Ramsey County History Summer 2023 – ERA

Volume 58, Number 2: Summer 2023

Honoring WWII Codebreakers and the Founding of Engineering Research Associates
Authors: Dave Beal, Lowell Benson, Don Hall, Jay Pfaender, and Chad Roberts

Several years ago, Jay Pfaender, a St. Paul businessman and member of the Ramsey County Historical Society Editorial Board, introduced the idea of creating an RCHS-sponsored historical marker to note the former location at 1902 Minnehaha Avenue in St. Paul of the original Engineering Research Associates (ERA) company. This early computer technology organization eventually spawned many other technology firms. Today, the building still stands and is owned by Capital Partners. Securing the marker seemed like a simple project at the time, but nothing is ever simple. In the midst of COVID-19, it took a while to raise awareness and funding, receive permissions and permits, work with a sign manufacturer, and plan a long-anticipated gathering. In June 2023, the hard work paid off. Learn more about ERA and its fascinating history.

PDF of ERA article.

Photo courtesy of Keith Myhre.