• Clear Filters

Ramsey County History – Winter 2015: “William Boss and His Specialty Manufacturing Company”

Harlan Stoehr

William Boss and His Specialty Manufacturing Company Author: Harlan Stoehr During his lifetime, William Boss (1869–1965) of St. Paul was a farmer, student, instructor, inventor, professor, administrator, and entrepreneur. This article examines how he came to play so many roles, first at the School of Agriculture at the University…

Ramsey County History – Summer 2012: “The Little Engine That Did: The ‘Iron Walker’ and Its Inaugural Run”

Dave Riehle

The Little Engine That Did: The “Iron Walker” and Its Inaugural Run Author: Dave Riehle The focus of this article is the inaugural run of the William Crooks, also known as the “Iron Walker,” the first railroad locomotive to operate in Minnesota. It made its debut running from 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 – Summer 2009: “Pith, Heart, and Nerve, Truman M. Smith: Horticulture as the Way Back”

Barry L. & Joan Miller Cotter

Pith, Heart, and Nerve, Truman M. Smith: Horticulture as the Way Back  Authors: Barry L. & Joan Miller Cotter This is the second article on Truman Smith—the first was in the Fall 2008 issue. This article reports how, after financial difficulties and the economic crash of the 1850s, Smith…

Ramsey County History – Spring 2009: “St. Paul Underground: History and Geology at Carver’s Cave”

Greg A. Brick

St. Paul Underground: History and Geology at Carver’s Cave Author: Greg A. Brick This is a survey of the history of St. Paul’s legendary Carver’s Cave from the time of its first visit by Europeans to the present day. The geologist Greg Brick discusses the changes to this spring-cut…

Rocky Roots: Geology and Stone Construction in Downtown St. Paul (second edition)

Sr. Joan Kain & Paul D. Nelson

The 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 – Winter 2007: “‘A Great Experience:’ Villaume Builds Gliders in World War II”

John M. Lindley

“A Great Experience” Villaume Builds Gliders in World War II Author: John M. Lindley German troops used gliders in May 1940, and the Americans decided to use them too. They didn’t want to build gliders at existing airplane manufacturers and wanted to minimize the use of scarce metal. The…

Ramsey County History – Spring 2006: “St. Paul Underground: Stahlmann’s Cellars: The Cave under the Castle”

Greg A. Brick

St. Paul Underground: Stahlmann’s Cellars: The Cave under the Castle Author: Greg A. Brick Bavarian-born Christopher Stahlmann opened his brewery in St. Paul in 1855 on Fort and Oneida streets in the West Seventh area. By the late 1870s, it was the largest brewery in the state. Its lagering…

Ramsey County History – Winter 2006: “Rabies Scare in St. Paul  ‘Mad Dog on the Loose.’ Panic Prevails as Fear Rips through the City in 1910”

Susan Dowd

Rabies Scare in St. Paul  ‘Mad Dog on the Loose.’ Panic Prevails as Fear Rips through the City in 1910 Author: Susan Dowd A short article that looks at two weeks of fear that began in St. Paul on April 13, 1901. On that day, a dog was reported…