August 18, 1957 An old-time showboat returned to the Mississippi River as an ambitious civic project in Grand Rapids, Minn. The boat, powered by two outboard motors, brought the “Mississippi Melodie II” to a riverside platform at Grand Rapids, featuring choristers, bands and dancers. Earl Seubert, Minneapolis Sunday Tribune
February 1, 1983 Seven of the 12 hot-air balloons that took part in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the first piloted balloon flight. The balloonists from Rochester, New Prague, St. Paul and Minneapolis flew from the state capitol in St. Paul to Woodbury in about two hours.
Matt Wiederkeher, a hot-air balloon distributor in St. Paul, who organized the flight, said it was the first official flight of the U.S. Air and Space Bicentennial.
“There’s no doubt it was a great honor for Minnesota,” he said. “We continue to reach for the stars, but during the bicentennial year we need to look at where we’ve been to see where we’re going.“ Bruce Bisping, Minneapolis Star Tribune
January 5, 1983 C. Peter Magrath, president of the University of Minnesota, sampled a dish prepared by his wife, Dianne. His favorite dessert, Strawberry Cake, is included in “Minnesota’s Greatest and Best Recipes.” Duane Braley, Minneapolis Star Tribune
December 3, 1990 Scott Olson was one of many roller skaters who glided through the concourse at the Metrodome. Most of the skaters that spent time rolling around the metro area lakes this summer, now find the smooth, dry concrete floors, heat, and light of the Metrodome concourse preferable to the Minnesota winter outside. David Brewster, Minneapolis Star Tribune
February 1, 1991 Scott Thomas of the Science Museum of Minnesota adjusted one of the backbones on a 60-foot diplodocus under construction in the paleontology hall at the museum. Thomas is assisting a Canadian company in assembly of the 250-plus bones that make up the dinosaur. The skeleton was discovered in Wyoming by Anoka educator Lyle Bradley in 1971. Bruce Bisping, Minneapolis Star Tribune
We had to go hunting for Science Museum dinosaur photographs in the archives after the whole Stranger-Things-purple-Thunder-Lizard-hoodie thing. This one’s not quite from that era, but pretty close.
September 26, 1992 Dedication of Minnesota’s Vietnam Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol. At the wall, under a quote form Archibald Macleish, “We were young. We have died. Remember us,” Greg Stromath,from Lake Elmo, did a rubbing of David M. Halbauer’s name, for a friend. Mike Zerby, Star Tribune
August 24, 1949 Experimental packages of frozen corn on the cob are tasted and tested by Mrs. Shirley Johnson, technologist, frozen food laboratory; J.D. Winter, director of the laboratory; and Dr. Andrew Hustrulid, professor of agriculture engineering. “A popular, but unsatisfactory method of freezing sweet corn is making the rounds right now, members of the frozen food laboratory at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus are conducting new tests on the correct way to freeze this food.” Minneapolis Star Tribune
August 24, 1963 3M President Bert Cross, ‘world’s worst’ golfer, got a lesson from “a golfer of some acclaim” with some putting practice on a makeshift green. Carrying a handicap of age, a ball back and six strokes, he admittedly is not of the same cut as Arnold Palmer. “Nowadays if I can shoot 75, I consider it a good day,” he asserted. Earl Seubert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Yes, friends, we’re back after a long hiatus. We hope to continue posting here, perhaps once a month.
September 22, 1987 Pete O'Brien, a Texas Rangers first baseman, is tagged out by third baseman Gary Gaetti during his run down from 3rd base to home in the 6th inning. The 1987 Twins went on to win the World Series. (Bruce Bisping, Minneapolis Star Tribune)
Aug. 16, 1974 We suspect this photo might have been staged, but we’re going to use it anyway. Che Che Glick Fanny Anoka UD, a poodle owned by Elizabeth Glick of Anoka with trophies from 350 dog competitions, opens a savings account at the First National Bank in Anoka. The idea originated with bank employee Dick Nelson, in exchange for Che Che’s obedience training performances at the bank. Roy Swan/Star Tribune