COMMUNITY COUNCIL

It appears that several attempts have been made to form an organization to coordinate the work of other organizations in St. Louis Park.  Please contact us if you have additional information about these or similar groups.

In January 1951, a Federated Council of all Park Organizations or “Inter-Club Council” was proposed. The purpose was to act as a “clearing organization for all common village problems confronting educational, religious, recreational, fraternal, and civic organizations.” The impetus to this group seems to be an unhappy group of businessmen who received up to 70 solicitations for funds during the past season. Curiously, the speaker at the first meeting was Civil Defense Director Don Whalen, who warned that bomb shelters, first aid, and preparedness were not “a lot of silly talk.”

Come April 1951, a group called the St. Louis Park Round Table was formed. Mrs. William O. Lund, Jr. served as chair, and other members included Nathan H. Epstein, Mrs. Kermit S. Anderson, and Mrs. O.E. Domian. The purpose of the group was “to act as a clearinghouse for problems and as a center from which to launch park drives. It will endeavor to coordinate the activities of public departments and private committees for the well-being of the community.”

A Community Council was formed in early 1955 as an “expanded facility for the dissemination of information to citizens.” It was to consist of one member per organization, club, and association. Organized by the Youth Conservation Commission.

In 1956, an Inter-Club Council among Park's six major civic clubs was proposed as a clearinghouse for community pjorects.  Those clubs were the Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions, Exchange and Optimist Clubs.

In November 1959, documentation indicates of the formation of the St. Louis Park Community Council, Ken Clorlery, Chairman. The organization was formed to coordinate activities among the various organizations in the Park. The group was headquartered at the Chamber of Commerce Office.

The Council of Organizations, Associations, and Citizens was also proposed in 1959. Its purpose was to bring together representatives of organizations, as well as individual citizens to coordinate efforts. Mention of COAC can be found in 1982, when it sponsored a 96th birthday party for the City.

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.