Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
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
Skip Open Hours widget
Mon, Apr 20 Closed
Tue, Apr 21 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Wed, Apr 22 12:00PM to 8:00PM
Thu, Apr 23 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Apr 24 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Apr 25 Closed
Sun, Apr 26 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

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Tue, Apr 21, 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, Apr 24, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is birds!

Tue, Apr 28, 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, Apr 28, 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, May 01, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. The first two weeks of May theme is gardens!

Tue, May 05, 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, May 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Want to connect with other family history & genealogy research enthusiasts? Join us to learn more about the subject by asking and answering questions. All are welcome.

Fri, May 08, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. The first two weeks of May theme is gardens!

Tue, May 12, 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, May 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Revisit color theory and create your own color chart, then join us for a free painting session.

Thu, May 14, 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, May 15, 10:30am - 11:15am
Help your child develop exceptional reading skills by bringing them to Storytime. This week's theme is owls!

Tue, May 19, 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.