Catalog
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…
Ramsey County History – Fall 1988: “The Fire and Marine: Facts, Fancies, Legends—The First 100 Years of Minnesota’s Oldest Business Corporation”
Ronald M. HubbsThe Fire and Marine: Facts, Fancies, Legends—The First 100 Years of Minnesota’s Oldest Business Corporation Author: Ronald M. Hubbs Businessmen generally prefer stability, but frontier towns are often shaky. The St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, born in 1853, helped create local stability. Its organizers were some of…
Ramsey County History – Spring 1988: “The American National Bank and the Bremer Brothers”
Thomas J. KelleyThe American National Bank and the Bremer Brothers Author: Thomas J. Kelley Many entered the field of banking in the 1880s, but due to the Depression of 1893, many of these institutions folded. The American National Bank was opened in 1903 by local businessmen led by Otto Bremer, owner…
Ramsey County History – Spring 1988: “George H. Trout and the Corner Grocery Store”
Karl TroutGeorge H. Trout and the Corner Grocery Store Author: Karl Trout This memoir from the son of a grocer in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood is filled with delightful details: how the commodities were delivered and sold and how customers tasted the butter before buying. According to the author, “the…
Ramsey County History – Fall 1987: “Cattleman and Capitalists—And The Founding of New Brighton”
Gene F. SkibaCattleman and Capitalists—And The Founding of New Brighton Author: Gene F. Skiba The article covers the founding of the city of New Brighton and memories from early settlers. Minneapolis businessmen created the city hoping to be in the cattle business. They chose a location on Long Lake, set up…
Ramsey County History – Fall 1987: “The Great Horse Market Years at Prior and University”
John S. SonnenThe Great Horse Market Years at Prior and University Author: John S. Sonnen In the late nineteenth century, horsepower moved the city. In the early 1890s the street railway alone employed 800 equines. Where did the horses come from? The Minnesota Transfer Railway. Located in the Midway, it hauled…