wed, Oct 07, 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow. We will be having a special Halloween theme.

Thu, Oct 08, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Join us for a fun day of card-making! Each month we learn a new technique or have a challenge. Work, visit, or get new ideas.

Fri, Oct 09, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is dogs!