Andrew McCrea

Drawing upon his travels and experiences as a farmer and rancher, radio broadcaster and speaker, Andrew McCrea shares stories from the American countryside.

Latest Stories
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Retail Industry
The Magic Behind Bell Making: From the Famous SNL ‘More Cowbell’ Skit to the Iconic Bell in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
While the use of bells when Bevin Bells was founded in 1832 is much different today, the sixth-generation company continues to spread Christmas cheer year-round.
December 24, 2024 09:37 AM
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Andrew McCrea
How One Rural Community Rallied To Raise $12.5M For Impressive Community Complex
Osage, Iowa was able to raise enough money, without raising taxes, to build the Cedar River Complex, which features an indoor pool, fitness center, walking track, basketball courts, 600 seat theatre, museum and more.
July 07, 2023 03:39 PM
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Andrew McCrea
Want a Slice of Nostalgia? Try Road Tripping to Andy Griffith’s Real Hometown Now Known as Mayberry
Andy Griffith actually grew up in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, but many people refer to it as Mayberry. Today, visiting the North Carolina town is like stepping onto the TV set decades ago.
July 06, 2023 01:21 PM
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Andrew McCrea
North Pole Alaska
Letters to Santa: Take a Trip to Where Millions of Children’s Letters to the Big Guy Arrive
If you address a letter to Santa, chances are the letter arrives in Santa Claus, Alaska. This is the story of a family who somewhat by accident became associated with Christmas.
December 23, 2022 08:48 AM
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Andrew McCrea
The Mighty Faribault
A Small-Town Minnesota Bank Features Grizzlies and Beer Bottling Lines
Grizzly bear, deer, museum items and a beer bottling line sending bottles down the track near where you visit with the tellers are all part of the offerings at The State Bank of Faribault.
October 11, 2022 08:12 AM
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Andrew McCrea
American Countryside: Where the Adventures of Mark Twain Began
In winter 1819, a natural entrance to a cave was found just south of Hannibal, Mo. One of its visitors in the early 1840s was a young resident who was fascinated by what he saw.
August 11, 2022 03:05 PM
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Andrew McCrea
Terry Buckler
Meet the Farm Kid Who Became the Youngest Green Beret on a Daring U.S. Military Mission
Terry Buckler, a Missouri farm kid, shares the story of his time as a Green Beret and the historic raid on Son Tay prison in Vietnam.
July 13, 2022 03:27 PM
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Andrew McCrea
American Countryside: A Woolen Mill Comeback
The Faribault Woolen Mill continues to expand their product line and number of retail stores. It is a comeback story with roots in the days just after the Civil War.
January 20, 2022 09:31 AM
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Andrew McCrea
25 Years of American Countryside Stories
25 Years Of American Countryside Stories
It’s been a fun journey with many people and places still to go. Thanks for “traveling the countryside” with me.
November 03, 2021 09:25 AM
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Andrew McCrea
Community Grateful For Revival of Their ‘Little, Big Town’
Thanks to the work of the people of Shickley, Neb., a lot has been accomplished: local organizations are supported, businesses remain open, and young families are now inspired to make the community their home.
November 25, 2020 09:25 PM
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Andrew McCrea
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