Peterson to Talk About Korean War, Growing Up in Northfield

Northfield native Don Peterson will share recollections of growing up in the 1930s and ‘40s and his experiences serving in the Korean War Thursday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. at the Northfield Historical Society, 408 Division.

Peterson’s talk will be accompanied by a book signing of “Dear Folks,” a self-published work based on letters he wrote home during his tour of duty in Korea and Japan.

“Don offers a unique and extremely personal perspective on the Korean conflict and the times that surrounded it,” says Hayes Scriven, executive director of Northfield Historical Society. “Fortunately, his mother saved all of his hand-written letters from overseas. We are grateful Don has decided to share them with us.”

Peterson graduated from St. Olaf College in 1950 and was drafted into the Army that fall. Trained in teletype, he was attached to the 13^th Signal Company of the 1^st Cavalry Division in April of 1952. He served in Seoul, Korea for the rest of that year.

He spent 29 years in the aerial photography business, six in printing and several more in the corporate award and recognition business. He is now retired and lives in Minneapolis.

Peterson’s talk is free and open to the public. His books will be available for purchase.

If you have questions, contact Hayes Scriven at 507-645-9268.