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Dakota Midday: New History Group Promotes Study of Midwest

Cara Hetland SDPB

The Midwestern History Association was created this past fall to advance the study of the American Midwest and to give the region a stronger voice in the American historical profession. The organization's first president, Jon Lauck, says he thinks the association will be the inspiration for many future books, articles and dissertations focusing on the Midwest. Lauck is author of  The Lost Region: Toward a Revival of Midwestern History. He joined Dakota Midday along with  South Dakota State University history professor emeritus John Miller to discuss what impact the new group could have on Midwestern scholarship. Miller is author of Small-Town Dreams: Stories of Midwestern Boys Who Shaped America.

For more information on the Midwestern History Association, click here.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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