Early days in Ramsey
County, Minnesota, are recalled in this spiral bound booklet reprinted
from two rare books: History of the Minnesota Valley, by
the Rev. Edward D. Neill, and Minnesota, a State Guide, a
WPA publication. The booklet is printed one-sided on 60# paper with
the print enlarged for easier reading. A vinyl sheet has been added
to protect the front cover.
The
1882 Neill history covers the early development of this area, while
excerpts from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glympse from a 1938
vantage point, including interesting historical notes, especially
as they relate to sightseeing possibilities.
The
booklet contains information on the following communities: Arden
Hills, Blaine (part), Dellwood, Falcon Heights, Gem Lake, Lauderdale,
Little Canada, Maplewood, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks,
North St. Paul, Roseville, Saint Anthony (part), Saint Paul, Shoreview,
Spring Lake Park (part), Vadnais Heights, West Saint Paul, White
Bear Lake (part).
Among the subjects discussed
are: Physical Features,
early descriptions of the city, along with some regrets; Population
figures for various times; Early public officials and buildings;
"Pig's Eye," a notorious whisky dealer, and other early
settlers; County "firsts," such as the first jail,,
first marriage, first death, first birth, first post office, etc.;
Mysterious Capitol Fire of 1881; Treaty with the Dakotahs; Fort
Snelling; a Very Brief Public Land Auction; Railroads; Early Newspapers;
St. Paul Catholic Church and other Churches; Schools; Early Hotels
and other businesses and industries; Natural beauty of St. Paul;
the Old Settlers organization (with names); and other bits of
history and trivia. There are several small maps of the St. Paul
area in the WPA section, and a list of Points of Interest. Mini
biographies of prominent residents are included, and there are
many other names throughout the booklet.
Wouldn't this make a unique
gift?
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