JORVIG PARK, HOME OF THE SLP HISTORICAL SOC.
Bob Reiss, from the Re-Echo, Winter 2003

On November 25, 1969, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Depot in St. Louis Park was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. On April 21, 1971, the St. Louis Park Historical Society was incorporated.  Its founding was part of the "Save Our Depot" campaign conducted by Marie Hartmann and a small group of enthusiastic supporters.  Marie Hartmann served as the President of the Society until her death in 1996.

As a result of this committee's work, the Depot became the property of the City of St. Louis Park.  With the help of a Federal grant, it was moved to its present location in Jorvig Park.  Moving was a condition of the railroad because the original site was too small for development.

The Depot was built in 1887 by the railroad that was better known as the Milwaukee Road.  It was originally located on 36th Street between Brunswick and Alabama Avenues.  Along with the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad, better known as the St. Louis line, it served a very important function in the history and the development of St. Louis Park.  The railroads were the only method of getting freight into the Village.  From 1883 until 1955, the Milwaukee Road also provided passenger service to and from the cities.

The Depot is of typical 19th Century wood frame architecture and construction, and is divided into 3 rooms:  a passenger waiting room, an office, and freight room.  The freight room is ground level and has a plank floor, one foot lower than the other sections.  The station interior has a built-in desk, counters, and storage areas.  Today the Depot is essentially in the same condition as when it was moved.  It has never been restored and still lacks plumbing and rest rooms.

Jorvig Park itself is significant in the history of St. Louis Park.  It was the first suburban park outside of Minneapolis.  When a depot was first built by the St. Louis Line, the stop became know as St. Louis Park.

At various times, the park as been known as Center, Bandstand, Fireman's and finally Jorvig Park.  During the 1930's, a bandstand was located on the current site of the Depot.  Village bands held concerts during the summer.  For years, the popular Fireman's Carnival was also held on this site, which at that time was directly across the street from the Firebarn.  It was a money raiser for volunteer firemen.  Finally, it was formally named Jorvig Park after Torvil Jorvig, one of St. Louis Park's premiere councilman.

The original interest was that the Depot be used to house the historical documents and other items significant to the development of St. Louis Park.  It is still currently used for storage of records, papers and pictures that have been donated to the Society.  Summer meetings are held in the Depot on the [first] Tuesday of every month, but is not open to the public any other time except by appointment. 

 

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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.