This building was once known as “The Corner Store.” (The Talking Trail story at the bank next door will tell you why). It’s been home to a number of businesses since the 1880s. One of those holds a special place in Lanesboro history because of the special man who created it.

Matias O. Bue, born in 1889, came to America from Norway as a teenager. He did farm work at first but his passion was taking photographs. When he moved to Lanesboro, a town with gifted photographers, he took picture-taking here to a new level. Bue was an artist as much as a photographer, and a century ago helped light the spark of the arts in Lanesboro, Minnesota.

What made his photos unique? Bue’s photos told the story of ordinary people with extraordinary style. He his creative flair, taking pictures with a wink and a wisdom, somehow transcends time. His photos of the Lanesboro Dam still shimmer. His winter scenes of Sylvan Park look like paintings.

Matt Bue loved taking pictures. (More than 44,000 of his photographic plates still exist.) He also loved his adopted hometown. He served on Lanesboro’s city council, the park and library boards, was a charter member of the Sons of Norway, and volunteered with the Boy Scouts, among other groups. His shop (look inside to see its original sign) was a popular community gathering spot until he retired in 1954. He enjoyed a quiet retirement until his passing in 1969 at the age of 80. Matt Bue was a respected and well-loved citizen whose photos captured this town and its people like no one ever has, or probably ever will.