The Trumps at Twin Lake

In 1890 the Village Treasurer, John Trump built a general store on the corner of 42nd and West Broadway. A couple of years later he enlarged the store and sold hardware in half of it. … Read more

Robbinsdale Ice and Fuel

In the 1890’s several private parties were cutting ice on Crystal Lake. The ice was described as  extremely clear and pure. It  was considered by many to be  the best in the Minneapolis area. This … Read more

The Russ Grocery

Nathan Russ moved to Robbinsdale after the Civil War. He owned a small farm near Lake Road and Lake Drive. Mr. Russ was the Village Recorder for many years, but he lost the election of … Read more

The Shumways

  John P. Shumway purchased 45 acres of  the Crystal Lake Township for $25 dollars a piece in 1856. He built a modest home near Twin Lake and managed to get most of the land … Read more

Robbinsdale to Berlin

In 1917 the first soldiers from Robbinsdale left for World War I in a truck bearing a huge banner. The contingent consisted of Eddie Lacomb, William Schlundt, J.E. Sessing, Dave Parkhill, John Nassett and Nick … Read more

The Howard Lumber Fire

On Sunday, May 4th, 1941 the Howard Lumber Yard  caught fire. It got so bad that Minneapolis had to send out two pumpers. Damages were estimated at $30,000. Two horses used for hauling and housed … Read more

Scott’s Emporium

Here’s a early twentieth century photo of J.B. and Hazel Scott waiting for customers to hitch up horses in front of their grocery at 4143 West Broadway. Grenell’s Pool Hall opened above the little store … Read more

Lee Elementary

Lee Elementary opened in the fall of 1948. The first principal was O.B. Aftereth. During post war years  the Robbinsdale School District built 18 elementary schools. Despite local opposition, Lee closed in 1981. The  school was sold and demolished to make was for the Lee Square Cooperative senior housing project a couple years later.

Read more

120 Years of Meat

The Urban Meat Market opened in 1892 and is the oldest continuous business on Robbinsdale’s main street. The previous owners were J. Coulter, G.J. Urban, K. Hoffman Senior, K. Hoffman Junior and H. Hakenmuller. It … Read more