SOMETHING IN THE WATER

Something in the Water is a book about the history of St. Louis Park that was edited and published by Park native Don Swenson. It includes information and memories from people who grew up in St. Louis Park, primarily before World War II. We hope to post the chapters of the book to this web site in the near future. In the meantime, paper copies of the book are available for $20 (includes U.S. shipping)  You may order the book by sending an email to history@slphistory.org.  The chapters of the book are as follows:

INTRODUCTION

EARLY HISTORY

Palace for a Lady
Adventurer, Soldier and Farmer
Williams Family Recollections
Train Whistles – Day and Night
Postal Service for the Park
Joseph Hamilton’s Legacy
Goodrich Ave. and the Depression
Union Congregational Church

OAK HILL

Oak Hill and Republic Creosoting Co.
Ruedlinger Nursery
National Lead Company
A Paper Route Trio
Rodgers Hydraulic

BROOKSIDE AND EXCELSIOR BLVD.

The Hanke Family and Their Farm
The Fletcher Family
Finnegan Farm
Downings on Hanke Ave.
Canfield-Dietrick Lumber Co.
Golfing History on Excelsior Blvd.
Brookside Drug
Brookside Market
Thompson’s Grocery
Smith’s Colonial Inn
Gravel Pits
Overlooking Minnehaha Creek

FERN HILL

Two Fern Hill Families
Grade School Memories
The Pest House
Garden Club Pioneer
The Dresser Family
Fitch Pet Hospital
Pastime Arena
Manhattan Park
Photography by Byers
Park Theater

LENOX DISTRICT

Swedish American Family
Carlstroms on Hampshire
Nelson Relatives
Stasney Family

HOME TOWN BUSINESSES

Lydia Rogers
Doc Brown
Swenson and Redeen
Reiss Waiting Station
Jenkins Family and Eclipse
Christy Service Station
Bradley Transfer
Seirup Concrete, Coal and Cars
Park Bus Co.
Applequist and the Ice Business
Minnesota Rubber Co.
Kuempel Clocks
Pockrandt Lumber Co.
Browne Plumbing Co.
E.H. Renner and Sons
Sandvig and Sandvig

PROMINENT CITIZENS

Morton Arneson
Joe Justad
Torval Jorvig
Earl Ainsworth
C.L. Hurd
Marie Hartmann
Werner Family
Downing Family
Forsyth Recollections
Galli-Curci
Halsey Hall
Ralles and Santrizos Families
Sewall Family

SCHOOLS

Pratt School
Erwin Hatch, Superintendent
Little House Behind the School
High School – 1940’s
Favorite Teachers

AMERICAN LEGION AND WORLD WAR II

Frank Lundberg Post 282
Serving their Country
World War II Honor Roll

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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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.