Catalog
“Ramsey County History – Winter 2011: “‘We Can Do Better with a Chisel and a Hammer:’ Appreciating Mary Colter and Her Roots in St. Paul”
Diane Trout-Oertel“We Can Do Better with a Chisel and a Hammer:” Appreciating Mary Colter and Her Roots in St. Paul Author: Diane Trout-Oertel Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, one of the few women to become an architect in the late nineteenth century, spent most of her first three decades in St.
Ramsey County History – Spring 2010: “‘Good Grief!’ Said Charlie Brown: The Business of Death in Bygone St. Paul”
Moira F. Harris & Leo J. Harris“Good Grief!” Said Charlie Brown: The Business of Death in Bygone St. Paul Authors: Moira F. Harris & Leo J. Harris The article outlines the views of death and funeral customs in the nineteenth century, drawing heavily on the archives of the Albert Scheffer family in St. Paul. It…
Ramsey County History – Winter 2009: “Courthouse Sculptor: Lee Lawrie”
Paul D. NelsonCourthouse Sculptor: Lee Lawrie Author: Paul D. Nelson A look at renowned sculptor Lee Lawrie (1887–1963), who designed the exterior artwork for the New York Rockefeller Center and the St. Paul City Hall and County Courthouse. His specialty was architectural sculpture or, so to speak, carving on buildings. Lawrie…
Rocky Roots: Geology and Stone Construction in Downtown St. Paul (second edition)
Sr. Joan Kain & Paul D. NelsonThe second edition of Rocky Roots is a guide to the use of stone in downtown St. Paul’s architecture. It can be a flexible and useful guide to several different walking tours that will enrich a pedestrian’s stroll through town. It uses text, photos, and maps as a guide to…
Ramsey County History – Spring 2007: “A House of Versatile Talents: The William and Carrie Lightner Residence on Summit Avenue”
Paul Clifford LarsonA House of Versatile Talents: The William and Carrie Lightner Residence on Summit Avenue Author: Paul Clifford Larson William Lightner was a prominent St. Paul attorney for fifty years. He dabbled in politics and was a big supporter of history. Born in Pennsylvania, he came to this city in…
Ramsey County History – Winter 2006: “My Years at the Andahazy School of Ballet”
Sandra Snell WeinbergMy Years at the Andahazy School of Ballet Author: Sandra Snell Weinberg At the age of eleven, the author took her first lessons at the Andahazy School of Classical Ballet at 1680 Grand Avenue. She was thrilled and read all the books she could find on dance. The Andahazy…
Ramsey County History – Winter 2005: “Curtain Up in 1933: The Legacy of the St. Paul Opera Association”
Steve TrimbleCurtain Up in 1933: The Legacy of the St. Paul Opera Association Author: Steve Trimble Inspired by a trip to Europe, Mrs. W. Homer Sweeney successfully spearheaded the creation of the St. Paul Municipal Opera. Opening in 1933, it was a “civic opera” that chose to present quality music…
Ramsey County History – Fall 2004: “The Rondo Oral History Project Kathryn Coram Gagnon: Operettas, Dances, Parties, and a Growing Love of Music”
Kate CavettThe Rondo Oral History Project Kathryn Coram Gagnon: Operettas, Dances, Parties, and a Growing Love of Music Interview by Kate Cavett Based on oral history interviews, this is the story of Kathryn Coram Gagnon, an African-American woman who grew up in St. Paul’s old Rondo neighborhood. The interview…
Ramsey County History – Summer 2004: “From Farm to Florence: The Gifted Keating Sisters and the Mystery of Their Lost Paintings”
Margaret M. MarrinanFrom Farm to Florence: The Gifted Keating Sisters and the Mystery of Their Lost Paintings Author: Margaret M. Marrinan This article centers on two Irish farm girls, Anysia and Sophia Keating who became nuns and developed into prolific painters. The mystery had to do with a search for information…