Catalog
Ramsey County History – Spring 2014: “The Birth of the Ramsey County Fair”
James LindnerThe Birth of the Ramsey County Fair Author: James Lindner The person credited with the concept of the original county fair is Elkanah Watson, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who, in 1810, started the Berkshire County Fair. Watson wanted to promote ways to improve farm productivity through education, “personal ambition,” and…
Ramsey County History – Summer 2013: “Fine Art Exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair, 1885–1914”
Leo J. HarrisFine Art Exhibits at the Minnesota State Fair, 1885–1914 Author: Leo J. Harris The first Minnesota art exhibit was held in St. Paul at the 1857 territorial fair. From that year until 1884, few art exhibits were displayed at the fair, partly because the location Fair moved to different…
Ramsey County History – Spring 2013: “A Monument to Freedom, a Monument to All: Restoring the Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller Memorial in Como Park”
Colin Nelson-DusekA Monument to Freedom, a Monument to All: Restoring the Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller Memorial in Como Park Author: Colin Nelson-Dusek Beginning in 1907, a bronze sculpture of Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller has reigned over the Gateway to Como Park. Despite its long and ubiquitous presence, little…
Ramsey County History – Spring 2012: “St. Paul’s Beaux-Arts Libraries: Philanthropic Architecture in a Local Context”
Lauren M. FreeseSt. Paul’s Beaux-Arts Libraries: Philanthropic Architecture in a Local Context Author: Lauren M. Freese In 1917, Saint Paul City Architect Charles Hausler designed three libraries in St. Paul. They are the St. Anthony Park Free Public Library; the Riverview Free Public Library (West Side); and the Arlington Hills Free…
Ramsey County History – Winter 2012: “How Nettie Snyder Put the City on the Musical Map”
Roger BergersonHow Nettie Snyder Put the City on the Musical Map Author: Roger Bergerson When Enrico Caruso and the stars of the New York Metropolitan Opera Company took the stage at the brand-new St. Paul Auditorium in the spring of 1907, the arias soared and so did civic pride. “The…
Ramsey County History – Fall 2011: “Gone But Not Forgotten? The Survival of Outdoor Sculpture in St. Paul”
Moira F. HarrisGone But Not Forgotten? The Survival of Outdoor Sculpture in St. Paul Author: Moira F. Harris Outdoor sculpture is challenged by vandalism, theft, climate extremes, urban redevelopment, pigeon droppings, neglect, and changes in taste. Although a sculpture seems more permanent than a mural, due to its size and weight,…
Ramsey County History – Fall 2011: “Living la Vida en Ramsey County: A Journey through Ramsey County’s Mexican Past”
Leila Renee AlbertLiving la Vida en Ramsey County: A Journey through Ramsey County’s Mexican Past Author: Leila Renee Albert In September 2011, the Ramsey County Historical Society (RCHs) opened an exhibit in its gallery space in the Landmark Center focused on Ramsey County’s Mexican past titled, “Living la Vida en Ramsey…
Ramsey County History – Summer 2011: “With Style, Grace, and Pride: The Gardens at the Minnesota Governor’s Residence”
Karine Pouliquen and Lori SchindlerWith Style, Grace, and Pride: The Gardens at the Minnesota Governor’s Residence Authors: Karine Pouliquen and Lori Schindler The Summit Avenue mansion of lumber tycoon Horace and Clotilde Irvine is celebrated for its elaborate gardens. Built about 1910, the residence included one of the early twentieth-century Victorian-style gardens that…
Ramsey County History – Spring 2011: “‘A Gentle, Kind Spirit Whose Life Was Art’ Jean Sanborn Gross: Artist, Painter, and Printmaker”
Eileen R. McCormack“A Gentle, Kind Spirit Whose Life Was Art” Jean Sanborn Gross: Artist, Painter, and Printmaker Author: Eileen R. McCormack The article looks at the life of artist Jean Sanborn Gross (1919–1983), the daughter of Hazel and Frederick Sanborn. When Jean was seven, her parents divorced, and she was raised…