On Einar’s Easel
Born in Hedemark, Norway, Einar Dahl immigrated to the United States in 1902. He found work as a harness maker and shoe salesman. After Dahl came to the Twin Cities in 1907, he eventually found … Read more
Lakes
Mr. John Trump
Mr. John Trump and family came from Iowa to Robbinsdale in 1890. He broke ground for a new store in April of 1890. He operated a general merchandise store on West Broadway where Twin City … Read more
At the Dog Derby
Our biggest and most interesting juvenile contest is our annual Dog Derby. This event is held each year on the ice at Crystal Lake and the boys and girls from Hennepin County towns are invited … Read more
Crystal Lake and Sacred Heart
1973 Aeration pumps, which keep water open all winter, began operation in Crystal Lake on October 22. This was after much arguing about, “what if some kid . . .” Thus began the annual migration … Read more
Robbinsdale was Someplace Else
1967 The Crystal Lake Water Study Committee was appointed by the City Council to study the problems of Crystal Lake which, by now, was considered a “dead” lake. Frank Litherland was elected chairman. Others on … Read more
Cooper Retires
1965 One of the two earliest landmarks, the former First Congregational Church, was demolished on March 3rd to make room for a filling station, later occupied by Pilgrim’s Cleaners and other shops. The area had … Read more
The Nashes of Crystal Lake
Civil War veteran, farmer, politician, and businessman Jay Elijah Nash was born on March 29, 1843, in Hadley, Massachusetts. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Union with Company D of the 27th … Read more
Ice and Fire
1894 In January people in Robbinsdale were advised to arm themselves when traveling on Crystal Lake Avenue to Minneapolis after dark, after B.J. Browning had been held up by robbers while returning home after selling … Read more