Cousin Denny, our pal John Greenleaf has written me asking if there were ever great cinnamon rolls available any place in our hometown of Shenandoah IA? Do you recall any — either in restaurants, the bakery, or by some home baker that I’m forgetting? Maybe that’s why I love rolls so much now. Maybe we were deprived in our youth.
Marianne Carlson is one of the two or three best cinnamon roll makers in Iowa, for sure. In addition to winning at the Iowa State Fair — but I don’t think in my time as a roll judge — she’s also been champ at the huge Clay County Fair contest. When she donated “a dozen rolls per month for a year” at a local fundraising auction, I was part of a group of 8 who paid a total of $1,100 for them! And they were worth every penny!
I remember your cinnamon roll exploits, Chuck. That was fun. Am I remembering correctly that someone handed you some chocolate cinnamon rolls at a Christmas service one year? BTW, you are one lucky man. Mary’s rolls look so good!
Thanks for all your sacrifices for journalism, Chuck.
Fun read on a Sunday morning Chuck!!! Denny Reavis
Cousin Denny, our pal John Greenleaf has written me asking if there were ever great cinnamon rolls available any place in our hometown of Shenandoah IA? Do you recall any — either in restaurants, the bakery, or by some home baker that I’m forgetting? Maybe that’s why I love rolls so much now. Maybe we were deprived in our youth.
Jefferson's own Marianne Carlson has won the cinnamon roll contest. Perhaps more than once.
Marianne Carlson is one of the two or three best cinnamon roll makers in Iowa, for sure. In addition to winning at the Iowa State Fair — but I don’t think in my time as a roll judge — she’s also been champ at the huge Clay County Fair contest. When she donated “a dozen rolls per month for a year” at a local fundraising auction, I was part of a group of 8 who paid a total of $1,100 for them! And they were worth every penny!
Chuck, I had forgotten the problems that arose during your years as a judge long ago. Good luck at the State Fair!
I remember your cinnamon roll exploits, Chuck. That was fun. Am I remembering correctly that someone handed you some chocolate cinnamon rolls at a Christmas service one year? BTW, you are one lucky man. Mary’s rolls look so good!
Quite a saga! Soldier on! I love your open spirit and engagement in life.