On April 30th, 1949, a new fire and police station on Hubbard Avenue was formally dedicated. At 2 p.m. the siren blew and the firemen marched from their old home in back of the City Hall on Broadway to the new quarters on Hubbard. Free coffee, doughnuts, and ice cream were distributed to the public, and the Robbinsdale and Anoka City Bands played. Mayor Charles Wallace handed over huge keys to Police Chief Matthew Spurzem and Fire Chief Frank Cherveny. Today the building is used as the Hubbard Transit Station.
The “grand opening” of the new Robbinsdale fire and police station—-most elaborate in the Minneapolis suburban area–will be staged Saturday. The $156,690 structure was financed by a $1OO,OOO bond issue approved in 1946 with the balance coming from the general revenue fund, including a generous amount of profits from the municipal liquor store. The two-story concrete block station will serve as a community center, jail and police headquarters, as well as a fire station. Special features are a mezzanine floor with two private bedrooms, a sleeping dormitory, kitchen and a social hall. On the second floor are a 50 by 80-foot community hall, stage, kitchen and restrooms. Ceremonies will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday with a blast of the fire whistle. All 26 volunteer firemen, led by Chief Frank Cherveny, and the police force of six, headed by Chief Matt Spurzem, will march from the old city hall to the new building. Following a flag raising and dedication, the building will be opened to the public. At 5 p.m. a concert will be presented in the station by the Robbinsdale City Band. Mayor Charles O. Wallace will present the keys for the station to the fire and police chiefs. A community dance will begin at 9:30 p.m.
Minneapolis Star- Friday, April 29th,1949
Postcards courtesy of Jeff Vick
