One Hundred and One Years Old
1960's Postcard
The historic Saint Paul Hotel celebrated it’s centennial on April 18, 2010. Since 1910, the hotel has played host to U.S. Presidents, international leaders, royalty, gangsters, movie stars, athletes, business leaders, newly weds and Minneapolitans desperate for a little class.
Here’s a timeline from the Saint Paul’s website
1910
“St. Paul’s Million-Dollar Hotel” opens with much enthusiasm and ceremony on April 18, 1910, with guests such as James J. Hill, the builder of the Great Northern Railway, Lucius P. Ordway, businessman and early 3M investor, and John Ireland, archbishop of St. Paul.
1919
State Legislature ratifies the 19th amendment and the women of the equal franchise celebrate with a jubilee banquet in the hotel.
1920
In July, 300 women from 45 states gather for the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Club Convention.
1927
Charles Lindberg returns to St. Paul from his trans Atlantic flight and a dinner is given for him at the hotel.
1928
KSTP Radio broadcasts live from the Casino Ballroom in The Saint Paul Hotel (broadcasting ran into the 1950s).
1920-30s
During St. Paul’s gangster era, Leon Gleckman, known as the “Al Capone of St. Paul,” maintains his headquarters for business dealings in a suite at The Saint Paul Hotel. Mike Malone, a U.S. Treasury Department official who infiltrated Al Capone’s syndicate in Chicago, also rents a room at the hotel to observe Gleckman’s activities.
1937
A young band leader named Lawrence Welk begins playing in the hotel on Saturday nights.
1947
In September, Gene Autry checks into the hotel for eight days with his horse, Champion. They are in town performing in the World Championship Rodeo at the St. Paul Auditorium.
1950-1960s
The Dixieland music of Harry Blons is featured in the Gopher Grill.
1950s
The hotel and the city begin to suffer as highways start to push people and businesses to the suburbs. The hotel is in need of maintenance and repair, and its appeal begins to diminish.
1960
John F. Kennedy visits the hotel prior to elections.
1979
“Bits of history go up for sale,” when the owners decide to give the hotel a facelift and sell off everything, from tables, chairs, televisions, mirrors, china, silverware and carpet.
1982
The Saint Paul business community realizes the importance of the hotel once again. Piece by piece, the 254 room hotel is redesigned, restored and completed.
1954
