The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s library is “Robbinsdale” by local author Pete Richie. The pictorial history book, released on July 7th, 2014, uses black and white photographs to showcase Robbinsdale’s compelling history.
While serving in the state legislature, Andrew B. Robbins visited the lakes, woods and rolling hills just north of Minneapolis. Inspired by the landscape and potential for development, he purchased 90 acres and created the Robbinsdale Park subdivision in 1887. Robbins worked tirelessly to bring schools, industry and a streetcar line to the area. In 1893 Robbinsdale incorporated as a village bearing his name.
Images of America: Robbinsdale provides readers with a complete history of what started out as a lake-side village. It includes several photos of the 16-room mansion Robbins built in his estate and other notable houses. This book includes rare images from this early suburb and captures memorable days of dancing, boating and entertaining.
Highlights of Robbinsdale include:
Early photos of fishing and boating on Robbinsdale’s sparkling Lakes
Nostalgic images of the city’s beautiful old movie theaters
Captain Billy and Robbinsdale’s Whiz Bang legacy
Bars and streetcars on West Broadway
The new Robbinsdale book is available at City Hall, the Robbinsdale Historical Society Museum, Barnes and Noble, Majors and Quinn, Costco, North Memorial Gift Shop and better retailers up and down West Broadway. You can also order paperback and e-book versions of this Images of America title from Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.
Meet Peter James Ward Richie
Author of Robbinsdale
Pete Richie grew up in Robbinsdale, Minnesota and remembers collecting stories about the area’s history when he was a paperboy. Richie initially became involved with the Robbinsdale history when he met his family for a Robbinsdale reunion at the Birdtown Cafe. After lunch, he and his family wandered a couple of blocks from the restaurant and into the Robbinsdale Historical Society Museum. Richie was inspired by the museum’s collection and offered to build a website for the organization. From the website, the Images of America: Robbinsdale title was born. Richie currently works for Barnes and Noble Booksellers. He also serves on the board of the Robbinsdale Historical Society.
“So much of Robbinsdale’s early history has been swept away by the area’s growth and development. Nestled into a metropolitan area with cities like Golden Valley, Eden Prairie, New Hope and Bloomington, many of the city’s residents believe their town is named after a bird. Ideally, the story and pictures of Andrew B. Robbins and his daughters will forever banish that notion. I hope the book will bring people into Robbinsdale’s beautiful old library building to take advantage of the Robbbinsdale Historical Society’s collection. The city has always been the heart of the area. In the last few years Robbinsdale has experienced a great deal of renewal and development. The city’s older homes have become attractive and new families and businesses are moving in. Robbinsdale has reclaimed undeveloped areas as parks and there are plans for a light rail line through the old downtown. I hope Images of America:Robbinsdale will help provide the city’s new residents a sense of how unique the little suburb they call home is.”
You can get your copy signed and Meet the Author at these Summer Events:
Majors and Quinn Booksellers
July 12th 2:00-4:00pm
Whiz Bang Days At the Robbinsdale Historcial Society
July 12th 5:00-8:00pm
Barnes and Noble at Calhoun Village
Saturday, July 19th 5:00-7:00 pm
The Hennepin History Museum
Sunday, August 10th at 2:00pm
Saint Louis Park Costco
Saturday, August 23rd 1:00-3:00 pm
Maple Grove Costco
Saturday, September 6th 1:00-3:00pm
Author inquires contact:
Betsey Poore
843.853.2070 x217
bpoore@arcadiapublishing.com