Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Catharine Richert

Lanesboro turns phone booth into time machine

A phone booth outside the museum lets people listen to oral history.
A phone booth outside the Lanesboro Museum lets people listen to oral history of the city and gives directions on how to share stories of the city.
Courtesy Lanesboro Arts

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Payphone booths have become a thing of the past.

But one relic in Lanesboro has found a new, um, calling.

As part of a storytelling project Lanesboro Arts is launching Saturday, a decommissioned payphone in downtown Lanesboro will play a rotating selection of stories about life in the southeastern Minnesota town.

Like the time a group of boys found Betty Michaud skinny dipping when she was in eighth grade.

"They said, 'You've got to get out,'" Michaud said. "And I said, 'I'm not getting out while you guys are here!'"

A phone booth stands outside the Lanesboro Museum.
A phone booth that lets people listen to stories of Lanesboro.
Courtesy Lanesboro Arts

Lanesboro Arts program director Adam Wiltgen said the idea was to connect the decommissioned phone to the area's history.

He said stories run the gamut.

"Going hunting and riding the caboose as a kid, or someone's first experience, who lives here now, visiting Lanesboro," Wiltgen said.

Lanesboro Arts will hold an event to celebrate the project on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

And you can record your own stories at the Lanesboro History Museum, by calling 507-881-0051 and leaving a message, or by using the hashtag #LanesboroMN on Twitter.