Today, I entered the Three Sons Clothing Store in Milford, Iowa, to meet the creators and founders of the University of Okoboji. We were lucky to nab Herman Richter, one of the original ‘three sons’, and his son, Matt, in this surprise LIVE visit.
Herman is an original fixture in this store as much as the floor boards and rickety steps. Defying all retail convention, the store remains unchanged since long before Vineyard Vines, a preppy brand they carry, was established in 1998."
And, it hasn’t changed in the decades since my dad first wrote about the ‘boys’ in 1969. Behind the check-out counter is a box of reprints of that column, which they hand out to anyone who expresses interest in the origin of the iconic must-see store.
I’m in the area to finalize arrangements for the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat taking place September 28-October 1. Herman hasn’t missed a retreat yet.
This will be our fifth year.
The Richter family were early cheerleaders for the retreat, and Matt officiates the opening cocktail gathering for our speakers on the Sunday night before the workshops begin.
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