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May 2021
Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary history, with Constance Pepin
In 1936, the Park Board designated 31 acres of the land along the north shore of Lake Harriet as a bird sanctuary that was later named for Thomas Sadler Roberts, considered the father of Minnesota ornithology. Constance Pepin and Stephen Greenfield, co-founders of the Friends of Roberts Bird Sanctuary, will share history and images of this priceless oasis of nature that nurtures wildlife and humans alike.
Find out more »June 2021
The Lost Japanese Gardens of John Scott Bradstreet, with Kathy Kullberg
John Scott Bradstreet, leading interior designer of the early 20 th century in the Twin Cities, traveled extensively to Europe and Asia on buying trips to furnish his retail shops and clients homes. Early on, he became enamored with the simple but elegant gardens of the Japanese artisans. Over the course of three decades, he either built or influenced over nine known gardens. One of the most well-known was that of Linden Hills resident, Frank F. Fletcher, on West 44th…
Find out more »September 2021
The Era of Lake Harriet Concessionaires, with Peter Sussman
Imagine displays of a bear, carousel, ostriches, and Shetland pony rides at Lake Harriet to entertain visitors who came down to picnic, boat, or enjoy a concert. Concessionaires J. Palmer, A.O. Hoyt, H.M. Barnet, and J.H. Eschman welcomed visitors and helped shape their experiences in a picturesque setting once described as the "Coney Island of the West."
Find out more »November 2021
Streetcar Line: Bryant Avenue Line, with Aaron Isaacs
From 1890 to 1953, the Lyn-Lake and East Harriet neighborhoods were served by the Bryant Avenue streetcar line that traveled from Lyndale Avenue to Lake Street, then east and south of Lake Harriet and crossing Minnehaha Creek. Historian Aaron Isaacs will take us on a then-and- now photo tour of the line from downtown to its terminals at 56th and Bryant and 54th and Penn.
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