Nokohaha

Then

Residence, 1916 Park Avenue, Minneapolis ca. 1910

and Now

The Pursuit Hometel Boarding House Continue reading

Check out these haunting and beautiful photographs by Craig Stellmacher. His photoessay “100 Abandoned Homes in Minneapolis” has been getting all sorts of much deserved attention . One photograph of an abandoned home, next to a closed school on the North side has been given to Mayor Rybak, and Representives Keith Ellison, Erik Paulsen, and Michele Bachmann. Seems like Ellison might already be familiar with the problem, but it can’t hurt to remind him. Stellmacher says he had no intention of writing a blog but,,

“…since Minnpost named me “blog of the day”–it’s hard to deny this is a blog. One night near the first of the year, I wanted to do something with my art for the community. I wasn’t satisfied doing nothing…and I didn’t have the money to just write checks for a cause. It occurred to me to photograph 100 abandoned homes. It clicked in my head, and the next day I was exited with a web domain and ready to shoot. I had no idea what would happen…and I would certainly say its had a life of its own. I handed some photographs to politicians, met a reporter, went on Cable TV, (Minneapolis Expressions with Brandon Ferdig) all of that wasn’t anticipated.”

I couldn’t help noticing at least one of the homes in the slide show was wearing the “Jopy” tag. This guys been at it for at least twenty years. I remember when “Trust Jopy” was scrawled on every other structure on Lake Street from Hennepin all the way to Hiawatha. I imagine my grandchildren will be seeing his name on alley walls and bathroom stalls long after I’m gone. Who is this guy? Is he related to Froggy?

Thirty-first Avenue South and Keewaydin Place 2/24/1950

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Then

Cle-Mar Apartments, 2062 Marshall Avenue in 1925

and Now

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Then

F. Rudolph Knapheide residence, 481 South Cleveland, ca. 1890

and Now

2064 Randolph