This Day in History

Compiled by Jean Lundquist

May 2, 1994

Valley Apartments, which came to be known as “Tornado Towers” was seen as a breakthrough in affordable housing. Built as student housing in Mankato, the towers of brown mobile homes stacked four high and held steady by concrete girders was not one of a kind; there was another just like it built in Vadnais Heights.

The structures were built in 1972, designed by Mankato architect Harlan Schmidt. The Monks Avenue complex was built in just seven days. Though never considered a thing of beauty, it grew more dilapidated as it aged, becoming an infamous eyesore.

It gained nationwide notoriety. Said the semi-retired Schmidt in 1994, “I’m not as embarrassed about the thing as I should be.” It was demolished in May 1994.

May 23, 1964

A new dorm was planned for students at Mankato State College in 1964. At 12 stories high, it would be the tallest building in Mankato.

The dorm was designed to house 600 students, complete with commons area and dining facilities. It was hoped it would be ready for residents by the fall of 1965. It was also hoped a twin tower could be added to the structure, and indeed it was.

The dorm became known as Gage Towers. It not only housed students, but in the summer became home to the Minnesota Vikings during training camp.

The towers outlived their usefulness, and in the summer of 2013, they were imploded to make room for a parking lot.

May 22, 1956

Supplies of the Salk poliomyelitis vaccine had been unable to keep up with demand in 1955 and early 1956, so no second doses were available. But with the shipment of 11,161 doses to doctors in the county, it was now possible for people to get a second dose to boost the protection from polio.

Not all doses were destined for Blue Earth County residents, however, as many doctors also treated patients from other counties. However, 80% of eligible first, second and third graders in Mankato had been vaccinated, and 72% of other county school children.

May 27, 1898

A noble ceremony to remember and eulogize fallen heroes in Mankato was slated for the Normal School Park. Starting at 10 a.m. sharp, people were asked to dedicate the forenoon hours to honor all the vacant places in homes where loved ones had filled them.

Remarks from local retired military officers, prayers led by several local religious leaders, songs sung by students from schools scattered throughout Blue Earth County, and a reading of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address by a high school student — and the laying of a wreath on the cross in memory of those fallen in the present war — were packed into the morning hours.

The United States had declared war on Spain just a month earlier, following the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor.

Saturday, May 23, 1964

“A landmark of international note” is how the Christ Chapel at Gustavus Adolphus College is described. It was designed by a firm in the Twin Cities, but George E. Carlstrom Co. of Mankato was the general contractor.

For that, George E. Carlstrom received a knighthood from the King of Sweden. He received his medal at the Holiday House near St. Peter for the Order of Vasa. It was granted by the king of Sweden, Gustav VI Adolph, though the king was not himself able to be present.