The Slayton Public Library is pleased to host historian and author Janet Timmerman for a special presentation of her latest book, “Halcyon Days: Leisure at Lake Shetek.” The event will take place on Friday, Aug. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Slayton Public Library’s Community Room, located at 2451 Broadway Ave, Slayton.
Timmerman is also making additional appearances. She will speak at the Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center in Tracy on Sunday, Aug. 10, at 2 p.m.
Nestled in Murray County, Lake Shetek holds a cherished place in the hearts of both locals and visitors. In “Halcyon Days,” Timmerman explores the deep relationship people have formed with this scenic prairie lake over the past century. Through personal reflections, vacation snapshots, and accounts of community gatherings, the book captures Lake Shetek’s enduring charm. But beneath the idyllic surface lies a more complex reality. The book also examines the environmental impact of industrial agriculture and commercial recreation on the lake’s fragile ecosystem. Despite continued efforts from local residents and lake advocates, environmental challenges persist. Blending leisure history with environmental reflection, Timmerman invites readers to consider the delicate balance between preservation and progress.
Guests are also encouraged to arrive early on Friday, Aug. 8, to meet Diane Foster, the cover artist for “Halcyon Days,” whose original oil paintings will be on display in Slayton Library’s Community Room. Foster’s exhibit runs from August 7–15, 2025 and showcases rural and lake landscapes echoing the spirit of Lake Shetek.
During the 2025 Murray County Fair, Timmerman will have a booth display where the public can meet the author and buy a copy of “Halcyon Days.”
This event and publication are made possible in part by support from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Fund; the Minnesota State Arts Board; the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council; and the Society for the Study of Local and Regional History.
