George Putnam Presents “Perversion for Profit”
Born in Breckenridge, Minnesota, George Putnam began his radio career at WDGY in Minneapolis when he was in his twenties. In 1951 he moved to Los Angeles and switched to television. Putnam hosted the highest rated newscast in California and anchored all four of Los Angeles’ major independent stations. He is fondly remembered for [...]
One Dale Down
Brookdale was the second of the four “Dale” shopping malls developed by the Dayton’s. After the success of Southdale Center, Knollwood Mall and Apache Plaza, the Dayton’s Co. looked to the Brooklyn Center. The city boomed in the immediate post-war years and was seen as a prime location. A site was chosen near Highway [...]
The Conservatory Then and Never Again
On the back of my sleeve I have a fading memory of a five or six floor hedge maze on Nicollet Mall. I’ve pre-spotted and rubbed a little vinegar and lemon juice into the fabric, but the stain just won’t come out. Seems like I got lost for hours in there and never bought [...]
American Rug Laundry on East Lake Then and Now
American Rug Laundry is the largest and oldest rug cleaning facility in the Upper Midwest. Established in 1895, the company has been doing business on East Lake street for generations. Lorraine Sullivan of St. Paul worked at American Rug for thirty-two years. She was kind enough to sit down and share her memories of dance [...]
Rockin’ Sockin’ Sheriff Tommy Gibbons
Saint Paul native, Thomas J. Gibbons was a nearly undefeated heavyweight boxer. He started boxing professionally as a middleweight at the tender age of 20. Tommy was often compared to his brother Mike as he advanced to the Heavyweight class and developed a respectable punch. His biggest fight came near the end of his [...]
