Ramsey County History – Fall 1971: “Merriam’s Vision: Rural Village Between Cities”

Year
1971
Volume
8
Issue
2
Creators
John S. Sonnem
Topics

Merriam’s Vision: Rural Village Between Cities
Author: John S. Sonnen

The Merriam Park neighborhood was the creation of Colonel John L. Merriam, father of Governor William R. Merriam. He imagined a rural village halfway between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Merriam platted the development and placed both the park and the school (which he also named, Longfellow) where they are today. He also imposed minimum housing standards that ensured “no cheap or inferior residences.” The village quickly grew and in 1884 was annexed by the City of Saint Paul.
PDF of Sonnen article
PDF of Merriam Park photo essay

Year
1971
Volume
8
Issue
2
Creators
John S. Sonnem
Topics