1914
The November 1, 1914, Minneapolis Tribune describes the new through street-car service just inaugurated. ‘It leaves Hennepin and Sixth Street and arrives thirty minutes later in Robbinsdale, at the end of a 3800-foot stretch of concrete pavement, replacing the old Jumper stub line, which had operated for over twenty years.” There was a gala celebration ending in a burst of oratory from various officials. Mr. Girling claimed the old jumper was a great character builder—”Getting off the Penn car late at night just in time to see the tail light of the ‘dinky’ disappearing over the hill was great schooling in the virtues of resignation, patience and self-control.”
According to a Sunday feature in the June 28th, 1914 Minneapolis Tribune, Robbinsdale had an electric light plant, sidewalks, curb and gutters. The volunteer fire department could call on additional fire protection from the Crystal Lake Avenue station of the Minneapolis fire department. The village was free of debt. and government was by a council composed of a president and four Councilman. Robbinsdale had one factory operated by E.M. Pearson for 20 years. Pearson manufactured a patent nailer for shingle nails and in 1914 he began tack nailer. production. These nailers were unique in that they were only ones manufactured at the time. Pearson owned the basic patents. In 1914 the demand was so far above the production that Pearson was usually months behind orders.
This post is part of a series based on the book Robbinsdale Then and Now by Helen Blodgett. The postcard at the top of the post, depicting a streetcar stuck in the snow near 36th and France is part of Jeff Vick’s postcard collection.