Calhoun Boulevard and 36th
Originally called by the Dakota “Mde Maka Ska”, which meant White Earth Lake, settlers later named it with the Dakota name “Medoza” or Loon Lake. The United States Secretary of War, John C. Calhoun, sent the Army to survey the area that would surround Fort Snelling in 1817. Calhoun had also authorized the construction of [...]
F.L. Wright’s 1907 Minneapolis Double Wides
These 1907 photos were taken around Minneapolis and environs by St. Paul photographer F.L. Wright. They were reprinted, hand colored and and published as postcards by the Wright, Barrett & Stilwell. The company was primarily involved in the sale roofing materials, but they did a brisk stationary and postcards business on the side. These are [...]
Getting with the Program at Lake Harriet
After his amazing Pagoada Pavilion burned to the ground in 1903, The Park Board decided to give architect, Harry W. Jones another try. This time his pavilion was designed in the Classic Revival style. Affectionately known as “The Pavilion”, the facility featured two levels with changing rooms, a restaurant and lower level refreshment [...]
When Lake Harriet Wasn’t Good Enough
Here’s a 1907 map of planned park improvements around Lake Harriet including boat landing, bathing beach, bathhouses, rose garden, picnic grove, tree, shrub and flower garden, trolley station, and paths. Theodore Wirth thought Harriet’s shoreline was a little too monotonous and dreamed of adding a peninsula on the lake near the Beard Plaisance on [...]
Having Fun with the Shriners in Minneapolis
The Twin Cities has played host to numerous Shriner conventions. In 1908 these postcard were issued and the Romanesque-style Masonic Temple on Hennepin was decorated and a variety of events were held around town especially for our funny, fez wearing friends. the Shriners were started by 13 New York City Masons in 1872. Only top-level [...]
