| Dayton's
Bluff District
Forum April
2006
Volume 19, No. 2 |
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Skip the boring parts and go directly to the April Fool's Day articles Facelifts for Dayton Bluff Businesses By Lisa Lyons For decades, engaged East Side businesses, property owners and residents have participated in workshops and studies that have produced plans and strategies for improving the East Seventh Street commercial corridor. Among the recommendations was the improvement of the aesthetics of East 7th by restoring and improving the look of the storefronts. These improvements have come slowly, but not on a large scale. Now, thanks to the efforts of Councilwoman Kathy Lantry, the City’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, and the tireless commitment of community organizations, more needed upgrades will become a reality. Historic Saint Paul, the Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council and the North East Neighborhood Development Corporation (NENDC) have teamed up to provide low interest loans and grants, primarily to local businesses and commercial building owners along East 7th Street with some limited funding available to those in Dayton’s Bluff off East 7th. Most of the funds are coming from the City of Saint Paul’s Neighborhood STAR program with additional dollars committed in the form of a Community Development Block Grant, which should be available later this summer. The money will be for exterior facade improvements. These would range anywhere from extensive projects such as tearing off old covering to reveal original brickwork to simpler upgrades such as adding awnings, lighting, and signs. The program is based on Historic Saint Paul’s residential model - “Restore Saint Paul”- that has overseen exterior home improvement projects all over the Dayton’s Bluff and Payne-Phalen neighborhoods. As with the residential program, Historic Saint Paul will offer architectural design, historic preservation expertise and project management assistance - to assist the property owners in making sure the improvements are consistent with the architectural character of the structure and with neighborhood plans. If properties are located within the Dayton’s Bluff historic districts, the technical assistance will also help those wishing to make improvements conform to the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission design guidelines. The East 7th Street Façade Improvement Program will help fulfill the objectives of numerous development plans that date back to 1975 in which rehab of existing commercial buildings has been identified as a key revitalization strategy along this corridor. Among the goals are to: · Encourage private rehab and restoration of existing commercial properties at costs owner can afford - from minor exterior appearance to major structural improvements. · Encourage an effort at private building maintenance · Improve the economic and visual image of commercial and industrial areas. If participation is enthusiastic, we should see a marked improvement in the aesthetics of the commercial area that will attract additional retailers and new consumers. This will help the neighborhood capitalize on its strengths, which are no secret to residents and businesses: rich history, proximity to downtown, hilly topography and lovely scenic views of the city. For more information on The East 7th Street Façade Improvement Program, call Historic Saint Paul at 651-222-3049 or the Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council at 651-772-2075. Watch for flyers and information in the Forum about an information session for potential participants. Holman Field: A Project
Overview · Perimeter dike would be constructed to approximately elevation 709.5 feet MSL · Perimeter dike would be 9,635 feet in length (almost 2 miles long) · A sheet pile wall 5,531 feet in length (over 1 mile long) would be driven fifty (50) feet deep into the river bank · Sheet metal dike will be 9 feet over grade. · An earthen dike of 1,180 feet would be constructed between runways 31 and 32 · A temporary dike of 2,924 feet would be deployed during flood periods · The entire system will remove over 560 acres from the Mississippi River Flood Plain · Excavation will remove 155,000 cubic yards of river bank (=3,875 large dumpsters) · Excavation will create setback slopes between 1% and 33% · Slopes will be covered with 5,000 cubic yards of rip rap · Total project cost is now estimated at $46,825,000 · Of the total project costs $13,100,000 are estimated expenses for mitigating damage to the river Reasons for concern · Removing over 560 acres from the flood plain, removes this flood storage capacity from the river. There are no long term plans for maintaining the compensatory excavation that is supposed to mitigate this situation. This will result in increased flooding upstream. · Removing 560 acres from the flood plain will diminish the natural floodplain functions including providing for flood storage and conveyance; reducing flood velocities; reducing peak flows; reducing sedimentation; and moderating temperature functions. · The proposed floodwall will fill in protected wetlands along the southern portion of the airport. · Water quality impacts have not been thoroughly reviewed as staff positions to review these issues at MPCA and EPA have been eliminated. · A mile-long, 9 foot tall sheet metal wall along the river will be visually blighting and is inconsistent with the Mississippi River Corridor Plan and MNRAA Guidelines to protect scenic river vistas. · MAC uses increased airport traffic to justify the $46,825,000 cost of the project and projects a doubling of airport traffic in their benefit/cost analysis for the project. (From 134,377 in 2008 to 256,280 in 2057). · MAC indicates that a benefit of the new dike would be an “Increase in safety at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) by allowing St. Paul Downtown Airport to fulfill its intended system role of relieving MSP of significant levels of general aviation traffic.” (Perimeter Dike St. Paul Downtown Airport Briefing Paper, April 11, 2002) · MAC has been working to develop a Regional Air Freight Distribution Center. Holman Field has the longest runway of any of the reliever airports in the system and has the only runway outside of MSP that would be able to accommodate what MAC terms “Large airplanes of 60,000 pounds or less.” · MAC’s own projections also indicate a change in the mix of aircraft that would use the airport if the perimeter dike were constructed. Exhibit 2C in the MAC’s 2000 Comprehensive Plan indicates that jets will go from 27% of traffic operations in 1998 to 33% of operations in 2020. Multi-engine aircraft are projected to go from 17% of traffic operations in 1998 to 24% in 2020. Jets and multi-engine aircraft are considered to generate more noise than other aircraft. · Dozens of studies have been conducted on the impact of airport noise on residential property values. While each uses slightly different methodology for examining the issue, virtually all come to the conclusion that homes under of nearby the flight corridors of airports experience some diminution of property market levels. (The Impact of Airport Noise on Residential Real Estate, Randall Bell, MAI, The Appraisal Journal, July 2001) · MAC has not proposed any plans to mitigate increased airport noise in the neighborhoods that will be affected. · Holman Field has been closed only 5 times in the past 50 years due to flooding (for a total of 210 days). There have only been 7 major floods of the Mississippi in St. Paul in the past 80 years. The proposed floodwall would only have protected the airport during 3 of those 7 flood events. · If the Mississippi River were to flood another 7 times in the next 80 years, we could spend $6,689,285 per flood event for cleanup and lost costs at the airport and still not spend as much as it will cost to construct the floodwall. Organizations that have expressed opposition to and concern about the floodwall: Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Canadian Pacific Railroad Climb the Wind Institute Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council District 1 Community Council Friends of the Mississippi River Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul & Ramsey County Minnesota Department of Natural Resources National Park Service, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Northwest Airlines Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation District Saint Paul Audubon Society East Metro Region St. Paul Yacht Club Sierra Club North Star Chapter Sustainable Saint Paul West Side Citizens Organization Mayor Attends Dayton's Bluff Meeting The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council invited newly elected Mayor Chris Coleman to our board meeting on February 27th. The purpose was to let him meet our board and let him know about the issues in Dayton’s Bluff. The meeting started with welcomes and introductions. The meeting room was standing room only with over 60 people from Dayton’s Bluff and other parts of the city. Most of the people were there to listen to the Mayor and to express their views on the proposed floodwall at the Saint Paul Downtown Airport. The Mayor stated that he must look very carefully at all sides of the issue. The different sides of the issue include neighborhoods impact, noise, environmental, the effect on the river, and the businesspeople who use the airport. Many good points were made by the visitors and board members opposed to the floodwall. Many Dayton’s Bluff residents have complained for years about the increase in low flying and noisy air traffic. The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council is on record opposing the construction of the floodwall. Because of the large turnout on the floodwall issue the mayor devoted his entire visit to the discussion of this topic, but promised to return to Dayton’s Bluff to talk with the board and neighbors on other Dayton’s Bluff issues. He will be back on June 19th. April at the Mounds Theatre The Center for Hmong Arts and Talent’s (CHAT) live presentation of "HMONG! The CIA's Secret Army" continues at the Mounds Theatre this April through the 15th. This is a powerful play that tells the war-torn love story of a 13-year-old Hmong boy who was recruited by the CIA to fight the secret wars of Laos. He is separated from his family and his beloved girlfriend and wants nothing more than to return to them. It is a story of love, family, war and ultimately, immigration to Saint Paul. Details: When: March 18 - April 15 Tuesdays: 9 a.m. & 12 p.m. Wednesdays: 7 p.m. Thursdays: 9 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Fridays: 8 p.m. Saturdays: 8 p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. Where: Mounds Theatre, 1029 Hudson Road, Saint Paul, MN 55106 Tickets: $12 Adults; $8 Youth (12 and under) Group rates available. Please call 651-644-6969 for reservations. For more information visit www.aboutchat.org or www.moundstheatre.org. Then starting on April 20 and running until the 30th, CB Productions presents “Peter Pan or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up” by J. M. Barrie. This is new version of the classic tale, painstakingly researched and restored to Barrie's original intentions by John Caird & Trevor Nunn, became a phenomenal success for The Royal Shakespeare Company. It was declared "...a national masterpiece” by the London Times. Don't miss the timeless fantasy of Peter Pan as he leads Wendy and her two brothers on this swashbuckling romp to Never Land. After all, to see this show "will be an awfully big adventure!" Details: Thursday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2:00 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2:00 & 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2:00 p.m. Where: Mounds Theatre, 1029 Hudson Road, Saint Paul, MN 55106 Tickets Prices: $7.00 for all individuals, $6.00 for groups of 25 or more. To purchase tickets in advance, e-mail: cbpeterpan@hotmail.com or call 651-283-7844. For more information visit www.cbproductions.org National Poetry Month East of the River Please join us Friday, April 21 for a special
after-hours poetry reading by Suzanne Nielsen. Nielsen is a native of
St. Paul, and she teaches writing at Metropolitan State University,
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and The Loft Literary Center.
She has published poems in various literary journals nationally and
internationally. Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood
Home Tour The Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Home Tour features beautiful homes and buildings being redeveloped into condominiums. We can always use volunteers to help with the Home Tour. Volunteering consists of greeting people at the door to give out brochures and information about Dayton’s Bluff, and helping the homeowners for a few hours either day. If you’re interested, please call Karin at 651-772-2075. The Greening Dayton’s Bluff committee is looking for crafters and artists to display their wares at the Greening Dayton’s Bluff Plant Sale and Exchange on Saturday, May 13. Space will be available to vendors of decorative and functional garden accessories such as birdfeeders, planters, trellises, birdhouses, or outdoor furniture. The event will be held at the Maria Bates Rain Garden Park on the corner of East 7th Street and Bates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To reserve space call Karin at 651-772-2075. Dayton's Bluff Community Meeting Info The next Dayton’s Bluff Community Meeting is Thursday, April 6, 2006 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the meeting room at the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council, 798 East 7th Street at the corner of 7th and Margaret. Bob Kessler, Director of Neighborhood Housing and Property Improvement (NHPI) and Licensing, Inspections, and Environment Protection (LIEP), will be back to tell us more about the city’s efforts to help educate city residents on their responsibilities to be a Good Neighbor. One of the things they have done is place a Good Neighbor advertisement in our paper. We will also have Jamie Sipes, our Dayton’s Bluff Beat Officer, at the meeting. At our March meeting Bob Kessler and Code Enforcement Inspector Craig Mashuga reported on the status of the ten properties with code issues that we gave them to work on. All of the properties have been cleaned up or they have been given orders. One couple in attendance had received orders and wanted to come and learn more about the meetings. There was a lot of discussion about people not understanding their responsibilities to keep up their properties. Some people do not have the ability, skills, or money to keep up their homes. Bob said he would be back in April with outreach plans to help residents understand their responsibilities. Bob Parker suggested that Dayton’s Bluff residents start a Home Repair Club, where members work on one another’s’ homes each meeting, then rotate so all members have a working session at their home. Also at the March meeting, our new Dayton’s Bluff Beat Police Officer Jamie Sipes introduced himself and discussed a number of police issues. Jamie let everyone know he can work with block clubs and residents on neighborhood issues in Dayton’s Bluff. The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council holds the Dayton’s Bluff Community Meeting monthly, which is designed to work with block clubs and neighborhood residents on problem properties, including criminal, nuisance behavior and code enforcement issues as well as other neighborhood issues, concerns, and improvements. All Dayton’s Bluff residents are welcome. If you need more information call Karin at 651-772-2075. The Third Annual Greening Dayton’s Bluff Plant
Sale and Exchange will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2004 from 9:00 a.m.
to noon at the corner of East 7th Street and Bates in the gardens
outside the Swede Hollow Café. Plants for sale will include
perennials and annuals. Performance dates are March 30th at 6:30 p.m. and March 31st, April 1st and April 2nd at 12:30 p.m. Admission: adults-$2; students K-12- $1 & under 5 - free. All performances will be in the gym at Trinity Catholic School - 835 E 5th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106. For information please call 651-776-2763 ext 237. Dayton's Bluff Preservation Evening Do you want to learn more about repairing and preserving your home? Curious about your house’s history? We are planning our second annual Dayton’s Bluff Preservation Evening on May 3rd from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event will take place in the Ecolab Community Room, third floor of Metropolitan State University/Dayton’s Bluff Library, just west of the intersection of Seventh and Maria.We need your help with this event. We are asking residents to bring their stories, pictures, picture boards, scrapbooks, etc. on big and little home repair projects to share. Last year residents brought photos, picture boards, and stories about kitchen, bathroom, porch, and whole house projects. Call Karin at 651-772-2075 if you can help or for more information. This special event is a Dayton’s Bluff celebration of Preservation Month, which is May. Please come and hear about historically sympathetic home preservation and repair. Dayton’s Bluff has a historic district, and many beautiful homes in all parts of the neighborhood. Neighbors have had extensive experience preserving and repairing their homes. Some of these neighbors will be on hand to speak about their homes and show before and after images. If you have a historic home you want to preserve and research but don’t know where to start, you can learn about researching your home and its previous owners. Hear from experts in the field, who offer technical advice, assessment, and hard-to-find classes such as historic masonry. Metropolitan State’s Center for Community-Based Learning, the Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council, and the Dayton’s Bluff Branch of the St. Paul Public Library are co-sponsoring the event. For more information, call Rebecca Ryan at 651-793-1296. A Short History of
Dayton's Bluff Chapter #14: The WWII Era The War Years would have a big effect on Dayton’s Bluff. It was not so much a major shift, as an acceleration of the trends that began in the earlier decade. There was a stalling of the building cycle, a slow down of local business and an aging of homes and population. For families who had members in the military, of course, the times could be filled with worry and sometimes mourning. The sense that war was imminent began before the attack on Pearl Harbor. People were concerned with the German and Japanese invasions they followed in the newspaper and other media. There was plenty of debate over whether the United States should become involved and, by 1940, a military draft had already been instituted. In the Spring of 1941 the Dayton’s Bluff Booster, the local newspaper, made their attitude clear in an editorial statement. “We cannot believe that Hitler can ever achieve his aims because they are based on racial and religious persecutions” it stated. He will not succeed because “men will fight unto death to protect that most precious to them.” The Booster occasionally printed letters that were sent by area people who were in the service before war was declared. An example was Fran Polski, who sent a card from an Army camp in St. Louis: “Dear Gang: Sleeping in tents and drilling like H_ _L, and I can’t go to town for 28 days until my drilling period is over. So all I can do is go to my tent and read. More later, as ever.” The war came home to America and the neighborhood on December 7, 1941 with the Japanese attack and entry into the Asian and European struggles. Interestingly, there was not much mention of the turn of events for the next two issues of the local newspaper. Instead, a late December issue of the Booster was filled with local events and an sizeable array of holiday parties and church services. There a report on penny bingo at the Bluff playground and what was playing at the area movie theaters. St. John’s was holding its annual Christmas party in the guild room of the school at Fifth and Forest. The C.Y.C. singers would provide Christmas carols. One of the biggest stories that month was the news that The Harding High School PTA was sponsoring a fundraiser starring the Sunset Valley Barn Dance. According to the organizers, “it will be complete with all of the much loved HILL-BILLY songs, accordion and guitar players and all the entertainment that is so popular with America today.”
Finally, on December 25, 1941, there was a special issue of the Booster. On the front page was an editorial by publisher Bernie LaBeau. It started out mentioning the story of the first Christmas tree and expressed hope that Christmas was a time “when peace should rein on earth.” It ended with the following hope: “Though tumult and chaos are cast upon an innocent world by power thirsty rulers, our faith in God, and in this Nation, under his guidance, must remain unshaken,” the editor said. “And with that Faith we are sure that all of you will enjoy the Merry Christmas that we, of the Dayton’s Bluff Booster and the Dayton’s Bluff Printing Company wish you.” Two issues later, the paper published a letter that Warren Hammergren had been sent to his parents from Hawaii two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. “I’m perfectly well and am fairly safe…I don’t know what to say as all our letters will be censored from now on…I can’t say an awful lot about what is happening out here,” he said. “You people back there can’t begin to realize just what it is actually like to be in an air raid under fire. I think I aged ten years in the last three days. Our morale is strong, and we all feel that we will win.” “I promise to take care of myself and when this is all over I’ll come home safe and sound…Don’t worry about my Christmas present; I will be home to get it next year… Your loving son, Walter.” By early 1942 issues of the Booster started making fairly frequent mention of local people who had joined the armed forces and were heading off for camps. Soldiers started sending letters to the paper, trying to give an idea of what they were going through. Robert Preifer of 1044 Reaney and his pal James Kordosky of 1191 Beech had left January 13, 1942 for the navy. Bob wrote the Booster and said that in his group there were nine boys from Harding and four boys from the Mining-the nickname for today’s 3M-and that were all “having a good time.” Another local young man’s letter reflected some of the frustration that came from wartime regulations. Paul Buber wrote: “Sorry I can’t tell you any news, but you realize how things are now, so ‘mums the word,’” he said. “Oh yes, as you may see by this letter, I am now a Sergeant. P. S. Get lots of good old Hamms here, so we do have some good things in Missouri.” The paper reported the emergence of a new tradition at Joe Ondrey’s Bar. Some of the boys leaving for the service are taking a dime, wrapping it in cellophane tape, putting their name on it, and sticking it up on the mirror in the back bar. The dimes will remain there until they get back. The Booster frequently had short news items about people in the service who were on furlough and home visiting. One of them was included in a January, 1942 issues which said that George Carbone was ”another of our Bluff soldiers to spend a few days at home recently.” Another example was Nineteen-year-old Navy man John Wilson, 1027 McLean, was home visiting his parents for a few days. He had taken part in several battles, including the famous Battle of Midway. Since his ship was being repaired, he would have a lengthy stay. One of his brothers was already in the Army and another was preparing to join the military. Quite a few families had multiple members in the military. In 1943, one was headed up by Mrs. Eliason of 1069 Hudson Road. The paper called her “Dayton’s Bluff’s No. 1 War Mother.” Three of her sons-Clarence, Lawrence and Harold- had been working at a packing plant were now in the Army. A fourth son Don had also signed up but his entry was deferred until his graduation from Macalester. There was also the Horrisberger family. Old city directories say they were residing at 781 East Fourth. On February 27, 1942 the Booster reported that four of them were in the service. They were Bert, Delmar, Melvin and Art. It is unclear what happened to them. Perhaps one of our readers has some information. The Booster was mailed to any local servicemen who made the request. The offer seems to have been appreciated. Art E. Garner wrote from army camp “I like the Army fine,” he stated. “We have drills and K. P., but we have to take the bad with the good wherever we go. Hoping to read one of your papers again soon.” The February 27, 1942 issue of the Booster had a large editorial that took community and country to task for continuing politics as usual, squabbling over minor issues and people not being willing to make sacrifices. The last few lines contained the following advice: “The thing for all of us to remember and recognize right now above all else is that self is secondary. We have a tough war to win. Let’s be the kind of Americans that we know we are. Let’s fight with everything we’ve got. Let’s quit trying to see who’s going to dominate who. Let’s not let the boys on the fighting fronts shed all the blood sweat and tears. Let’s get into a system and stay there. Let’s win this war. Let’s get together.” Civilian war time activities were also given room in the Booster. In one issue, for instance, Mike Pfeffer of 843 Reaney was said to be heading up a series of first aid classes for Air Wardens in the area. They were meeting at Mounds Park school and Harding High School. Another issue had an interesting classified ad: “Will Rent: 2 plots (235 x 125) for Victory Garden. 1165 Burns Ave.” Recycling was an important part of the home front activities. There were drives for metal, newspapers, rubber and other commodities. Many of them involved school children. To increase participation, St. Paul would challenge Minneapolis to see who could collect them most of some scarce material. At one event that gathered scrap rubber, Dornfeld’s Mobil, Pt. Douglas and Old Hudson Roads, had a huge pile of old tires that was estimated to weight five tons. Besides the patriotic feeling, people got a penny a pound. The first batch had been hauled away and there was already another large pile. (Dayton’s Bluff Booster, July 9, 1942) The area schools collected scrap and had war stamps the children could buy. Scouts had been collecting material to help the war effort. Their first effort was gathering old clothing and the next, participating in an aluminum drive. Now they were going to have regular collections of newspapers and would come back once a week. Louise Doerr, cub master of pack #14, sent a letter to the newspaper. She urged people to help out. “The day may comer when we have blackouts here,” and they may end up helping you get home.” If there is an air raid, the scouts know first aid, Doerr added. “We are ready to do our part to help the man in the trenches or at the front.” It would be a comfort for them to know that people back home were “banding together to protect the loved ones he left behind.” Many people took new jobs in war plants throughout the Twin Cities. The ammunition plant in New Brighton and the plane modification area at Holman Field were big employers. A few folks even ventured to the West Coast to help in the Seattle shipyards. The largest two neighborhood employers shifted their work force into war activities. Seeger started military production in 1942. Instead of refrigerators, their assembly line began to manufacture stainless steel “ammunition chutes,” which fed projectiles into guns. They also made parachute flares to illuminate targets for bombing crews. Workers put together lockers to keep ammunition safe and dry on ships, fuel tanks for the wing tips of airplanes as well as bomb racks for B29s. They were going to produce shells, but the war ended before they got under way. The plant received Army-Navy “E” awards in October, 1944 and April, 1945 honoring efficiency in production. The second world war brought a bit of a crisis to Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M). A very large percent of their sales had been in the automotive area, and production of cars had been halted. They had to quickly make a shift into other manufacturing. Building on their traditional adhesives and abrasives, the company even came up with a hundred kinds of tape designed specifically for use during the war. Masking Tape was essential in painting ships, planes and tanks. Many adhesives were used airplanes and ships. One of the new products were “Safety Walk,” a granulated coated material that make walking on wet ship decks safer. Reflected sheeting that was used on life boat paddles to help search planes find downed fliers and navy personnel. It also marked airport runways and road signs during bombing blackouts. War time shortages were a constant problem. Raw rubber used for adhesives was very scarce, so an artificial substitute was developed. 3M even ran advertisements apologizing to homemakers for the scarcity of the tape and explaining that almost all of their available supplies had been diverted to the war effort. Hundreds of regular workers left to join the services enlisted. Their places were often filled by women for the new heavier production hours. With restrictions on oil, gas and tires, people tried to live near work. Local homeowners looking to help and probably to help with their own finances leased out space. A typical 1940’s Booster ad read: “For Rent: 553 Forest. Nice room, private adult house., near Minnesota Mining and Seegers, 2 blocks to street car. Employed lady or gent. Call Tower 3015.” Local movie theaters made some changes that reflected the war effort. Sometimes there were special activities that reflected the times. The theater announced in February, 1942 that they would give out defense stamps. The main feature that Sunday was “Keep ‘Em Flying,” starring Abbot and Costello.
Eddie Velat, owner of the Radio Theater on East Seventh, told the Booster that in July next women will get in for free if they bring in any old aluminum pot or pan that could be used by the U. S. defense program. But even in war time, some of the promotions were of a more traditional kind. In the spring of 1942, a cowboy actor named “Tex Jones” made a weekend appearance at the Radio Theater. He had been in movies with Will Rogers and Tom Mix. To add to the event, the theater, located at 1195 East Seventh, would also be giving out free charcoal gum for the matinee. Of course there was a continuation of the kinds of traditional social and cultural activities. The Mounds Park Booster Club once again held its annual Boo-Ya in August 24, 1941 at the Tanners Lake picnic area. In addition to the food, there would be games, contests and prizes. A December issue of the paper reported such events as a “canned goods party” being given as a charity event by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Dayton’s Bluff Commercial Club, the annual dinner of the senior and junior sodalities at St. John’s Catholic Church and an event at Van Buren School that featured dolls that been dressed up by mothers and daughters. The Margaret Men’s Boosters have decided to put up an up-to-date, 165’ by 160’ hockey rink. “Several attempts have been made to have the city foot the expense,” they said, but were told that the playground budget had been cut by $6,000. President John Beck has established a committee to raise money and the lumber had been ordered. Margaret Playground, possibly because of increased desire for martial music, was also reviving their Drum and Bugle Corps and looking for girls thirteen and over. Thirty five were already practicing. Sibley School will be having a special “Father’s Night.” The program will consist of the movies “Army Recruiting” and “Battle of the Sexes.” And the paper continued promoting local business and events. One 1940’s issue pointed out that the Swiss Men’s Benevolent Society was having a dance at the Commercial Club. The Six Corners Garage, East 7th and Minnehaha, would now be owned and operated by Frank Leone, a man with 18 years experience in the field, and a background in auto repair. The Dayton’s Bluff Booster itself was adversely affected The Dayton’s Bluff Booster itself was adversely affected by the times. “The war has changed things,” the editor Bernie LaBeau said. The shortage of paper was an obvious problem. However, he pointed out the lack of merchandise available in local stores. As a result, in 1941 there had been $800 worth of refrigerator ads, but none at all in 1942. They could no longer afford to give away their papers for free. Instead, they were starting to charge a dollar a year and the paper would be mailed to subscribers. The experiment apparently did not work out well and, coupled with other problems, caused the Dayton’s Bluff Booster to cease publication in 1943, after a run of six years. There had been a lot of change during the earlier Depression and the War Years, many of them not good. But of most, Dayton’s Bluff remained a good community in which to live. Take the case of Nellie Luchessi, who had recently sold Johnny’s Recreation. She had been living at Seventh and Earl but decided to move to a nearby house at Ross and Earl. She was having trouble finding a van, so her old pals from Johnny’s decided to have a moving “bee”. They hand carried boxes and furniture to the new residence. The local paper saw this as a good example of the continuing strength of the neighborhood. “We like the Bluff because this typical of the friendship that prevails here. It is just another manifestation of the friendliness that has existed among neighbors here for several generations and is another reason why the Bluff is the best place in the world to live.” There will be a citywide picnic on May 18, 2006
at Como Park in the picnic pavilion from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The event is
the kickoff event for block clubs and neighbors planning their National
Night Out (NNO) events. Come and meet people from all over the city who
are planning NNO events. At the picnic you will be able to sign up and
get the permit for closing off a street for your event. This year
National Night Out is Tuesday, August 1st. For more information call
Karin at 651-772-2075.
Amazing Grace Assembly of God 463 Maria St. Paul, MN 55106 651-776-7210 1 block North of Metropolitan State University Easter Schedule Maundy Thursday 11:00 & 7:00 pm Good Friday 7:00 pm Easter Vigil Saturday April 15 7:00 pm Easter Sunday 9:30 am Handicapped accessible ALL ARE WELCOME! Regular services Sun 9:00 am – Worship service Sun 10:15 am - Education for all ages Fellowship following Worship
Mounds Park United
Methodist DID YOU KNOW THAT WOMEN ONCE HAD GLORIOUS BEARDS? DO YOU KNOW WHY FROGS DON'T HAVE TAILS AND CHIPMUNKS HAVE STRIPES DOWN THEIR BACKS? The Portage for Youth and Starting Gate Productions invite you to join our summer program… MYTHS, the Mounds Youth THeatre School, to learn the answers to these questions and explore mythological stories from around the world in this unique theatrical summer camp.  Performances will be held July 21, 22, 23 and 28, 29 & 30th. All activities will be held at the Historic Mounds Theatre, located at 1029 Hudson Road, Saint Paul, MN 55106. Cost for our 5-week program is $350 per child. Limited scholarships are available. Children supply daily bag lunch/snacks and we provide the drinks. Deadline for applications is May 1st, 2006 and class size is limited so please apply soon. Children ages 11 - 16 will learn about acting, set deign, costumes, puppetry, music and dance. Culminating with two weekends of performances at the Mounds Theatre, this intensive theatrical summer camp is sure to bring out the best in young artists. For more information on MYTHS, please go to our website at www.moundstheatre.org or www.theportage.org. If interested, you may print the application and mail it to the Mounds Theatre or just come by and drop it off. Questions or concerns? Please call us at 651-772-2253. EXPLORE! LEARN! CREATE! See for yourself the power of MYTHS. By Gabriel Garbow Jefferson Fietek and Benjamin Lacina, the creative team behind many of the Mounds Theatre's first shows are excited to announce the launch of an expanded program for young artists in the Twin Cities area: the Young Artists Initiative (YAI)! Through individual and corporate donations of time and money, YAI provides "quality programs and affordable prices." The organization's Spring Arts Jam will be a fun (and affordable) crash course in the performing arts. Young artists will learn about acting, dance, stage makeup, singing and improvisation. The series of workshops will last from 9AM until 4PM and be taught by professionals from around the Twin Cities. A picnic lunch is included. Dates: Saturday April 29 or Saturday May 20. Ages: 9 - 16 Fee: $25 (Partial scholarships are available.) For more information on this or other programs, call the Young Artists Initiative via the First Lutheran Church at: 651-776-7210 or visit online www.youngartistsmn.org. State of the State? Resilient Probably the Best Word By State Representative Sheldon JohnsonThis week Governor Tim Pawlenty characterized the "State of the State" as strong. Considering all that's happened over the past four years with budget cuts, hikes in fees and property tax increases, resilient is probably a better word. The Governor based his claim almost entirely on the latest budget forecast, which projected a modest surplus in the state budget. He compared that to the $4.5 billion budget deficit we were facing in his first year in office and said that Minnesota has turned the corner financially. However, the State of the State can't be judged entirely on budget finances. The state budget is in the black mainly because property owners are shouldering a bigger share of paying for schools, public safety and health care and all of us are paying over $1 billion more in fees and other charges for state services. And while the Governor's approach to the budget has brought us back into the black, it has also damaged many of the things that have made us prosperous and successful. Cracks are beginning to show in our education system – where class sizes in grades K-12 are swelling, opportunities for quality early childhood education have vanished and tuition at our colleges and universities has nearly doubled during the Governor's term in office. We continue to put off necessary investments in our transportation system, which not only makes our roads less safe and more congested, but also makes it harder for our businesses to compete. We have done nothing to address the growing health care crisis in the state; in fact, a lot of the Governor's policies – mainly kicking folks off state health care programs – have made it worse. Finally, for all the talk about how lower taxes would make the state more competitive, Minnesota finds itself lagging behind the rest of the country in job creation, this despite billions of dollars of tax cuts – mainly targeted at corporations and the wealthy – during the late 1990s. During his State of the State address, the Governor characterized these policies as the inevitable result of that whopping $4.5 billion deficit. However, these were in fact conscious choices – choices that departed from the bipartisan, long-term approach that helped make Minnesota one of the most prosperous and successful states in the country during the last half of the 20th century. We need to get back to that bipartisan, long-term approach. As I mentioned above, I believe resilient is probably the best way to describe the state of Minnesota right now. There's still a great deal of uncertainty with the state's economy, particularly when it comes to rising energy prices, higher health care costs and slower job growth, but our workforce continues to be one of the smartest and best educated in the country. We also have the opportunity to leverage our leadership position in health care, renewable energy and cutting-edge agriculture to create more 21st-century-type jobs. However, that is going to require real leadership. In his State of the State address, the Governor unveiled a number of policies and programs to address the growing challenges in the state, things like the shortage of affordable quality daycare or skyrocketing class sizes or the growing backlog of transportation products around the state. But if you look closely at his solutions, they merely entail shuffling money from one program to another or calling for accountability, rather than addressing the underlying causes and being accountable to the institutions and communities we serve by providing them with the resources they need to get the job done. That isn't going to cut it any more. The state of the state may be resilient, but the cracks are showing in our foundation. We need to address them quickly or those cracks will turn into serious problems down the road. Good
Health is Power and Possible By Dr. Sara Velasco, MD, HealthEast Salud Integral Walk into a class in the Early Childhood and
Family Education at Dayton’s Bluff Elementary School and it is likely
that you will run across someone who is a volunteer in the program
attending to a child. Since the inception of the program thirty-one
years ago, the site has recruited and benefited from the assistance of
volunteers. At Dayton’s Bluff, one of the most regular uses of
volunteers is in the classroom with the kids. More helping hands
enhance the quality of the program for the children experiencing their
first taste of “school”.
By Officer Jamie Sipes With warm weather fast approaching, I wanted to share with you some simple but effective crime prevention tips. Many of our property crimes can be characterized by being crimes of opportunity. Meaning, a situation of low risk with high rewards is presented to a person who has no moral or ethical issues with committing a crime. For example, throughout the year we have vehicles that are stolen. Many of these vehicles are left unattended by the owner or driver with the keys in the ignition, doors unlocked and the engine running. If by chance a person walks by who would not have issues with stealing a car and sees this situation, he or she could easily take this car. It sounds simple and really is. Don't leave your car unlocked and unattended with the engine running. Not only is it illegal, it will also save you time an aggravation. Ask anyone who has had their car stolen. My next tip is just as simple. Light bulbs! Exterior lighting on your home or apartment is the cheapest way to help keep yourself and your possessions safe. We have all seen cartoons of a burglar lurking in the dark. Well, there is some truth to this. These types of criminals look for areas that are not lit so they can hide their actions from detection by citizens and officers. The more obstacles a potential thief or burglar has to overcome, the less likely they will commit the act. By changing burnt out light bulbs promptly you can keep your property lit at night and present one more safety barrier from crime. If you have a crime prevention tip you would like to share or any other question or issue, please e-mail me at Jamie.Sipes@ci.stpaul.mn.us. For now, take care and always treat each other with respect. Letter
to the Editor
Neighborhood Newspaper Donations Starting
Winter
Painting on the Bluff
The artist was Richard
Abraham, a Michigan native, now a
St. Paul resident who lives in Lowertown. After studying painting and
design in college, he made a living as a designer in broadcast
television design an animation. Book
Review:
By Greg Cosimini Correction
for Kathy Lantry Ad Please enjoy the following stories and photos in the spirit in which they were created. Any similarity between them and reality just goes to show how ridiculous reality can be sometimes. Crying Elvis Discovered On Bluff Tree April 1, 2006 -- Since the death of Elvis many years ago, there have been alleged sightings of him and discoveries of his face in odd things ranging from cookie sheets to burritos.
And now, a city employee assigned to the trimming service has found an unbelievably life-like face of Elvis in the trunk of a Dayton’s Bluff tree. The exact location is being kept secret for now, for fear that fans will flood the area. The concern is real, since a few pieces of bark have already been taken as souvenirs But the incredible news does not end here. Nearby residents insist that on windy days they hear what seem to be hits once sung by “The King.” The sound is described as a mixture of humming noise and an eerie tremolo. “Most of them are from the Fat Elvis era,” said one man who preferred to remain anonymous. “But that’s great, since I remember hearing them in Las Vegas and they’re my favorites.” Even more remarkable is the fact that sap sometimes visibly seeps out like tears from the wooden icon’s eyes. The “crying” is said to be most noticeable when the wind whistles sad songs. “You should see it when Heartbreak Hotel is murmered,” stated one woman. “It’s so moving that I begin crying along.” She has been wiping the sap off with little cloth handkerchiefs that will be sold on ebay. The face’s fate is up in the air. The nearest resident says it belongs to him and has retained an attorney to defend all claims. St. Paul officials insist that since the bark Presley in on a boulevard, it belongs to the city and may become part of a new park. The debate continues to swirl around the leafy legend. Graceland wants to purchase the tree and move the Crying Crooner to their grounds. However, the Mayor’s office released a recent statement saying that the living landmark should remain, in the words of one Elvis hit, “In the Ghetto.” :-) Unusual Immigrants Arrive in the Bluff April 1, 2006 -- Strange things have been happening in Dayton’s Bluff. A woman driving on Mounds Boulevard on a dark night hit what she assumed was a raccoon. It smashed into her car and required a thousand dollars in repair costs. The mechanics were astounded to find that the car’s radiator had been damaged by a large flipper. Several community residents have recently called the police officer assigned to Dayton’s Bluff and reported that bowls of tuna left out for cats had been stolen. In every case, the area was littered with black and white feathers. Finally, an elderly man shopping at the Rainbow on Arcade was startled by a strange sight last Sunday. According to him, a group of midget nuns appeared to be gathered around a cooler, making strange sounds. When he approached they tottered away and fled out the door. It was then he saw that they took all of the fresh fish and shrimp with them. These seemingly unconnected events were recently explained by a worker at the Metro area Department of Natural Resources. It turns out that the road kill, the food thefts and the grocery store bandits were penguins. Over the last year, they have slowly but surely marched all the way from Antarctica to St. Paul. A prominent biologist at Metropolitan State University has been following the several thousand mile trek with great excitement. “It’s not very often you see such an important proof that these large birds have a strong instinctual drive. My students are all agog with the chance to observe such an unusual natural phenomenon in situ rather than from the pages of an incredibly expensive textbook.” The professor’s research has uncovered the fact that what we now call the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary was the ancestral home of these big birds. It is now thought that some of the old pictographs in Carver’s Cave probably depict penguins as well as snakes and bears.
No one knows if these black and white birds are here permanently, or if their journey is more like that of spawning salmon. However, they seem to be adapting to their new environment. Granted, there have been a few spats with their fellow feathered friends at the nearby heron rookery. And not everyone has greeted them with open arms. A small group of neighborhood toughs have been involved in isolated egg snatchings. A few residents complain that penguins will stare with teary eyes at aquariums located near windows, or have shown up uninvited to the Friday night fish fry at Obbs. The best approach may be trying to understand the needs of our new residents. Neighborhood leaders are asking for patience in these changing times. Those in charge of the park where the army of penguins now live ask people not to flock to the Bruce Vento area to gawk. “After all,” a spokesperson reminded people, “it is a Nature Sanctuary.” :-) Moundsfoot Sightings Increase April 1, 2006 – The diminutive creature sometimes known as Moundsfoot has been sighted several times recently in and around the Mounds Park area. Moundsfoot experts say the mild winter and lack of snow cover may have coaxed it, or more than likely them, away from their normal winter habitats, more victims of global warming. But perhaps some background is necessary for those readers new to the area. Stories of a hairy, humanlike creature approximately 3 feet tall have circulated in the Mississippi Valley area for millennia. They have been spotted as far north as Minnesota and as far south as Missouri, probably migrating with the seasons. They have been dubbed Littlefoot for obvious reasons although locals call them Moundsfoot due to their frequent sightings in and around Indian Mounds Park.
The earliest evidence of their existence was left by the Hopewell people, the mound builders, who inhabited this area nearly two thousand years ago. They made simple drawings on cave walls (see Figs. A & B in the Dayton's Bluff Cave drawing shown in the previous article) and pottery that depicted creatures half the size of a typical human being, seemingly living alongside humans (and possibly penguins) on a daily basis. Captain Jonathan Carver, namesake of Carver’s Cave, mentioned these creatures in his journal when he explored the area in November 1766. He wrote, “The local inhabitants have told me of the oddest creature that supposedly lives in the area. Its name translates as Small Walking Man. It is said to be hirsute and manlike in appearance but barely a yard tall at maturity. I am not sure what to make of this story, particularly in light of the snipe hunting expedition we were sent on last evening. However, I am assured this creature truly exists and that last night’s adventure was just a good jest.” Unfortunately a sudden blizzard prevented Carver from actually searching for the creature although he did make sketches in his journal of some small footprints found in the snow the next morning. Zebulon Pike, of Pike’s Peak fame, recorded one of the most intriguing sightings when he passed through the region in the spring of 1806. He reported, “After spending days fruitlessly looking for Carver’s little creatures, we were surprised to find several small beings just standing in a clearing not 50 feet from our camp when we awoke this morning. But alas, they scattered to the four winds as soon as we approached and were never to be seen again.” Sightings grew less frequent as civilization encroached on the natural habitat of Moundsfoot but never completely disappeared. As various immigrant groups settled in the area they each had their own interpretation of what they saw. For example, the Irish claimed that the most frequent sightings occurred around St. Patrick’s Day and that the creatures’ hair had a decidedly greenish coloring. However they took great offense at anyone confusing them with leprechauns. Italians called the creature “minuto capelluto ladro“ (small, hairy thief) and complained of them raiding their gardens. They often put statues of gnomes in their yards to scare them away. The floods of 1951, 1952, 1965, 1969, 1997 and 2001 each produced new waves of sightings as many people converged on the area to observe the floodwaters that disrupted Moundsfoot’s habitat. Teenage couples in the 1950s and 1960s would often park their cars in the Mounds Park overlook areas intent on spotting submarines in the river, UFOs over the airport, and Moundsfoot in the woods. Surprisingly, they rarely reported seeing anything. Eventually Moundsfoot reached urban legend status, with books, articles and now websites devoted to it. Stories abound of children scaring each other at night with tales of Moundsfoot and then roaming the bluffs by day looking for the little creatures. The recent “Lord of the Rings” movies have ignited renewed interest in these hobbit-like beings. Hikers in the newly created Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary have also reported seeing odd creatures in the last few years, although some of them are convinced they are actually penguins. For years the debate has continued over whether Moundsfoot truly exists. And if it does exist, whether or not it is intelligent. These questions are not likely to be answered anytime soon as very little hard evidence exists. While sightings are numerous, no Moundsfoot has ever been captured and very few photos have been taken, despite the widespread use of digital cameras, cell phone cameras and video camcorders. Keep looking for Moundsfoot whenever you are in the Mounds Park area and immediately report any sightings. There are a number of cash prizes available for proof of Moundsfoot’s existence so keep those cameras ready. Be particularly vigilant on April 1st. Legend has it that Moundsfoot often makes an appearance that day and if he sees his shadow we can expect a blizzard on Easter Sunday. :-) Warm Winter Weather Worshipers April 1, 2006 -- Bucking a growing trend pushed by environmental groups, a local organization appeared before the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council asking for a resolution of support. Calling themselves “Warm Winter Weather Worshipers,” or “W4” for short, the group hopes to convince people that global warming is a blessing not a bane. “Unlike President Bush and some of his intellectual allies, we are not denying the reality of global warming or attacking the idea that human activities are causing it.” Instead, W4 embraces the obvious climactic changes as a welcome development. “Winters here are becoming milder,” one of their leaflets point out, “and what’s wrong with that?” They don’t worry about the prediction that Kansas and Iowa may become arid. Instead, they point out that the shifts present a new opportunity for Minnesota farmers. W4 invites everyone to attend an event they hope will be an annual event. The “Freon Festival,” as they call it will be held at the Parkway Ball fields the last weekend in June and will be a celebration of climactic change. There will be games, contests and music. “Bring on the Heat,” a newly formed bluff band will introduce their unique blend of Jamacian reggae and North Country polka, bringing together traditional Minnesota music with a new tropical beat. People who bring cans of aerosol that contain CFCs will be admitted free and may take part in the noon release of ozone-depleting chemicals into the air. There will be a large hat contest and prizes for best decorated umbrellas. Free sun screen will be provided. The Community Council has not taken a vote on the resolution, instead sending it to their science and technology committee for further study. However, several members expressed support for W4. “I’ve always wanted to plant peach trees in my back yard,” one of them said, “and global warming is making my dream come true.” :-) Eminent Domain Claims Dayton’s Bluff April 1, 2006 - In a rush to avoid future court rulings that might limit the power of eminent domain, the Saint Paul Homeland Redistribution Agency (HRA) voted to immediately grab as much land as possible for future development. After checking out various parts of the city, the HRA decided to take Dayton’s Bluff. There were several simple reasons for choosing this neighborhood as explained by a member of the HRA who wished to remain anonymous. “First, it’s close to downtown. As soon as we acquire the property we are going to tear down most of the homes. Then we are going to pave Dayton’s Bluff and put up a parking lot – a really big parking lot. When combined with our new gondola and streetcar system, this will finally solve the parking problems that have plagued downtown for decades. Parking was great downtown in the 1970s after we tore down all those old buildings and replaced them with surface parking lots. Our big mistake was constructing new buildings, thus eliminating the parking. “Second, Dayton’s Bluff is chock full of single family homes, many of which are over 100 years old. It’s time to get rid of those ancient structures. Besides looking funny, they are very inefficient from a population density standpoint. But just so people don’t start whining about the loss of housing, we will be building 1.5 new housing units for each one lost. These will be big, shiny complexes on the fringes of the area so as not to take up too many valuable parking spaces. They will be limited to 10 stories tall so as not to interfere with the expected increase in airport traffic at Holman Field. These buildings will have the added advantage of being soundproof with sealed windows so the residents won’t be complaining about airplane noise anymore. “Third, leveling Dayton’s Bluff will once again give Saint Paul a place to build a new stadium for the Minnesota Twins. Such a stadium will not substantially reduce the number of parking places because any ballpark plan will include a two-square block, 5-story parking ramp. Of course, negotiations for the stadium are far from finalized and Minneapolis is still trying to lure the Twins over there. However, we will be sweetening the deal by renaming the area Pohlad’s Bluff.” Dayton’s Bluff residents have vowed to fight this all the way to the nation’s highest court if necessary. However, the Supreme Court’s docket is filled for the next few years with major cases involving Anna Nicole Smith, Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton and many other typical Americans who couldn’t get justice in the lower courts. Dayton’s Bluff is now looking for a blond celebrity to take up its case. Please apply at the Community Council office if you are interested and have the proper qualifications. :-) Gondolas Coming to Dayton's Bluff? April 1, 2006 - At the turn of the century, (no not the last one, this one), Mayor Coleman (no not this one, the last one) proposed running gondolas from the new Science Museum building in downtown Saint Paul across the river to Harriet Island. That idea flew like the proverbial lead balloon and is now resting at the bottom of the Mississippi. However, due to rising gasoline prices, increased traffic congestion and continued parking problems downtown, a new version of this plan has been secretly circulating down at City Hall. Documents leaked to the Dayton’s Bluff District Forum reveal plans to construct a network of aerial gondolas and trams that will crisscross and interconnect the entire city. Dayton's Bluff with its high geographic location is a natural place for some of the stations.
Metropolitan State University could also become a major transportation hub. There would be gondola links in at least two directions starting from the upper floors of the New Main building. One route would pass over I-94 and connect Dayton's Bluff to downtown Saint Paul. The other route would go under the Third St. Bridge, over the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and end near the river. Like proposed light rail projects, the gondola system will cost Saint Paul taxpayers very little because most of the funding will come from Federal tax dollars. :-) Mounds Theatre is Invisible. April 1, 2006 - A panel of engineers, physicists, meteorologists, actuaries, psychics and astrologers have come to the startling conclusion that the Mounds Theatre at 1029 Hudson Road is often invisible to people who live in the area. This strange effect is produced by a combination of geomagnetic forces, psychic emanations and spectral wavelengths that converge near the theatre. In combination with the ectoplasm river flowing through the storm sewers of Dayton’s Bluff, this pseudo scientific harmonic convergence creates a light-warping field in the vicinity of the theatre. It only affects the retinas and optic nerves of people regularly exposed to these forces, which would be those living within a mile or so of the theatre. A spokesperson for the Mounds Theatre stated, “This is the most preposterous notion I’ve ever heard. It’s bad enough that the place is chock full of ghosts. Now we are supposed to believe it’s invisible, too? On the other hand, that would explain why so few neighborhood residents come to the theatre.” :-) |
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