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Jane Gibbs: Little Bird That Was Caught

Anne E. Neuberger, Illustrations by Tessie Bundick

In 1834, five-year old Jane was placed into a covered wagon to travel with a family she did not know. The Stevens–a missionary family–took her through great woods and savannahs, boating across Lake Michigan and up rivers until they reached Minnesota. While the Stevens were building a log cabin, Jane…

Ramsey County History – Winter 1997: “Growing Up in St. Paul: Everyone Knew the Rules for the Rites of Passage and Transportation Was Mainly on Foot”

Brenda Raudenbush

Growing Up in St. Paul: Everyone Knew the Rules for the Rites of Passage and Transportation Was Mainly on Foot Author: Brenda Raudenbush The author grew up in St. Paul in the 1940s and ‘50s. “To every child . . . the very bricks, dogs, and all growing things of…

Ramsey County History – Summer 1995: “Growing Up in St. Paul: Flexible Flyers, Trolleys to Wildwood and the Wondrous Tree House on Grand Hill”

Samuel H. Morgan

Growing Up in St. Paul: Flexible Flyers, Trolleys to Wildwood and the Wondrous Tree House on Grand Hill Author: Samuel H. Morgan The author lived at 710 Linwood, deep in Crocus Hill, from 1918 (when he was seven) to 1958. This memoir covers the first eleven years. He recalls riding…

Ramsey County History – Spring 1973: “The First “Living Flag””

Mrs. George R. Becker with George A. Rea

The First “Living Flag” Authors: Mrs. George R. Becker, with George A. Rea The first-known “living flag” was mounted near Rice Park in St. Paul in 1896. The flag was made up of St. Paul schoolchildren under the direction of Prof. C.H. Congdon, supervisor of music for the city schools.

Ramsey County History – Spring 1969: “Summer Evenings, a Smudge Kettle, Tallow Candles—And Farm Life Recalled”

Lillie Gibbs LeVesconte

Summer Evenings, a Smudge Kettle, Tallow Candles—And Farm Life Recalled Author: Lillie Gibbs LeVesconte A short memoir written by the youngest daughter of Jane and Heman Gibbs about her years in the 1870s during summer evenings after all the chores were done and family members gathered in…

Ramsey County History – Fall 1968: “Silver Lake Childhood – Revisited”

William F. Morgan

Silver Lake Childhood – Revisited Author: William F. Morgan A very brief memoir of the author’s childhood spent at Silver Lake in North St. Paul. PDF of Morgan article…

Ramsey County History – Fall 1968: “Spring Wagons and No Roads: A Pioneer Family’s Sunday”

Lillie Gibbs LeVesconte

Spring Wagons and No Roads: A Pioneer Family’s Sunday Author: Lillie Gibbs LeVesconte A short reminiscence left by the youngest child (born 1865) of Jane and Heman Gibbs about Sundays in the 1870s in St. Anthony Park and the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota.

Ramsey County History – Spring 1967: “The Saga of Charley Pitts’ Body”

Lillie Gibbs LeVesconte

The Saga of Charley Pitts’ Body Charley Pitts was part of the James-Younger gang that robbed the First National Bank in Northfield in September 1876. He was killed by a posse two weeks later. His body was exhibited at the Minnesota Capitol. What became of it after that? In…

Ramsey County History – Spring 1967: “Time, Luck, Stamina—Pioneers Needed Them All When Seeking a Farm”

Ramsey County Historical Society

Time, Luck, Stamina—Pioneers Needed Them All When Seeking a Farm Coates P. Bull of St. Paul, age ninety-three, recalls the story of how his parents came to Minneapolis in 1857, found and bought farm land at what became 50th Street and France Avenue in Edina, and began farm…