This was sent to me from Midway Chamber Member, Ramsey County Historical Society. I found it interesting and thought the rest of you would like to check it out too! There is obviously a lot more info at the exhibits so if this piques your curiosity, you should go and check it out! Plus they sent me a picture of White Castle from back when!
White Castle
Where is the exact geographic center of the Twin Cities? And what do we know about its history?
March 5, – October 1, 2009
RCHS Exhibit Gallery, Landmark Center
75 W Fifth Street, St Paul, MN 55102
The Ramsey County Historical Society in conjunction with the University Avenue History Group presents the exhibit Where the Twin Cities Meet: A History of the Intersection of University and Prior Avenues. The exhibit will uncover the intersection’s fascinating history and include photographs, postcards, maps, drawings, advertising and commercial ephemera.
Some believe that the intersection of University and Prior Avenues in St. Paul is the center, and claim that there was a floor marker in a restaurant, now gone, that marked the exact spot. While some of the early buildings and activities are no longer present, there remains a significant historical record showing what life was like on this corner, going back to the time when the State of Minnesota was founded.
Considerable information is known about a number of the early important businesses at the corner. The Minnesota Transfer Rail Lines were set up by James J. Hill to facilitate exchange of freight between ten rail lines. Barrett and Zimmerman, one of the largest horse-trading firms in the country was located there, as well as Union Park, an early “suburban” real estate development. There were also lumber yards, businesses tied to the railroads, restaurants, motels, a bridge, and a long gone YMCA facility. Because of its central location and proximity to the huge rail transfer yard, this corner has a fascinating history that sheds light on the development of the entire region and state.
This intersection represents in microcosm the larger changes that have occurred in our region over time. This is a transitional moment in the history of the corridor, as the new light rail line will undoubtedly bring about major changes. Visit the RCHS exhibit Gallery to learn more.
An Historical Exhibit Funded, in part, by the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission
Learn more by attending these engaging events.
Merged Twin Cities: Past, Present and Future
Thursday May 21 at 7:00pm
Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street, St. Paul, Room 317
Join the Ramsey County Historical Society in a light hearted panel discussion on the possibilities of merging the Twin Cities – past, present, and maybe future.
In the late 1800s, many civic activists envisioned the development of a third city that would consolidate Minneapolis and St. Paul into one large metropolis located midway between the two downtowns – around the Prior and University intersection. This was propelled largely by civic boosterism and a desire to see one larger city, but partly it was motivated by a general frustration at the contentious rivalry between the two cities. Some argued it was mostly advocated by Midway property owners who were engaged in real estate speculation. Whatever the motivation, it achieved considerable political support from presidents, governors, business groups, newspaper editorials, Archbishop John Ireland and the general public.
Panelist include:
Don Empson- Historian and author of The Street Where You Live: A Guide to the Place Names of St. Paul
Russ Stark- St. Paul City council member of 4th Ward which extends to city line.
Cam Gordon- Minneapolis City council member in Prospect Park Ward 2, which also goes to city line.
David Lanagren- Chair of Geography Department, Macalester College, Coordinator of Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education
Saddles and Sliders: History of White Castle in the Twin Cities
Tuesday June 2, 12:00pm
Landmark Center, 75 West 5th Street, St. Paul, Room 326
Join the Ramsey County Historical Society for a luncheon lecture from noon – 1pm. Hear White Castle District Supervisor and Twin City Corporate Historian, Jim Graf describe and illustrate the history of White Castle in the Twin Cities and the nation. Beginning his work with White Castle in 1973, Jim’s worked in all the Twin City locations, including several that no longer exist. The lecture promises to be a lively discussion of the history of this company and its business in the Twin Cities.
