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 of birds, especially the mallards and Canadian geese, to Crystal Lake, much to the delight of Robbinsdale residents who often find them sitting in local yards or crossing streets with their young. Previous to the beginning of aeration, Crystal Lake was dying due to the severe weed and algae problems, high nutrient levels and a critical leakage situation. In November, bentonite (volcanic clay mineral from Montana) was sprayed into the lake by helicopter. This made a definite improvement in the water loss. Ray Eckstrom, city engineer, said, “The crisis is over and I feel Crystal Lake will survive and continue to beautify the area.” So once again the lake was stocked with northerns, walleyes, and bluegills in April, 1974. This proved successful as the annual “winter kill” was over.
On November 3, 1973, fire destroyed the old Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 4061 West Broadway. Robbinsdale’s new fire equipment, a “snorkel,” was put to good use. The church built in 1911, had been used as classrooms and a gymnasium since 1959, when the new church at 41st Avenue and Hubbard was completed. In 1982, a new rectory was built on this site. Attempts to remodel the old rectory instead of demolishing it were negated by architects and contractors, citing substandard plumbing and dangerous wiring. There had been one fire in the old rectory.
This post is part of a series loosely based on the book Robbinsdale Then and Now by Helen Blodgett.