During a visit to Redwood Falls, MN way back in 2006, my better half pointed to a (really) small dot on the map and said "we should go here." We've both always been fascinated by small or old towns, but I would say this was our first successful venture off the beaten path with the sole intention of visiting one. I look back on this later and consider Bechyn to be the town that officially kicked off tons of other journeys -and hundreds of extra miles for us- every time we're on vacation. The closer we got to Bechyn, the more remote it seemed. After driving on mostly unmarked gravel roads for a ways, we finally saw a clue that we were getting closer.
This sign near a 4-way intersection might just as well have read "MIDDLE OF NOWHERE." Honestly, neither of us could imagine a town being anywhere out here, where all you could see in every direction was more cornfields. After following the sign, the strangest thing happened to the road; it became paved! We both thought this was hilarious and it was obvious that we'd reached our destination. This town was literally surrounded by tall cornfields on all four sides, making it almost hidden from passersby only a mile away. The town itself was not abandoned in any way. In fact there were people milling about -especially near a big old church labeled St. Mary's.
Right away though we spotted some old and abandoned buildings. This 2 story, paint-less structure had every indication of an old general store or some sort of business. Like other buildings, it showed signs of newer renovation by way of two overhead garage doors installed right into it's side. Across the street was another old building with that familiar tall, flat-front of an old business. This building though actually appeared to have been converted into a private residence indicated by curtains and knick-knacks in the windows.
We were both amazed that a little tiny town (if you could even call it that) like this could exist out here among miles of cornfields. It was pretty apparent that the church was really the center of town and probably responsible for keeping the town alive. There were people living in the town but it couldn't have been more than about 10. We never did see any sort of population sign so who knows. Only recently I learned from the internet that the town of Bechyn has a rich Czechoslovakian heritage and is named after Bechyne in Czechoslovakia. Every August the town hosts an annual "Czechfest" celebration which brings in a lot of visitors.
http://www.czechfest.com/
This sign near a 4-way intersection might just as well have read "MIDDLE OF NOWHERE." Honestly, neither of us could imagine a town being anywhere out here, where all you could see in every direction was more cornfields. After following the sign, the strangest thing happened to the road; it became paved! We both thought this was hilarious and it was obvious that we'd reached our destination. This town was literally surrounded by tall cornfields on all four sides, making it almost hidden from passersby only a mile away. The town itself was not abandoned in any way. In fact there were people milling about -especially near a big old church labeled St. Mary's. 
Right away though we spotted some old and abandoned buildings. This 2 story, paint-less structure had every indication of an old general store or some sort of business. Like other buildings, it showed signs of newer renovation by way of two overhead garage doors installed right into it's side. Across the street was another old building with that familiar tall, flat-front of an old business. This building though actually appeared to have been converted into a private residence indicated by curtains and knick-knacks in the windows. 
We were both amazed that a little tiny town (if you could even call it that) like this could exist out here among miles of cornfields. It was pretty apparent that the church was really the center of town and probably responsible for keeping the town alive. There were people living in the town but it couldn't have been more than about 10. We never did see any sort of population sign so who knows. Only recently I learned from the internet that the town of Bechyn has a rich Czechoslovakian heritage and is named after Bechyne in Czechoslovakia. Every August the town hosts an annual "Czechfest" celebration which brings in a lot of visitors. http://www.czechfest.com/
Well, I attended church there up to 1943, my grt-grandparents, my grandparents, my parents are in the cemetery and me too eventually if it is not too inconvenient. And part of one of the houses dates back to 1867. The Town Hall, next to the decrepit saloon was the original church, moved from its original site in 1916. It was built 1878-80 by my grt-grandfather, amongst others. Once had over 100 families. Doubt they could scrounge up 20 now, most of the farm sites are now empty.
ReplyDeleteR. Trochlil
I descended from the Bouda (Boude) family that originally settled by Bechyn. Do you know that name and if anyone from that family are still in the area?
DeleteNext time you are down by the Capitol, walk over to the Cathedral of St. Paul, go over into the corner, and open the book chronicling the funding and construction. Browse through the entries of all the contributing churches and take a look at what Bechyn gave.
ReplyDeleteI spent the first 10 years of my life living a few miles from Bechyn. My father and grandparents are buried in the cemetary by the church. I visited several years ago, and went into the church. As a child, it seemed so huge. It is huge. I am always very curious about that time of my life.
ReplyDeleteMy Heritage in this town goes back to my grt, grt, grt grandparents the Skoblik's, Kojetin's and Barta's... My grandmother was full blooded Czech... Some of my relatives are also buried in the cemetery.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was Barbara Kojetin who married Alois Kodet.
Deletesandie; The Skoblik descendents, Barta and Kojetin ended up in Montana.
ReplyDeletePerchance are you from there?
sandie; The Barta's and the Kojetins moved to Montana early in the 20th century. Perchance, are you from there?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have contact information for an individual in Redwood Falls who tracks Bechyn, MN history? Thanks! We need it for the Renville County Historical Society Directory.
ReplyDeletealkoenig@yahoo.com RCHS
I would like to get more info about Bechyn Minnesota. I also found another small town called Barry Minnesota its in big stone county mn.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to know everything, Mrs Gary Wertish, 26416 County 17, Renville, Mn 56284 has a 600 page book that will tell you. Cost about $60 I think.
DeleteI would like to see the tiny town of Bechyn, MN to . I find small towns very interesting. there is another town in Big Stone County called Barry, Minnesota. It has a population of 6 people. i would like to get info on the town to.
ReplyDeleteThird time trying this. Constant problems with Google trying to get this to post. It does not appear so I assume it has not posted as yet.
ReplyDeleteI went to church here while staying at my Grandma and Grandpa's home. Jim and Bessie Houdek. They are buried in the church cemetary. Used to be a store in town that we used to get pop and candy at. I will be going to the Czech Fest this year (2015).
Well, it seemed to have worked. Didn't make the Bechyn Fest. We live 1200 miles away to it requires planning.
DeleteDick Trochlil
My aunt tells me that my great grandfather, Vincent Machulda was one of the founders of Bechyn. He was a blacksmith and also took care of St Mary's church. He is buried in the church cemetery. He came from Sobeslaw, Bohemia.
ReplyDelete