Kristi Gibson

After a 30-year career in public relations for the Minneapolis Public Library, Kristi turned her attention to freelance editing and has worked to improve the manuscripts of more than thirty published books. She has written Wikipedia articles on local history topics, including one that was featured on Wiki's main page ("Did you know..., 1/15/2017). She serves on the boards of the Robbinsdale Historical Society (robbinsdale.org) and Graeser Park Restoration & Preservation (graeserpark.com). Contact her at kristi@robbinsdale.org.

A “Nest” for Teenage Robins

This treasured photo of the original Robin’s Nest root beer shack was brought into the Robbinsdale Historical Society Museum by Anita McLaughlin, daughter of the longtime owners of the “Nest,” as it was known for … Read more

The Friendly Cootie Bug

William Herbert Schaper (1914-1980) was a postman and a fisherman who enjoyed making his own fishing lures. While sitting on his front porch one day in 1948, he whittled a wooden lure that reminded him … Read more

Robbinsdale Oil on West Broadway

The original Robbinsdale Oil, pictured above, was built in 1938 at 4082 West Broadway. (Note the the old bandstand behind the truck. Eventually Robin Center would appear in the background.) In the photograph are partners … Read more

Remembering Rollie

We are saddened to note that longtime Robbinsdale historian Rolland “Rollie” Heywood died on August 20, 2023, at age 92. He is remembered as an invaluable font of knowledge for anyone who wanted to know … Read more

It was a great kickoff to Whiz Bang Days!

Thanks to everyone who came to Graeser Park on Thursday, July 6, for the Preservation Celebration! Special thanks to the all-volunteer Robbinsdale City Band for a wonderful performance! Tracing its roots back to 1908, when … Read more

Graeser Park on TV

CCX NEWS: The Complete History Courtesy of CCX Media* Local cable TV outlet CCX News has covered Graeser Park’s progress since 2018. Here is the retrospective of those stories. 4/28/25: VOLUNTEERS WORK TO RESTORE GRAESER … Read more

Graeser Park Preservation Project Nears Completion

  3:45 PM | Friday, May 26, 2023 | Delane Cleveland, Reporter A major restoration project of Robbinsdale’s historic Graeser Park is nearly complete. “It’s thrilling. It’s beyond imagination,” said Kristi Gibson of the Graeser … Read more

Spring on the Farm

In May 1937, Minneapolis Tribune photographer Merle Bull was sent out on assignment to capture images depicting the return of spring. His photo essay focused on farm animals in rural areas, including Robbinsdale. Here are … Read more