The Minnesota Strip
In the 1970′s the “Minnesota Strip” was a term used by New Yorkers to describe Eighth Avenue . The term was coined by cops because it was rumored that many of the prostitutes who worked the stretch between 42nd and 50th Streets were teenage runaways from Minnesota. A November 28, 1977 Time article reported this: “The most sensational special link the committee found... Read More
Enchanted Swamps
The Swamps of Enchanted Island on Lake Minnetonka. The Island is said to have been named for the medicine dances that the Dakota Indians performed there up until the mid-1800′s. Read More
The Ford Dam Then and Now
1930 Postcard Lock and Damn #1 was rebuilt in 1929, and an expansion from one lock to two locks was completed in 1932. Each lock is 56 feet (17 m) wide by 400 feet (120 m) long (17 × 122 meters), half the width of the next lock downstream, though this is the only dual-lock facility in the district. Major rehabilitation efforts were carried out between 1978 and 1983, including... Read More
The Ford Bridge Then and Now
What’s known around the neighborhood as the Ford bridge is actually called the Intercity Bridge, spanning the Mississippi River to join the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, is historically significant as one of the largest reinforced concrete bridges ever built in Minnesota and is a significant engineering accomplishment. The bridge is an excellent example... Read More
Alexandria Minnesota Vacationland Vintage 50′s Footage
Part 1 in a series of 9 vintage video clips recovered from reel to reel film taken in the early 1950′s showcasing Alexandria Minnesota as a vacation destination. Very unique piece of history!! For current Alexandria travel, hotel, or vacation information – please visit www.alexandriaminnesota.org Lake Geneva, Alexandria, Postcard ca. 1950 Read More
Swamp of the Day
Langdon Lake in the magnificent municipality of Mound, Minnesota is the. Swamp of the Day! Lake Langdon lies immediately west of Mound. It lies between an old Great Northern rail road line and Lake Minnetonka. It is named for R. V. Langdon, the first township clerk One of its most notable places is an old ice house and grocery store at the east side of the lake. The store for many... Read More
Saunders Lake is the Swamp of the Day
The first European settlers came to the area in the 1850′s. In 1854, Nathaniel Sanders and J. F. Buck settled on the shores of Saunders Lake. Saunders Lake was named for Nathaniel Sanders. The Lake outlets through a small channel to Langdon Lake. Langdon Lake discharges through a culvert under Highway 110 into Lost Lake, which outlets into Cooks Bay, Lake Minnetonka. The... Read More
By the Waters of Minnetonka