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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

Add to Calendar 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

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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Mon, Mar 02 Closed
Tue, Mar 03 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Wed, Mar 04 12:00PM to 8:00PM
Thu, Mar 05 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Mar 06 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Mar 07 Closed
Sun, Mar 08 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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Tue, Mar 10, 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, Mar 11, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Paint a clown fish and learn about watercolor glazing this month. This project includes significant drying time for the glazing technique.

Thu, Mar 12, 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, Mar 13, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is puppets!

Tue, Mar 17, 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, Mar 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
It's a Reader's Choice month. We will be discussing a variety of books from the true crime genre, including book about serial killers, which were read by the Resolute Readers Book Club.

Fri, Mar 20, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime with a fun craft to follow. This week's theme is mail! We will be making postcards to send.

Tue, Mar 24, 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, Mar 27, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is birthdays!

Tue, Mar 31, 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, Mar 31, 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.

Fri, Apr 03, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is bugs!