Catalog
Ramsey County History – Summer 1994: “Growing Up in St. Paul: Harriet Island and the ‘Fearless Popper’”
WilliamD. Bowell Sr.Growing Up in St. Paul: Harriet Island and the ‘Fearless Popper’ Author: William D. Bowell Sr. A charming account of the author’s family’s popcorn wagon concession on Harriet Island in the 1930s and William Bowell’s childhood experience in the popcorn business. PDF of Bowell article…
Ramsey County History – Winter 1994: “Giesen’s: Costumers to St. Paul’s Families and Festivals—1872-1970”
Virginia L. MartinGiesen’s: Costumers to St. Paul’s Families and Festivals—1872-1970 Author: Virginia L. Martin Out of the heavily German culture of St. Paul’s early decades grew Giesen’s, which for a time was one of the biggest commercial costume businesses in the country. The founder, Maria Giesen, ran it until 1903: her daughter-in-law,…
Ramsey County History – Summer 1993: “Colorful, Sometimes Contentious—St. Paul’s 100-Year-Old Neighborhood Press”
Jane McClureColorful, Sometimes Contentious—St. Paul’s 100-Year-Old Neighborhood Press Author: Jane McClure The author, a longtime and prolific writer for the Highland Villager, has assembled a compendium of St. Paul neighborhood newspapers going back to the Midway News in 1888. She gives most space to the Villager, the most successful of all.
Ramsey County History – Summer 1993: “Growing Up in St. Paul: Albert Fuller and the Family Business”
Liz Holum JohnsonGrowing Up in St. Paul: Albert Fuller and the Family Business Author: Liz Holum Johnson Excerpts from the diary of Albert Fuller document the early days of the H.B. Fuller Company, and lots more: Archbishop Ireland, mucilage and paste, gambling at the State Fair, patents, and more. The frequently witty…
Ramsey County History – Spring 1993: “. . . ‘And a Sprinkling of Jews’: Work and Faith and Minnesota’s Jewish Merchants”
Marilyn J. Chiat. . . ‘And a Sprinkling of Jews’: Work and Faith and Minnesota’s Jewish Merchants Author: Marilyn J. Chiat There were Jews in St. Paul as early as 1851. The first to come were German, followed later in the century by Russians and Poles. Most were poor and many came…
Ramsey County History – Summer 1991: “Walter Sanborn and the Eighth Circuit Court”
Thomas BoydWalter Sanborn and the Eighth Circuit Court Author: Thomas Boyd A biographical profile of one of Minnesota’s most distinguished lawyers. He came to St. Paul in 1870 to join his uncle’s law practice. Sanborn succeeded in private practice, served on the City Council, and was appointed to the Eighth Circuit…
Ramsey County History – Summer 1990: “An Excess of Zeal and Boosterism—Few Holds Barred in Twin Cities Rivalries”
Virginia Brainard KunzAn Excess of Zeal and Boosterism—Few Holds Barred in Twin Cities Rivalries Author: Virginia Brainard Kunz A summary of the major struggles for dominance between Minneapolis and St. Paul: the Census War of 1890 (won by Minneapolis, but only after arrests, threats, extravagant cheating, and a recount); the 14-year battle…
Ramsey County History – Fall 1989: “A Pioneer Writes Home: Alexander Wilkin and 1850s St. Paul”
Ronald M. HubbsA Pioneer Writes Home: Alexander Wilkin and 1850s St. Paul Author: Ronald M. Hubbs Alexander Wilkin was an important early resident of St. Paul. Lawyer, speculator, politician, adventurer, he sought fortune and glory on the frontier. He got both, plus an early death in battle. Letters he wrote to…
Ramsey County History – Fall 1989: “Boom, Boom, Bust! The ’29 Crash”
Woodrow KeljikBoom, Boom, Bust! The ’29 Crash Author: Woodrow Keljik “Were the 1920s really prosperous?” Woodrow Keljik asks. In retrospect, signs of problems abounded, such as trouble on the farm, the situation in Europe, and reckless speculation. Words of caution were ignored. Another Republican victory in the 1928 elections encouraged…