This week’s block is Minnesota
Here’s some facts about this North Star State / Land of 10,000 Lakes
Admission to Statehood:
May 11, 1858 (32nd State)
The first open heart surgery and the first bone marrow transplant in the United States were done at the University of Minnesota.
The stapler was invented in Spring Valley.
The first Automatic Pop-up toaster was marketed in June 1926 by McGraw Electric Co. in Minneapolis under the name Toastmaster. The retail price was $13.50.
Rollerblades were the first commercially successful in-line Roller Skates. Minnesota students Scott and Brennan Olson invented them in 1980, when they were looking for a way to practice Hockey during the off-season. Their design was an ice hockey boot with 3 inline wheels instead of a blade.
Tonka Trucks were developed and are continued to be manufactured in Minnetonka.
Candy maker Frank C. Mars of Minnesota introduced the Milky Way candy bar in 1923. Mars marketed the Snickers bar in 1930 and introduced the 5 cent Three Musketeers bar in 1937. The original 3 Musketeers bar contained 3 bars in one wrapper. Each with different flavor nougat.
Author Laura Ingalls Wilder lived on Plum Creek near Walnut Grove.
Largest Mall in the US
Minnesota is home to the largest shopping mall in the United States. The Mall of America is a major attraction for the state, and hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the state just for this unique shopping experience.
Watch out for the kittens
In Darwin, Minnesota, you can find the largest ball of twine in the world. This ball of twine weighs more than 17,000 pounds! Try rolling that out for your kitten to chase.
Ever wanted an excuse to grow a Beard? Try living here.
If you are male and live in Brainerd, Minnesota, throw away the razors. Every man in this city is required to grow a beard.
Weird Drunk Law
Alcoholics should all flock to Minnesota. In 2010, a law was passed forbidding anyone from being arrested for drunkenness, even if they are drunk in public.
Skunk law
Leave the skunks alone while passing through Minnesota. It is illegal to tease them. (who would want to?? LOL)
So beautiful x