Catalog
Ramsey County History 2026 Issue 1
Paul Nelson and James Fleming, Kate Dietrick, Eula T. Murphy (with David V. Taylor)Volume 61, No. 1 Paul Nelson and James Fleming, Kate Dietrick, Eula T. Murphy (with David V. Taylor) PDF of full issue: Ramsey County History 2026, Issue 1 Articles in this issue: “Hired to Carry the Dagger: Pierce Butler in St. Paul” Authors: Paul Nelson and James Fleming…
Pierce Butler in St. Paul
Paul Nelson and James Fleming“Hired to Carry the Dagger” by Paul Nelson and James Fleming To see this complete magazine article with endnotes and additional images, please view the PDF version. Pierce Butler, St. Paul, circa 1917. Photo by Golling Studio, courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society. Attorney Pierce Butler could be a…
Ramsey County History Summer 2023 – Roller Skating
Heidi HellerVolume 58, Number 2: Summer 2023 Rolling through the Decades Roller Skating in Ramsey County Author: Heidi Heller What better way to spend a Saturday night than rolling ‘round and ‘round a skate floor with friends? Some will remember the disco era, complete with a sparkly, mirrored ball and…
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 – Spring 2006: “Mary Hill’s Lowertown, 1867–1891”
Eileen R. McCormackMary Hill’s Lowertown, 1867–1891 Author: Eileen R. McCormack Mary Mehegan Hill lived most of her early life in St. Paul’s Lowertown and was there with her husband, James J. Hill, from the time of their marriage until the Hills moved to Summit Avenue in 1891. Surrounded by prosperous families…
Ramsey County History – Spring 2006: “Lowertown: Another Perspective”
David RiehleLowertown: Another Perspective Author: David Riehle Fire insurance maps are valuable resources that can reveal some of the patterns of economic class. For instance, pink coloring on the plats is reserved for stone and blue for frame homes. The Hills, Gotzians and Uphams were socially active with each other,…
Ramsey County History – Summer 2005: “Growing Up in St. Paul: I Remember My Aunt: Frances Boardman—Music Critic, Who Covered an Archbishop’s Funeral”
Alexandra (Sandy) KlasGrowing Up in St. Paul: I Remember My Aunt: Frances Boardman—Music Critic, Who Covered an Archbishop’s Funeral Author: Alexandra (Sandy) Klas Written by the niece of Frances Boardman, the memoir starts with the background of the family. Boardman graduated from Central High School and became a pioneering woman in…
Ramsey County History – Spring 2005: “A Novel Look at History”
Steve TrimbleA Novel Look at History Author: Steve Trimble There are some historians who believe that in many cases novels can give readers the real feel of a city—its smells, sounds, and landscape. This article looks at four novels set in St. Paul. Mr. White’s Confession by Robert Clark is set in…
Ramsey County History – Winter 2004: “‘He Loved a Tall Story’ The Life and Times of I.A. O’Shaughnessy, the Man Who Happily Gave His Money Away”
John M. Lindley and Virginia Brainard Kunz‘He Loved a Tall Story’ The Life and Times of I.A. O’Shaughnessy, the Man Who Happily Gave His Money Away Authors: John M. Lindley and Virginia Brainard Kunz Born in 1885, Ignatius Aloysius O’Shaughnessy was an oilman and philanthropist. His parents, who were of Irish decent, moved to Minnesota…