The late Francis Johnson started creating what would become Darwin’s famous Twine Ball 75 years ago. In December 1957, he was quoted in the Litchfield Independent Review saying he started the Twine Ball on “a cold, snowy day in March 1950.” When Francis did something, he was committed, and he tended to do a lot of it.
A highly skilled carpenter, Francis built many homes and remodeled others. He was also a saver and a collector. Francis had a pencil collection in the thousands, hundreds of carpenter nail aprons a storage shed full of old tools and, of course, Francis collected used baler twine, which over 29 years he wound into the World’s Largest Ball of Twine made by one man, nearly 12 feet tall and 40 feet around.
Many people know of Darwin because of the Twine Ball’s fame, which draws about 10,000 visitors each year from all over the world to the small town.
“There’s a joy people have in seeing it and hearing Francis’ story,” said Darwin Mayor Josh Johnson, adding, “It’s the twine that binds.”
“After Francis’ passing, his family, looking to preserve his legacy and his Twine Ball, recognized that the binder twine that Francis used ended up binding more than just a ball, it bound together a community,” Mayor Johnson said. “The family knew that in Darwin and the Darwin Community Club, they had found a steward that would care for Francis’ legacy, as much as Francis cared for his Twine Ball.”
Twine Ball celebrating 75 all year long
The Darwin Community Legacy Foundation is spearheading the recognition of the milestone year, in partnership with the city. They’ve hung a commemorative banner on the Twine Ball gazebo and new main street banners proclaiming, “Welcome to Twine Ball Country”.
Francis Johnson and his now-famous hobby were also in the spotlight at the 13th annual Darwin Night at the Dassel Ballpark on July 9. A crowd of about 500 turned out to enjoy town ball, Twine Ball races between innings, prize drawings, and a feature in the program highlighting Francis’ achievement as well as his love of baseball. And the Twine Ball served as parade grand marshal in its namesake festival, Twine Ball Day, in August.
“We want to share this 75th anniversary with everyone,” said Jenny Smith, chair of the Darwin Community Legacy Foundation advisory board. “The Twine Ball is what brings our community together. We take great pride in it, and we treasure having it as part of the community.”
About the Darwin Community Legacy Foundation
Our network of 31 community foundations supports passionate people with the resources to make positive change. A team of local advisory board members guides each community foundation by fundraising, recommending grants, telling stories of good work happening locally and promoting their town.
The Darwin Community Legacy Foundation (DCLF) was established to provide a better community for tomorrow through charitable giving today. Last year, DCLF reached a major milestone when its endowment fund balance passed the $1 million mark.
“For Darwin this is a remarkable achievement, one that was hardly on our radar when the DCLF was launched just seven and one-half years ago. We are humbled and extremely grateful for all of the generous support,” said Jenny, who has been an advisory board member since the beginning.
The endowment fund belongs to the Darwin community, and its earnings support project work in Darwin and provide assistance to other non-profit service organizations. DCLF has invested $148,000 in grants to support local organizations and community projects.
“The DCLF board made a strong commitment in bringing donors together to grow the Darwin endowment, and loyal contributors, from near and far, have stepped up to support their hometown. DCLF donors have also raised the bar in showing what is possible in a smaller community,” said Jeff Vetsch, Community Philanthropy Officer for Southwest Initiative Foundation.
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Support your local community foundation or another fund that benefits a cause you care about close to home. See a full list of our partner funds in southwest Minnesota.
