| Dayton's
Bluff District
Forum October
2006
Volume 19, No. 8 |
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Greetings
from the New Dayton’s
Bluff Community Council Executive Director
By Ed Lambert, Executive Director, Dayton’s Bluff Community Council I started in early September and began by getting oriented to the organization’s budget, programs, and history. The main thing I want to do this first month and beyond, however, is to get to know the residents and business owners of the community.
As a graduate of Harding High School, and Van Buren Elementary, I have some deep roots here. My first daughter was born at the old St. John’s Hospital; now the site of the proud and growing Metro State University Campus. A few years after high school, after a stint in the Navy, I moved to the West Metro area to attend college and begin a career as a community activist and business owner. It’s good to be back in St. Paul, my hometown, and working for a creative community organization focused on improving Dayton’s Bluff; the community I grew up in. I have great memories of exploring the bluffs, playing sports at the former Dayton’s Bluff Playground, and just being part of this remarkable neighborhood. Most recently I have been working as a Community Development Consultant and fundraiser. Just before that I was Executive Director of the Minneapolis Consortium of Community Developers for 7 years, and a Program Manager for the Wilder Foundation for the five years before that. Much of my work has focused on small business development and affordable housing. In the early 80s I founded, and served as President and Treasurer of, the MicroComm Corporation based in Burnsville. We made electronic energy set-back thermostats and microwave burglar alarms sold throughout the US until we sold the operation to a company in Morristown, Tennessee. My focus is now on strengthening the Community Council, and working with the community to further develop and enhance Dayton’s Bluff as a safe and attractive community to live and work. The most important element to a strong and attractive community, however, is the interest and support of the residents, institutions, churches, and businesses for make-a-difference efforts at all levels. People make change, and caring people make the biggest changes for the better. This remarkably diverse and interesting community has a lot of stunning assets; like Metropolitan State University, substantial and beautiful parks, the Mounds Theatre, dynamic small businesses, an Historic District, and a number of effective and committed organizations working to improve the community. Every person or group becoming involved brings energy and dreams, which feed and strengthen our potential for a better future. Please participate in the October 16 Community Council Elections, and get involved with some aspect of improving the community…your involvement will make a difference…it’s what makes things better…YOU. Come and Vote for Your
Community Representative The polls are open from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2006 at 798 East 7th Street at the corner of 7th and Margaret. Come and vote for your representatives. Any Dayton’s Bluff resident age 18 or over is eligible to vote. Voters can cast ballots for their Sub-district Representatives and for an At-Large seat. Write-in candidates are permitted. Absentee ballots may be requested. All requests for absentee ballots must be made at least ten (10) days prior to the election, in writing and signed by the voter. All absentee ballots will be mailed by the council at least seven (7) days before the election to the residence of the voter requesting the absentee ballot, accompanied by two envelopes prepared so that the larger is return addressed to the Election Overview Committee and marked so that the name, address, and signature of the voter should be written on the back of the envelope. The smaller envelope, which contains the ballot, should remain unmarked. Put the ballot in the smaller envelope, put the small envelope in the larger envelope with our address on it and return it to us. The unmarked small envelope will be put in the ballot box. Absentee ballots must be received in the Community Council office by October 16, 2006 before 7:00 p.m. For more information call 651-772-2075. Dayton's Bluff Community Council Board Member Candidates Sub District A Beatrice Collins Sub District B Jean Comstock Erin Stojan Sub District C David Skelton Sub-District D John Barbie David Biljan Maryann Chowen Jacob Dorer
Information on the candidates is available at the Community Council offices at 798 East 7th Street. or call 651-772-2075. You are Invited to the Community Council Pot Luck and Annual Meeting . The Annual Dayton’s Bluff Community Pot Luck will be held on Monday, October 16th. It starts at 6:00 p.m. The Annual Meeting follows at 7:00 p.m. City Council President Kathy Lantry will give the State of the Bluff message. It will be about Dayton’s Bluff and the good things that are going on in the neighborhood. Come early and vote for your Community Council Representatives. For more information call 772-2075. Dayton's Bluff Community
Meeting The next Community Meeting is Thursday, October
5, 2006 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the meeting room at the Dayton’s
Bluff Community Council, 798 East 7th Street at the corner of 7th and
Margaret. Martians Invade Mounds
Theatre This October... The play, described as a tribute to old-time radio, features the talents of Dennis Curley, Greg Eiden, Jeffery Goodson, Teressa Grega, Ryan Kathman, Jim Robinson and Erika Sjogren. The show is set on the stage of a music and comedy hour in front of a live studio audience at the height of the 30’s and 40’s radio era. A local astronomer has been getting so many laughs in the news with his stories about Martians coming that they decide to invite him on and do a Martian themed show, which is soon interrupted with breaking news about strange meteors falling to earth that turn out to be much more. Are the reports real, or just part of the show? Come and find out. Performances at the Mounds Theatre will be Oct. 12 – 22, Thursday - Saturday at 7:30, Sun. at 2:00. Tickets are $20 for adults (Thursdays, buy 1 adult ticket get 1 free), $18 for seniors and students. $10 for children (12 and under), $15 group rate (8 or more) Order tickets by calling (763) 767-0444 and leave a message. Your call will be returned to confirm your order. For Hometown Theatre ticket information, show times or reservations contact us by phone at 763- 767-0444 or visit www.hometowntheatre.org. The Mounds Theatre is located at 1029 Hudston Road, St. Paul, MN 55106 ...Followed by A Christmas Story in December A Christmas Story returns live on
stage to the Mounds Theatre this December for nine performances.
It’s everyone’s favorite story of Ralphie and his quest to get a Red
Ryder BB gun for Christmas. All the delightful moments you fell in love
with in the film version are brought to life.
This holiday classic was first produced by the Portage for Youth at the Mounds Theatre in December 2004 and has been a great success for the last two years. Most of last year’s cast are returning because they enjoyed it so much. So will you. Create or continue a holiday tradition at the Mounds Theatre. A Christmas Story is appropriate for all ages and there is discount pricing for children. Tickets to the play make a great gift for those “hard to buy for” individuals on your shopping list. Spend an evening or afternoon with your friends and family watching this warm-hearted play before the hustle and bustle of Christmas sets in. If Halloween is almost here, Christmas can’t be far behind. Purchase your tickets now. Don’t delay and be disappointed. Performances: December 1, 2, 8, 9,15 & 16 at 7:30 p.m. December 3, 10 & 17 at 2:00 p.m.. Tickets: Ticket prices are $15 Adults; $10 Student/Senior (55 and over); and $5 Children (12 and under). Visit www.moundstheatre.org for a ticket order form or call 651-772-2253 and leave your name and number. Someone will call you back to take your order. All profits from A Christmas Story benefit the Portage for Youth. The Mounds Theatre is located at 1029 Hudson Road, St. Paul, MN 55106. "The Legend of Swede Hollow" Haunted House By Nathaniel Churchill Saint Paul Garden Club
Visits Dayton's Bluff
Dayton's
Bluff Recreation Center Activities and Events Dayton’s Bluff Rec Center 800 Conway St. 651.793-3885 Director: Jody Griffin jody.griffin@ci.stpaul.n.us Fall Program is out! (Sept.-Dec. 2006 Events & Activities) Stop by the center to pick up your copy or visit us on line at www.ci.stpaul.gov/depts/parks New this Fall – On-line registration for parks and recreation classes, trips & sports. Winter Sports Registration for Basketball - Oct. 9-20; Ages 5-16; Late registration will be accepted if space is available. Senior Cards 500 - Friday’s, 12:30-4 pm; Seniors, $2 weekly fee for the kitty. $1 donation for treats & coffee. Cribbage - Tuesday’s, 12-3 pm, Adult/Seniors, 50 cents per week; Looking to start a new group. Call if interested. Pinochle - Tuesday’s, 1-4 pm, Adults/Seniors, 50 cents per week; Looking to start a new group. Call if interested. Parent Tot Play Time - Mon., Wed., Fri.’s, 10 am-12 pm, Ages 0-5, Free Adult Lunch Time Volleyball & Basketball - Thursday’s, 11 am-1 pm; $1/week; On-going; No children Teen Club - The group meets on Tuesday’s 5-7 pm & Thursday’s from 5:30-7:30 pm. Free, New members are welcome. Adult Volleyball – Fri., 6-8:45 pm, $1 per week, on-going Movie Mystery Nights – Mon./Wed.’s, 6-8 pm, All ages, Free Jump Roping Club – Wed.’s, 5:30-6:30 pm, Ages 6-17, $12 for 12 sessions Badminton – Tuesday’s 6-8 pm, $1 per week through Nov. 14 Community Block Club Meetings – Last Monday of each month, 6:30-8 pm. All are welcome! Girls Only – Wed., Oct. 11, 6-7 pm, Ages 7-14, $12 for 6 sessions Autumn Adventures – Th., Oct. 19, 9 am-5 pm, Grades K-6, $25 Teen Dads Make a Difference – Wed., Oct. 4, 6-7 pm, Ages 12-18, Free, 4 sessions Cheerleading Class - Mon., Oct. 2, 6-7 pm, Ages 5-14 Karate Class - Wed., Oct. 4, 6-7 pm, Ages 5-14 Judo Classes - Sat., Oct. 7, 10:30-12 pm (4- 6 yrs.), 12-2 pm (7-12 yrs.) Express Baby Sign Parent Workshop – Tu., Oct. 10, Wed., Oct. 25 or Th., Nov. 9, 9:30-10:30 am, Ages 6-24 months, $10 per family Kickboxing – Tu., Oct. 10 6:30-7:30 pm, 16 yrs-adult, $45 for 6 sessions Community Garage Sale – Sat., Oct. 28, 9-2:30 pm, $7 to rent a table, buyers free. Must reserve tables(s) by Oct. 13. Craft Sale – Sat., Oct. 7, 9 am-2:30 pm, $10 to rent a table, buyers free. Halloween Haunted House – Fri. & Mon., Oct. 27 & 30, 5:30-8:30 pm, Recommended for ages 8 & up, under are welcome with an adult, .50 cents per time Spook-tacular Costume Party – Mon., Oct. 30, 1-2 pm, Ages 3-6, $8, 1 session St. Paul Conservatory of Music classes – ages 6 months to 5 yrs. Call 651.224-2205 to register. Foot Care Clinic -. Call 763.560-5136 to schedule your 30 minute appointment. $28 AARP Driver’s Safety Training Course – Mon., Oct. 16 & 23, 4-8 pm, Ages 50+, $10 for 2 sessions AARP Refresher Course – Th., Nov. 9, 9:30 am-1:30 pm, Ages 50 & over, $10, 1 session Jazz & Hip Hop Dance Class – Th., Oct. 5, 5:30-6:30 pm (Ages 7-11), 4:14-5:15 pm (Ages 4-6), $40 for 8 sessions Modern Movement Dance Class – Tu., Oct. 17, 4:15-5:30 pm (Ages 4-6), 5:30-6:30 pm (Ages 7-11), $40 for 8 sessions Sporties for Shorties – Tues., Nov. 7, 1:30-2:30 pm, Ages 3-5, $12 for 6 sessions Dancercise Kids – Wed., Oct. 4 or Nov. 15, 1-1:30 pm, Ages 2-5, $36 for 6 session each Safe On My Own – Mon., Nov. 13, 5:30-7:30 pm, Ages 8-10, $17, 1 session Talent Show – Mon., Dec. 4, 5:30-8 pm, All ages, $5 per entry. Must register by Nov. 27. Dear Santa - Let the Dayton’s Bluff elves help your little one get this year’s wish list to Santa. Upon registration you will receive a Dear Santa Wish List for your child to complete. Return it by Dec. 8. Santa will write your little one a letter and mail it directly from the North Pole. Register during programming hours. Free Evening At The North Pole – Th., Dec. 21, 6:30-8 pm, Ages 8 & under, $4 per person including adults HUMANE SOCIETY CLASSES - Pet Responsibility – Tu., Oct. 3, 5:45-6:30 pm, Ages 5-12, $3 - The Good Kind Giant – Tues., Nov. 21, 5:45-6:30 pm, Ages 3-8, $3 MAD SCIENCE CLASSES - Animal Friends – Wed., Oct. 25, 11-11:45 am, Ages 3-6, $7, 1 session - Stunt Planes and Gliders – Tu., Nov. 7, 6-7 pm, Ages 5-12, $6, 1 session - Heredity – Th., Dec. 7, 6-7 pm, Ages 9-13, $6, 1 session ABRAKADOODLE CLASSES - Around The World – Wed., Nov. 22, 10-11:30 am, Ages 3-6, $26, 1 session - Mini Doodlers – Mon., Nov. 6, 10:30-11:15 am, Ages 3-5, $72 for 6 sessions - Doodlers – Th., Nov. 2, 5-6 pm, Ages 7-12, $72 for 6 sessions - Master Doodlers – Tu., Nov. 14, Grades 6-9, $84 for 6 sessions - Icky, Slimy, Gooey – Th., Dec. 28, 9-5 pm, Ages 7-12, $48, 1 session ONCE UPON A STAR CLASSES - Glitter & Glamour Party Pizzazz – Wed., Nov. 15, 5:30-7 pm, Ages 5-12, $16, 1 session - Rockin’ Like A Rock Star – Tu., Dec. 12, 5:30-6:30 pm, Ages 5-12, $16, 1 session FIELD TRIPS Parent Permission slips are required. Must register prior to trip. Youth under the age 8 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Pump It Up - Thurs, Oct. 19; 1-4 pm; $8 Shrine Circus - Fri., Oct. 20; 5-9:30 pm; $13 Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs - Tues., Dec. 19; 9 am-12 pm; $12.50 Dayton's Bluff Cleans Up Again
2nd Annual "Watch the Glow
of the Setting Sun" After the sun sets the evening picnic and socializing will begin. Last year former Hamm’s employees shared stories about the brewery and working at the brewery. Joe Sanchelli, a former Swede Hollow resident, entertained everyone with Italian music and his memories of living in the Hollow. Donations are appreciated. This is a Friends of Swede Hollow fundraiser. For more information call Karin at 651-776-0550. You can pick up recycling bins at 798 East 7th Street at
the corner of 7th and Margaret. Call 651-772-2075 to be sure someone is
in the office. A Big Thank You for
National Night Out By Karin DuPaul I would like to thank everyone that worked on and volunteered their time on National Night Out this year. Some of the events were a little wetter than others, but all in all National Night Out worked quit well. The people attending had a good time. Thanks to Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services, Herb Lund Block Club member, Erick’s Bar, Landhart Auto Body & Repair, Lakeland Chiropractic Health Center, Tramites & Mas Servicios Profesionales, 7 – Daze, Taqueria Los Paianos, Custom Office Products, and Metro Liquor for their donations to National Night Out. People are already talking about next year’s events. For more inform Amazing Grace Assembly of God 463 Maria St. Paul, MN 55106 651-776-7210 1 block North of Metropolitan State University Sun 8:00 am – Free Community Breakfast 9:30 am, - Worship service Sun 10:45 am - Education for all ages Handicapped accessible ALL ARE WELCOME!
Mounds Park United
Methodist Worship times are subject to
change. Please call ahead to confirm.
St.
John's Celebrates 120th Anniversary in Dayton's Bluff St. John’s would like to hear from former parishioners, students, staff, teachers, clergy and anyone else who has memories or memorabilia of the Church or school, or would just like to be included in the anniversary festivities. Call Carol in the church office at 651-771-3690. For more information about the anniversary celebration visit the St. John website at www.stjstp.org. St.
John's Catholic Church - 120 Years in Dayton's Bluff St. John’s Catholic Church at Fifth and Forest Streets was established in 1886. 2006 marks its 120th anniversary serving the people of Dayton’s Bluff and beyond. The following history of the parish was assembled from a number of sources and is meant to provide a brief overview of this neighborhood landmark. For a longer history and more photos, visit our website at www.stjstp.org. First Church In the early months of 1886, the Right Rev. John Ireland, bishop of St. Paul called in Rev. Louis Cornelis, pastor at Mendota, to look into the possibilities of organizing an English-speaking Catholic parish on Dayton’s Bluff. Sacred Heart Church had been founded in 1882 to care for the German speaking residents of the district, but ever growing numbers of English speaking people coming into the neighborhood seemed to make the establishment of a separate parish for them a logical step in the growth of the diocese. Father Cornelis reported to the bishop that the prospects were not encouraging, for most of the people on the Bluff were newcomers, poor, and trying to build homes of their own, but that he was, nevertheless, willing to attempt the task. Parish boundaries were at once drawn up, cutting off the district at Payne avenue on the one hand, and Maria avenue on the other. Undaunted by the magnitude of the task before him, the new pastor at once canvassed the Bluff for funds, and collected over $1,100 of which $200 was contributed by the people of the new parish. On August 3, 1886, a lawn festival was held on the grounds at Maria Avenue and Conway Street. The grounds illuminated by hundreds of Chinese lanterns, were a colorful sight. What is more pertinent to parish history, however, large crowds attended, a substantial amount was realized, and the contract for the building of the church on Frances (now Fifth) Street, between Forest and Cypress, was let early in September, 1886. Next step in the raising of funds, always a problem confronting a new parish in a sparsely settled district, was a fair held at Knauft’s Hall, 350 East Seventh Street. No uncertain indication of the love of the parishioners for their pastor is the fact that one of the articles raffled off was a crayon portrait of Father Cornelis. St. John’s became the twelfth Catholic church in St. Paul when it was dedicated on December 19, 1886. Only a few architectural features revealed the identity of the plain frame building which was to be St. John’s for over a third of a century, but the people were proud of the stained glass windows, the black walnut finish of the pews, the small, cross-crowned belfry, the white altar, the spacious octagonal sanctuary, the sacristy which could be used as a winter chapel, and other features incorporated by the architect, H. G. Terherne. Second Pastor Father Cornelis had so spent himself in the work of organizing the parish that he was forced, because of ill health, to resign, and was succeeded by Rev. James Fleming of Albert Lea in June 1887. In September of the following year Father Cornelis died at Dearborn, Michigan. His remains, however, were brought to St. Paul, and now repose in the priests’ lot at Calvary cemetery. The parish made rapid progress during the seven years Father Fleming was pastor. In October 1887, $1,600 was borrowed for the purpose of erecting a pastoral residence, a modest frame structure flanking the church. The debt thus incurred was paid off rapidly, the more so because, as contemporary accounts tersely state, “contributions were received from unexpected sources.” Prominent among the organizations which arose under the guiding hand of Father Fleming was the Total Abstinence Society, whose first rally was held in November 1887. Not a few of the newspaper items which have come down to us refer to the activities of this group—they packed the church to hear a lecture delivered by Father Keane of St. Thomas Seminary, they marked each of their anniversaries by elaborate programs, and carried on active work over a long period of years. Pentecost Day, May 25, 1888, saw the celebration of the first solemn communion service in the annals of the parish. Forty boys and girls of the parish solemnly received the Sacrament on that day and were the guests of the pastor in the newly completed residence.
First School The summer of 1888 must have been very busy. Father Fleming announced his intention of building a new school as soon as plans and specifications could be drawn up; a new high altar, in the Roman style, was ordered from J. D. Riordan; three thousand dollars were realized from a fair held at Lucker’s Hall. Parish records of the time speak of the flourishing financial condition of St. John’s, a condition easy to understand in the light of the social affairs for the benefit of the church which followed one another in close succession. In September 1889, Father Fleming announced that plans for the school had been presented to him by J. C. McCarthy. The contractor agreed to have the building, an eight room brick and terra cotta structure, commanding the highest part of the bluff on Frances Street near Forest, completed in November. The board of directors arranged to borrow twelve thousand dollars to finance the building, which was necessary because of the increase of the student population on the Bluff. On January 15, 1890, the formal dedication of the school took place. According to a notice in the Northwestern Chronicle for January 10, 1890; “The Rosary Society of the parish will have charge of an oyster supper which is to mark the dedication. The Cable runs within two blocks of the school.” At first only two rooms were used for school purposes, the entire second floor being laid out as a hall for parish functions. Under the direction of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart, an order of teaching nuns who dressed as lay women, the school received its first pupils in February 1890, and graduated its first class on June of the same year. In 1892 the Sisters of St. Joseph under the direction of Sister Esperance, took charge of the school. Four years after the erection of the school Father Fleming paid the toll which nature exacts of those who are self-sacrificing in the pursuit of their duties ... he was forced by ill health to resign from his pastorate. After an illness of two years he recovered sufficiently to assume the pastorate of Shieldsville, Minnesota, where he remained until his death in February 1909. Third Pastor The third pastor of St. John’s, Rev. Thomas F. Gleeson, came from Northfield to the post which he was to hold for thirty-five years. It was at this time, in September 1894, that the first assistant, Rev. Edward T. Lee, came to St. John’s. From that time on, the congregation continued to grow in size, and the services of two priests were required at all times. Father Gleeson found in his new charge a church, a rectory and a new school, but along with these, a heavy indebtedness. The dry bones of the minutes of the corporation meetings take on living flesh when we consider the heroic way in which the little parish of some 300 families held its own during a series of trying years, and emerged, before the death of Father Gleeson in 1929, with a new church and a new rectory. Records of borrowings and mortgages, each a heavy burden in itself, pale into insignificance when we read how, bit by bit, the debts were reduced, and capital raised to carry on new endeavors. Happy, says the poet, the ‘people whose annals are short. Happy also is the parish whose growth is so rapid that it can early settle down to that simple pattern of living, which, in retrospect, we call routine, so well founded that there was little to call it to the attention of the world until 1913, when Father Gleeson celebrated his silver jubilee. On June 26. 1913, Right Rev. John J. Lawler auxiliary bishop of the diocese, and seventy-five priests gathered in the church for the solemn high mass, celebrating the sliver jubilee of Father Gleeson. Following the services in the church a banquet was served to the clergy in the school hall. Mayor H. P. Keller, representing the City of St. Paul; Daniel Lawler, the Knights of Columbus; T. J. Doyle, the Ancient Order of Hibernians; J. A. Seeger, the Dayton’s Bluff Commercial Club, were the principal speakers at a celebration held on June 30 in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, at Reaney and Forest streets, in recognition of the work done by Father Gleeson for the church and community. At this gathering “Father Tom,” as he was affectionately called, was presented with a purse by the members of the congregation in a spirit of gratitude for the work he had done in his nineteen years among them. Meanwhile the city of St. Paul had been growing, and St. John’s found that it could not care for all the families which had been pushing their way out towards the city limits. On January 31, 1917, a letter from Archbishop Ireland to Father Gleeson set the boundaries between St. John’s and the newly established Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Hazel Park. New Church This limitation in territory seemed to increase, rather than to decrease, the enthusiasm of pastor and parishioners, and the first meeting to discuss the erection of a new church took place in 1919. The entire sum of $125,000 necessary was pledged within the parish itself, and the foundation laid in August, 1921. Work on the super structure was started in April 1922. W. T. Harris, one of the parishioners, was the architect; the builders were N. P. Fransen and Co. On Easter Sunday, March 25, 1923, the parishioners attended their first solemn service in the new brick and Bedford stone building in modem Gothic style. Almost double the size of the old church, seating 710 people, 115 feet long and 88 feet across the transept, the new church might have well been the cause of pardonable pride on the part of Father Gleeson. The new church was, however, only one step in the development of the parish property. On May 18, 1927, or just about four years after the solemn opening of the church, the board of directors made arrangements for a loan of $70,000, which was to be used for the erection of a new parish house and for other corporation business. A twenty-one room brick structure was completed in September of 1927, at a cost of $19,500, and on December 19, of the same year the old house was sold by the trustees for the sum of $3,000. Father Gleeson lived for only two years in his new home, and died after a short illness on March 3, 1929. As his successor, Rev. James E. Doyle, pointed out in his first year book, Father Gleeson “had St. John’s in mind and heart even to the last. The bulk of his modest estate will come to the parish he served so long and so faithfully.” New School The fourth pastor of St. John’s came to the church from St. Cecilia’s in Midway. During his twelve years as pastor there three additional lots and a rectory were acquired, and a parochial school built. According to the Northwestern Chronicle an enthusiastic welcome was given Father Doyle at a reception held in his honor on Sunday, May 6. 1929. Increasing demands of parish work necessitated the appointment of a second assistant. As the parish grew in numbers, a new school became necessary to care for the growing student population of the district. Plans were submitted to Father Doyle by the firm of Slifer and Abrahamson, architects, and work was begun in July, 1931. Built with an eye to future expansion, the $135,000 Gothic brick and cut stone building is a worthy companion to the church and parish house. No feature for the comfort and convenience of those whom it is intended to serve seems to have been omitted. In the basement, extending practically two stories high, is a regulation size gymnasium, so constructed that it serves as an auditorium as well. Concrete bleachers are built in such a way as to provide storage space for chairs to be used for the auditorium. Space is provided for a regulation size handball court, locker and shower rooms for boys and girls, a lunchroom, and a Boy Scout room. At one end of the gymnasium is a stage, 31 by 44 feet, provided with footlights and other features necessary for the staging of dramatic productions. A dressing room for players is located at one end. The heating plant in the basement heats both church and school. On the first floor are five classrooms; a kindergarten occupying space equal to two ordinary sized classrooms, with a fireplace and a playroom; an office; a nurse’s room and a book room for the distribution of texts. Seven classrooms are located on the second floor, in addition to a library, Sisters’ quarters consisting of a living room and a dining room, a parish dining room and kitchen. Many of the rooms in the building were so designed with respect to light and ventilation that seventeen classrooms would be available if needed. To assist in defraying the cost of the building a group of former pupils of St. John’s School organized a “Brick Club” and sent out a letter to all “old grads” of the school, inviting them to “Buy a Brick” in the new structure. On January 31, 1932, the new school was formally opened to the public with an entertainment, Michael F. Kinkhead, county attorney, acting as master of ceremonies. Formal dedication of the building did not take place until April 17, 1932. At that time 500 members of the Holy Name Society formed a guard of honor for Archbishop John Gregory Murray. More than 4000 people attended the ceremonies, after which confirmation was administered to a class of 175 persons. Father Doyle continued as pastor until 1945.
More Pastors Rev. Edward S. de Courcy became the fifth pastor of St. John’s in 1945. To this day, many people still recall his Irish temperment. On June 10, 1963, Father de Courcy marked his 50th year as a priest with a special mass at St. John’s. Archbishop Benz presided. Only four months later on October 30, 1963, Father de Courcy retired because of ill health. After the retirement of Father Edward de Courcy, Father Charles M. Eggert, Ma, PhD., became the sixth pastor of St. John’s Church. In 1970, St. John’s school program was consolidated with that of nearby Sacred Heart school. St. John’s school then became a middle school for several years. Because of dropping enrollment, the school was closed and the students transferred permanently to Sacred Heart School. The school building was converted for use by social agencies. Under the direction of Father Eggert, St. John’s Church and basement were also redecorated with new carpeting and light fixtures. Father Eggert served for 22 years at St. John’s Church, retiring in July 1986. Father Leo Dolan was on the staff of the College of St. Thomas and was the Director of Chemical Health Education and Services from 1978 until becoming the Pastor of St. John’s Church on July 1, 1986. Rev. Dolan served as our seventh pastor until his retirement in 1993. Rev. Joseph Fink then became the eighth pastor in 1993 until being reassigned to St. Mary’s in Shakopee in June 2000. Rev. Thomas Pingatore, at the age of 80, became St. John’s ninth pastor in October 2000. After he was ordained as a priest on October 7, 1944, his first assignment in 1945 was at St. John’s as assistant to the pastor, Father Doyle. Father Pingatore retired in October 2003 and died in 2005. He was replaced by Rev. Robert Grabner, who served as parochial administrator from April 2004 until January 2005. Father Thomas Wilson was then appointed as the next parochial administrator while also maintaining his job with the Archdiocese as Director of Vocations. On October 15 of this year, Father George Welzbacher is taking over as pastor of St. John’s, coming to us from St. Agnes. St. John’s Today Thanks to diligent upkeep and careful restoration, the church, school and rectory look much as they did when first constructed. The church still possesses its classic main and side altars, Communion rail, statues, confessionals, Stations of the Cross, stained glass windows and choir loft. Although the pipes are still there, the old pipe organ gave way to a new electronic organ and speakers in 2000. Other improvements include a handicap entrance, improved lighting and a refurbished parish hall in the basement featuring a large gathering space, library, several side rooms and a kitchen. The rectory, connected to the church by what may be one of the first, and possibly shortest, skyways in Saint Paul, is still home to the pastor and is the center of business operations for the parish. The school building has been home to a number of nonprofit agencies and schools since it closed in the 1970s. It currently houses St. Michael’s Academy - a small Catholic elementary school. My Summer Vacation on the Road By Karin DuPaul, Dayton’s Bluff Community OrganizerOn the first Saturday of August each year we pack up and start heading west on US Highway 12. Our first stop is at Hojie’s Grill & Smokehouse in Dassel, MN for lunch. They have wonderful food, homemade pies and outstanding sweet bread.
Then we were off to the Kavanagh family camp out near Spicer, MN. 146 relatives attended this year. Sunday afternoon we started off across South Dakota on US 212 and about sunset we rolled into Gettysburg and looked around town for somewhere to spend the night. On one residential street we came across five people walking their sheep on leashes around the neighborhood. This is a first for me. We found a room at the Gettysburg Inn, then went across the parking lot to the Medicine Rock Café for dinner. It was a large, very quaint café with a lot of local people. They had an excellent buffet and salad bar that only cost $6.99. According to Winifred Fawcett who wrote, “The Legendary Medicine Rock”, the Café got its name because of Medicine Rock, which was located on a hill fifteen miles west of Gettysburg, near the mouth of Cheyenne Creek. For many years local Indians considered it a sacred rock and visited it regularly. In the mid 1950s the rock and building near it needed to be moved to make way for a project that would change the water flow of the creek and the rock was moved by volunteers near the site where the Medicine Rock Café building was located. Medicine Rock was moved again to the Dakota Sunset Museum in about1989. The next day we got to our destination, Whispering Pines Campgrounds in the Black Hills. As we were putting up our screen tent the winds started blowing and before we finished putting it up we were in the middle of a hail storm. After the storm neighboring campers came over and helped us get our screen tent up. Their party of five drove their motorcycles from their homes in Arizona. One of them had his tent and camping things shipped to the campgrounds by UPS and another one went on line and purchased camping equipment from Wal-Mart and picked it up in at Wal-Mart in Spearfish. Two of them were air traffic controllers at the Phoenix Airport. We met many other interesting people from all over the US and Germany staying at the campgrounds. The next day we got on the motorcycle and headed to Sturgis. We spent some time checking out what the vendors had to offer, the motorcycles and the people. All of the Black Hills welcomes the bikers. Sturgis and Hill City have motorcycle traffic only on main street during the rally. Deadwood allows motorcycle parking on Main Street during the Rally. Custer had two deep motorcycle only parking on the main business street and they have a Buffalo artist design program (similar to our Peanuts characters) with about 30 buffalos throughout Custer. The Black Hills are extra beautiful when you go through them on a motorcycle. It is no wonder so many motorcycle riders go to the Black Hills each year. After visiting Sturgis a second time we all got on our motorcycles and went out to explore the Black Hills. We had a couple airplane pilots in our riding group. At times it seemed like they must have thought they were still flying their planes as we rode the hills. One of our yearly activities is to climb Harney Peak, the highest point in America east of the Rocky Mountains. We started up the peak at around noon. On top even our cell phones worked. You can see for miles across the Black Hills, Rapid City, Bad Lands. The Annual Sturgis Rally is planned each year by the City of Sturgis four-person Rally Department. Sturgis goes from a city of 6,500 to around 500,000 people during the Rally. Last year city crews hauled 795 tons of refuse during the rally. Most of the year Sturgis has a Police Department of 14 full-time sworn officers, three civilians, and the chief. In April each year the call goes out to officers all over the country for people interested in helping police during the Rally, one of the largest special events in the U.S. The number of officers added to the force is unclear, but 80 percent of them have worked previous rallies. Each year Mayor Mark Zeigler marries about 100 couples. Some of this information comes from the Official City of Sturgis Rally Magazine. The official attendance this year is was 456,968. On the way back we stop to visit former Dayton’s Bluff residents Dave and Barb Gens at their new home on Artichoke Lake. The next stop was in Benson to visit Aunt Alice in the nursing home. The next thing I knew I was home and looking forward to next year. Lou
"the photo GuyTM"
Michaels Captures Fun at Two Festivals on the Bluff
Volunteer Editor Needed! A volunteer
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plus. Call Karin at 651-772-2075.
“I’m very interested in sharing what is on the horizon for the library, and I also want to hear from the community,” said Huggins. “We want to know what the community wants its library to be. Everyone is welcome to come and share their ideas.” Melanie Huggins will make a short presentation and an informal discussion will follow at the Dayton’s Bluff Branch Library, 645 East 7th Street, on Thursday, October 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please stop in to meet her Call 651-266-7073 for more information, or visit www.sppl.org.
Dayton's Bluff Welcomes a Classic
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