People

Lars Nasett’s Store

Lars Nasett came from Wisconsin in 1887 with an uncle, I. J. Nasett, who was drawing the plans for the Lutheran Seminary. His wife and family came a year later. Lars worked with his uncle … Read more

Edith and Her Sisters

The oldest of the Robbins girls, Edith was born on July 20, 1871. She taught school for a short time – at East and West High Schools in Minneapolis. In 1899 was teacher and assistant … Read more

Adelaide Robbins

Adelaide Julia Walker was born in Xenia, Ohio. Her father went West in the Gold Rush, leaving her mother with four small children. He and his wagon train never returned. It is thought they all … Read more

Andrew Bonney Robbins

Andrew B. Robbins was born in Philips, Maine, April 27, 1845 – the son of Daniel and Mary Shaw Robbins. In 1855 his family came to Anoka, Minnesota where his father built the first steam … Read more

John Shumway

John Shumway came from Mansfield, Connecticut in 1855 and settled on a claim near Elk River. He didn’t stay long because of the rattle snakes and mosquitoes. He returned to Connecticut – taught school for … Read more

Big Hearted Gus

GUS URBAN’S MEAT MARKET- Gus Urban came with other members of his family to Minneapolis in the 1880’s. He took a job working for Mr. C. Coulter of Robbinsdale in 1895 as driver, salesman on … Read more

Christensen’s Blacksmith Shop

-THE BLACKSMITH This is a view taken about 1906 looking northeast from 42nd and West Broadway – then called Crystal Lake Avenue and Shingle Creek Road. The First Robbinsdale State Bank now occupies that site. … Read more

Thanks Diane!

The new year is bringing so many changes! This month Diane Jacobson McGee has decided to step down as our organization’s president and retire from the Robbinsdale Historical Society’s Board of Directors. Diane has spent … Read more

The Mayors of Robbinsdale

Andrew B. Robbins Born: 1845 in Phillips, Maine Elected 1893 Robbins had a nose for opportunity and as a former state senator and the brother-in-law of lumber baron, Thomas Barlow Walker, he was well connected … Read more