Midwest Artisans Group

06/01/2026

We are committed to finishing the Texaco Station area this year, but we will need your help. This will not be a 100% accurate restoration of the original station because that is price-prohibitive, but it will still honor the past. We have two community businesses that have stepped forward to volunteer their time and equipment to make this happen this year. Mehmert Tiling and Midwest Concrete are helping create a space for community engagement and an area for events in Cresco and the surrounding areas. Please let them know how much you appreciate their efforts. We are now trying to find a concrete supplier to help us complete this mission for the community. We will keep you posted on the progress. Thanks to Brent and Josh for all they do to make a positive difference.

05/30/2026

Good morning, Cresco! If anyone happens to know where porcelain lamps, preferably in green, can be found, please let me know. As part of the gas station restoration, these lights would look the part.

05/29/2026

As part of MAG, I can’t be a part of our Driftless and Proud contest, but I feel compelled to share my story in hopes that others will take this opportunity to say what this area means to them. After being separated from my wife, I came back to the area to realign myself. A friend invited me on a kayak trip down the Upper Iowa River, and that trip helped me through the toughest time in my life, as did many trips down that beautiful river. God has definitely touched this area. The people here are hard workers, and many I have met are humble as well. Modesty takes many forms in life, and I personally find it the most honorable trait a person can have. Helping others without benefit and treating others the way you’d like to be treated aren’t just words. Please share what the Driftless means to you. Thank you for all that you do to make this area special.

05/29/2026

Home means something different to everyone. Maybe it’s your family farm, your front porch, rolling hills, a gravel road at sunset, or the small town you’re proud to call home.
If you’ve captured a photo that reflects what home in the Driftless Region means to you, enter it into the MAG Photo Contest. Free entry and one winner will receive a $50 gift card to a local Cresco business.

Enter your photo and view details here: https://form.jotform.com/261379550821056

05/28/2026

Thank you, Jodie Anderson, for watching the front desk today. After removing a bunch of the rotted wood, the gas station is finally back to its original roof dimensions. Yes, there are areas that will need to be fixed, but I don’t think there are many 102-year-old people around who wouldn’t mind a little repair too. This old girl will shine when it’s done and be a point of historical pride. I wonder what Bob Howard would say if he could see the gas station when it’s done. I’d imagine with all the years he was here, it would make him proud to see it back to its former glory.

05/27/2026

It always looks worse before it gets better. I used to do metal work on old cars. It’s amazing how much “lipstick” hides. The rot will be removed and new boards will be put back in. Patience and persistence will bring this old station back to its glory days.

05/26/2026

We know someone out there captured the perfect Driftless Region photo this Memorial Day weekend. If you have a photo that shows local pride, beautiful scenery, small-town life, or what America means to you, enter it into the MAG Photo Contest. Free entry and one winner will receive a $50 gift card to a local Cresco business.

Enter your photo and view details here: https://form.jotform.com/261379550821056

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

We will be closed today in honor of Memorial Day.

05/24/2026

Went to New Ulm, Minnesota today to pick this up for the Texaco station.