South St. Paul Athletic Hall of Fame
Arts & Entertainment
Page 4
Page 6
Volume 16 | Number 10
City names facility and operations supervisor for Woog Arena Tim Spitzack Editor
Your Community News & Information Source
October 2019
Rising from the Ashes
Emerson / Page 3
Tim Spitzack Editor
SSP couple tackles adversity with help from the community
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T
he City of South St. Paul has named George Emerson as facility and operations supervisor at Doug Woog Arena, and shifted oversight management of the arena to Chris Esser, director of Parks and Recreation. Emerson, who has served as the assistant arena manager since May 2010, will receive a $76,984 annual salary, about $5,900 more than his previous position. To address deficits at the arena, the city eliminated the arena manager position in Dec. 2018 and used other Parks and Rec staff to supervise arena staff and programming. The move saved the city $116,425 in annual wages and benefits. The arena manager would have received a $83,955 salary for 2019. Emerson’s duties include managing the arena and maintenance staff, booking ice time and facility leases, managing the concession stand and looking for new revenue opportunities. The arena employs two full-time and three part-time employees and up to 20 seasonal workers. Doug Woog Arena, 141 6th St. S., is one of the oldest arenas in the state and is home ice of the South St. Paul High School hockey team, the South St. Paul Youth Hockey Association and Blades-n-Motion skating school. It has two regulation sized ice sheets, concession and warming areas, and a
On the Road Again returns Oct. 5
This 1968 truck, which long served the South St. Paul Fire Department, was being used for private events before it was destroyed by fire in August. Owners Jeff MacDonald and Natalka Kramarczuk are working to bring “Ruby” back from the ashes. Tara Guy Contributor
W
hen Jeff MacDonald was chosen to serve as “Count of Ashes” for the 2016 St. Paul Winter Carnival Vulcan Krewe, he could scarcely have known how prophetic his new title would prove to be, nor how it would resonate with the legend of the Phoenix rising from ashes. MacDonald and his girlfriend Natalka Kramarczuk are the owners of Ashes Fire Truck – the South St. Paul business they developed after McDonald first ascended to
ashes nobility, for which the business was named. It all began when a buddy called him a couple of years ago suggesting he buy a vintage South St. Paul fire rig that had been put out to pasture in Maple Grove. On a lark, he went to take a look. He was smitten at first sight with the 1968 Pirsch & Sons truck that had long served South St. Paul. He bought it and brought it back home to begin a long and expensive Ruby / Page 3
ecause of the vast amounts of preparation and volunteer power required, most communities organize one annual celebration and leave it at that. Leave it to South St. Paul, though, to host two. October is here, and the tradition continues. The On the Road Again celebration, held Saturday, Oct. 5, will feature all the favorite events South St. Paulites have come to know and love: booya, vintage vehicles, arts and crafts, live music and more. The celebration was first organized in 1990, following the completion of a 2-year street, water and sewer project on Southview Boulevard. It was a way for the business owners to say thank you to the community for supporting them during the construction. While the name has lost its impact over time, the sentiment behind it surely hasn’t diminished. It continues to be a way for the business community to say thanks, and for the community to celebrate together on what is typically the nicest weekend of the fall. Here’s a run-down of the events. All events are held on Southview Boulevard. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Details were accurate as of press time. Arts, Craft and Flea Market, 8-5 p.m., 4th Avenue to 7th Avenue. More than 75 vendors will offer bargains on unique items. Booya, noon until the last ladle is dished out. Community chefs will On the Road Again / Page 2
So long, Sammy: SSPPD canine retires John Molene Staff Writer
S
ammy’s days of bounding to and from Sgt. Mike Running’s squad car in hot pursuit of a suspect are coming to an end this fall. The 8-year-old black, grey and tan German Shepherd is headed for retirement but it’s likely to be a happy one. Sammy will be spending his retirement with his longtime partner
Running. Running and Sammy have been together since January 2012, when the South St. Paul Police Department purchased the then year-old dog from a breeder in Slovakia, which supplies dogs to many police departments. The two graduated from Washington County Sheriff Canine Training School in June 2012. “He learned how to become a patrol dog and then
a narcotics dog,” said Running. “He was dual-trained at the time.” While many dogs can be trained in narcotics or detection work, not every dog is capable of learning how to be a patrol dog, Running said. Sammy excelled at both. “The patrol part is the hard part. That’s the apprehension stuff,” he said. “(Police dogs) only bite under defense if they have to.
So to try to teach a dog to do that in a positive sense, that’s hard to do. And that’s only one aspect of what a patrol dog does. You have to get the right package to be able to do the variety of things they need to do.” Running and Sammy were trained to search for lost or missing people, search buildings, find discarded evidence, and apprehend
Sammy / Page 2
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On the Road Again from page 1
use secret recipes to prepare a combined 700-800 gallons of stew as they compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. Sample their concoctions then cast your vote. Judging begins at 11 a.m. Quench your thirst at the Lion’s Club beer garden, open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Pickle contest, judging at noon at 8th Avenue and Southview Boulevard. Contestants will compete in three categories: sweet, dill and hot. Judging begins at noon to pick the perfect
pickles. To enter the contest, drop off your pickles by 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5 at Southview 66, 725 Southview Blvd. Car show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., from 10th Avenue to 12th Avenue and side streets. The owners of more than 100 vintage vehicles will show off their treasured cars and trucks. Stop by to view the shiny chrome, custom detailing and other works of restoration. Petting zoo, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 9th Avenue and Southview
Boulevard. Don’t miss the chance to see Sally the Camel and a variety of other domestic and exotic animals presented by Rainbow Critters from Roberts, Wis. Great Neighbors’ Duck Race - Neighbors, Inc., a nonprofit agency that serves people in northern Dakota County, is hosting its popular fundraiser 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 9th Avenue and Southview Boulevard. Participants will have the chance to win a $500 shopping trip to the local store of their choice. The event also features Delbert the Duck mascot, a coloring contest, crafts, duck tattoos and games. “Ducks” are
available for adoption for $5 each and can be purchased at Neighbors, Inc., 222 Grand Ave. W., South St. Paul, local businesses, www.neighborsmn.org or at the event. Heats are held every 15 minutes. For more information, call 651-455-5000. Live music, 1-4 p.m. at 8th Avenue and Southview Boulevard. High Brow and the Shades will perform hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Food and other activities will be featured throughout the festival area. For more information, or to volunteer or sponsor an event, call Steve at 651-4572774.
Hello
Once he “retires,” Sammy will continue living with officer Mike Running.
Sammy
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Page 2 - South St. Paul Voice - October 2019 Publication
Deadline
Run Days
from page 1 fleeing suspects. Sammy completed his Narcotic Detection Certificate in May 2012. Sammy has had his share of assisting, and sometimes making, apprehensions. For example, his barking once stopped a suicidal and armed ex-military man from harming himself or police officers. “I asked him what stopped him and he said he didn’t want to get bit by the dog,” recalled Running. Another time Sammy helped find an armed runaway teenager, who came upon Sammy when he was in the back of Running’s patrol car. Sammy started barking at her and she decided to surrender. “He didn’t have to do anything,” Running said. “Over 99 percent of the time just his presence has deterred the situation. He hasn’t been needed to be used in the worse sense. Most people just give up.” Sammy has been a popular public relations representative of the police force, allowing kids and adults to pet and play with him at community events. No matter where the duo may be, Running said, people gravitate to Sammy and want to talk about him. “We’ll put a missing person on Facebook and get 3,000 hits,” Running said. “We’ll put Sammy’s birthday picture on there and get 130,000.” Sammy tolerates being the center of attention but when it was time for serious police work he was always ready, the first one through the door when police were trying to apprehend a suspect. “It’s very dangerous but that’s his job,” Running said. “He has had to apprehend people.” German Shepherds are often selected for K-9 service because they have the right temperament, intelligence, sense of smell, adaptability and agility for the work. Sammy’s successor will start training in September and will work with Running once that is completed.
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Ruby
from page 1 restoration. Though he had no direct connection with the City’s fire department, MacDonald is a lifelong resident of South St. Paul and is devoted to the city. Originally, MacDonald and Kramarczuk – who literally hopped on for the ride after the purchase was made – intended to use the rig they’ve nicknamed “Ruby” just for fun, thinking family, friends and perhaps MacDonald’s Vulcan Krewe could ride on it at parades and festivals. Then came a friend’s bachelor party. They used the truck to get to Canterbury Park and Ruby made a spectacular splash among all the other party buses there that night. “The crowd went nuts watching those bachelors climb aboard,” said MacDonald with a chuckle during a recent visit at the couple’s home. “We didn’t even have business cards at that point…it just wasn’t part of our plan, but people loved it when they saw it. It was that night that the idea for Ashes Fire Truck Rental was born.” The enterprising pair already had demanding full-time careers, he as an information technology professional and she at Ameriprise Financial. Want-
Emerson from page 1
meeting room. It is named in honor of South St. Paul native Doug Woog, who excelled at every level on the ice. He was a first team All-State player for the Pack-
ing to share the fun of their beloved Ruby, the couple established a website and Facebook page, and began offering the rig for rent. Already civic-minded – both serve on the Kaposia Days Board – they hoped to develop a business with a special kind of heart and a deep connection to the city they love. People soon clamored to book Ruby for wedding parties, special events and kids’ birthday parties. “The reaction of the little kids and the joy and fun that our truck brought them filled our own cup with happiness,” said a beaming Kramarczuk. Their first genuine inkling that Ruby’s mission might transcend the customary transactional business-forprofit model came when they lent the truck to the South Metro Fire Department after learning the department wanted to honor, in a way, a long-time employee’s unfulfilled wish to take a ride on one of the rigs. Debbie Kermes had worked for the department for more than 30 years. She died never having realized her wish. “Debbie was such a sweet lady, she was like the mother to all of the firefighters,” said retired Captain Harry Rund, Jr., a 30-year veteran of the department. He remembers the old truck fondly, noting that he went to calls
ers, first team All-American for the Univeristy of Minnesota Gophers, head coach of the Packers from 19771985, assistant coach of the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1984, head coach of the United States World Junior Hockey Team in 1985, and coach of the University of
on the rig his very first day on the job, and many days thereafter. Rund was there on the day Kermes’ wish was fulfilled when the fire department entrusted Ruby to transport her ashes to her celebration of life. “The whole department showed up in their Class A uniforms for her, to provide a full honor guard. It was just beautiful,” he said. In another instance, the couple learned of an older South St. Paul gentleman named “Mike” who had been battling cancer for some time. Mike had always loved the fire department and particularly that fire truck, having often chased it as a boy, as it went clanging down his street. They invited him to board the rig and ride with them in the Kaposia Days Parade. Though very frail, Mike was hoisted onto the truck to delight in the ride of a lifetime. Deb Griffith, community affairs liaison for the City, confirmed the historic truck’s value to the City. “It was a huge hit at the 2018 South St. Paul Tree Lighting event, not only with the youth, but the parents,” she said. “Both had the opportunity to ride on the fire truck with a donation to the Hat and Mitten Drive.” The City had already booked Ruby for the up-
Minnesota men’s hockey team from 1985-1999. He was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. The arena is open 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information, call 651-554-3330.
coming pumpkin recycling event in October and the 2019 Tree Lighting ceremony this winter but their plans may have been dashed by an ironic twist of fate. In August, vandals fell upon the vintage truck early one morning and set it ablaze. The fire originated in the cab of the truck above the gas tank, creating a perilous situation for the entire neighborhood. “We’re just so lucky that the entire truck didn’t explode,” said Kramarczuk. “South Metro responded when someone in the neighborhood called it in, and successfully controlled the fire.” In a seemingly spiteful act, the vandals also intentionally destroyed the cargo net at the back of the rig, which proudly depicted the American flag. Seeing the wreckage of their hard work and huge investment was heartbreaking for the couple, who say it’s difficult to estimate the total cost of repairs. With the manufacturer long out of business and parts virtually non-existent, it’s likely the insurance settlement won’t cover all the costs of repair. MacDonald and Karmar-
Q U A L I T Y S I N C E 1 9 8 5
czuk, however, have received much support from the community. “People in town have been so good to us,” said MacDonald. “Local companies have offered to volunteer time and labor to restore parts of the truck, from wiring to upholstery.” He went on to unfurl a new American flag cargo net that just arrived that day. It was donated by Pro-net, the original supplier. Random acts of kindness have also boosted their morale. “Retired Fire Captain Harry Rund stopped over the other night, gave us a bunch of memorabilia from the old South St. Paul Fire Department, and wrote us a personal check on the spot to help with the restoration,” said MacDonald. “It raises our spirits to see such generosity.” As of press time, no charges had been filed in the case of suspected arson, which was under review by the County Attorney’s office, but tips received have centered the investigation upon an adult male suspect. As it turns out, MacDonald and Karmarczuk would
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welcome a little more community support, in the form of good wishes and prayers. After twice bringing their beloved Ruby back to productive life, developing a flourishing business and contributing to the City’s celebrations, the couple is now facing their most serious trial yet. Diagnosed in late summer with breast cancer, Karmarczuk underwent a bilateral mastectomy in mid-September and is presently recovering from the major surgery. “Natalka is an amazing and strong woman, but we need all the thoughts and prayers we can get,” said MacDonald. “She’s my love and my future and I need her by my side.” The vibrant, outgoing Karmarczuk, added, “Positive vibes and prayers are always welcome.” In keeping with their theme of resilience and rebirth, the couple wants the community to know that once again, “We will rise from the ashes!” Karmarczuk’s CaringBridge site: www.caringbridge.org/ visit/natalkakramarczuk
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Hall of Fame inducts four and honors the 1969 baseball team John E. Ahlstrom Staff Writer
T
he South St. Paul High School Athletic Hall of Fame inducted four new members at its annual induction ceremony prior to the Packers-Mahtomedi football game on Sept. 20. With their enshrinement, the number of inductees in that hallowed assembly swelled to 59. The 2019 class – the 13th in school history – included Tom Hammond (Class of 1952), Paul Moen (1960), Steve Ninnemann (1979) and Barb Covey (1981). In addition, the Hall of Fame Committee recognized the 1969 Baseball Team that advanced to the state tournament. All of those honored have contributed in a special way to the rich tradition of South St. Paul High School athletics. Tom Hammond Although South St. Paul is considered a hockey town, the basketball program enjoyed considerable success
The 1969 South St. Paul High School baseball team. during the 19-year reign of head coach Ken Fladager (1947-66), who was enshrined into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. No player contributed to that success in a more decisive manner than Tom Hammond. Under Fladager, the Packers advanced to the state tournament on three occasions – in 1950, 1952 and
1962. Hammond played on the 1950 squad and was the co-captain and centerpiece of the 1952 team that finished runner-up in the one class state tournament. He was an All-Conference and an All-Region honoree in 1951 and 1952 and, along with his teammate Jack Wade was named to the 1952 All-State Tournament team.
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Hammond, who died at the age of 82 in June of 2017, paid homage to his head coach when he was interviewed prior to Fladager’s induction in 2016. “I’ve never been around a coach who taught the fundamentals of basketball better than Ken Fladager,” said Hammond. “We often started the season with inferior talent, but we always
improved as the season progressed because we adhered to his system and played suffocating defense.” Halfway through the 1952 season, the Packers’ record stood at 6-5. From that point forward, however, they caught fire and reeled off 12 straight wins. They captured the Suburban Conference title with a 43-39 victory over Stillwater and proceeded to
win seven consecutive games in the post-season before succumbing to Austin in the state title game. Hammond was recruited to play basketball at Hamline College, but tuition was high and he left to find work after just one semester. He enrolled at the University of Minnesota in 1959, graduated with honors in 1963, and traveled the world as part of his illustrious 30-year career with the 3M Company. In retirement, he enjoyed his requisite Saturday morning coffee visits to South St. Paul to commiserate with friends. He is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Jennifer and Laurie, and four grandchildren. Paul Moen One of the most visible and revered figures in South St. Paul athletics for six decades, Paul Moen technically entered the Hall Fame as a coach, although the imprint he leaves behind includes far more than that. His service to the school as an equipment manager, bus driver
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S ports and mentor to hundreds of student athletes is equally compelling. “Moensie,” as everyone in Packer nation knows him, began his coaching career in 1970 in South St. Paul’s youth hockey program. He moved through the ranks quickly and, in 1979, Doug Woog recruited him to assist Whitey Willer with the junior varsity. Now 76 years old, the 2019 season was his 39th as a varsity assistant. His duties expanded in 1983 when he became the assistant coach of the high school baseball team. Four years later, he moved to the girls side as the JV coach of the softball team. Since 2004 he has served as the head softball coach. In 1995, Moen assumed the duties of equipment manager for high school athletics and he continues to take that work seriously. We were forced to end our interview at 2 p.m. so he could get to the equipment manager’s “cage” in the football locker room. In addition to his coaching duties, Moen became a hockey official in 1977 and was instrumental in founding the Minnesota Hockey Officials Association in 1982. He also enjoyed a six-decade-long fast pitch softball career, primarily as a catcher, although he did consent to move to third base when he was in his early sixties. He was inducted into the Minnesota Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1997. Unless there is a change in heart, Moen has announced that his incredible coaching career will come to a close at the end of the 2020 softball season. “I’ve been so blessed and what keeps me going are the kids,” he said. “That is what I will miss the most – be-
Your community news and information source ing around all of these great kids.”
Steve Ninnemann A three-sport athlete, Ninnemann earned seven varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, he served in the trenches on the offensive and defensive lines for head football coach Gene Cherney and earned All-Conference laurels as a senior in 1978. A captain on the basketball team as a senior, Ninnemann played center for coach Pete Locke. His style was similar to that he displayed on the football field – tough and rugged and relentless. “He was a great athlete and could do a full flip standing by the side of the pool, but on the basketball court he was an enforcer,” said teammate Steve Doody. “His nickname was five fouls, four points and a bloody nose!” His senior season – and that of his teammate Steve Veldman – were shortened when both came down with mononucleosis late in the season, apparently contracted when they drank from the same contaminated water jug. Ninnemann shrugged that off and earned AllConference honors as the number one pitcher on the baseball team, coached by Whitey Willer. “I had a pretty good fastball,” he said, “but my best pitch was a knuckle ball that I had perfected while throwing whiffle balls as a kid in my backyard.” Upon graduation, Ninnemann was awarded a scholarship to play football at the University of North Dakota. He was a starter all four years and an AllConference honoree as a junior. Doody and Veldman, each one year behind him in school, joined him there
and they became the “three Steve’s from South St. Paul.” “Three games into my senior season, I blew out my knee and missed the rest of the season,” Ninnemann recalled. “I got tryouts with the Seattle Seahawks and later the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL, but neither one of those options worked out.” In addition to his varsity coaches, Ninnamann is grateful for the coaches who prepared him to play at the varsity level: Vic Grabau, Don Harris and Ron Bambanek.
Barb Covey Barb Covey was a transformational girls’ athlete at the high school and it didn’t take long for her to make her presence felt. She earned 10 varsity letters: three in volleyball, three in basketball and four in softball. She was a multiple All-Conference honoree and the team captain in each sport as a senior. Her primary strength on the volleyball court was playing at the net and jettisoning kills at the opposition. She played forward on the basketball team, and it was her physicality and aggressiveness that served her well under the bucket. When her coaches were asked to comment on the breadth of Covey’s work, they spoke in unison of the strength of her upper body, her athleticism and her unwillingness to give an inch to the opposition. Where did that aggression come from? “I always thought it was important to stand up for myself and my teammates,” said Covey. “And the fact that I grew up with four older brothers probably had something to do with it.” It was on the softball diamond where Covey truly found her niche.
“She showed up to practice as a ninth grader and from the moment I saw her field a couple grounders and take a few swings in the batting cage, I knew she was ready to be our varsity shortstop,” said coach Denny Tetu. As a sophomore in 1979, Covey, along with teammates Julie Loomis and Peg O’Neil, led the Packers to the state tournament. In the process, she hit .378, stole 17 bases and knocked in 26 runs. “She is still in the top two or three high school softball players I ever coached,” said Paul Moen, who coached her in the summer leagues. Covey attributes much of her success to her coaches, Frank Spreitzer (volleyball), Mel Fischer (basketball), Tetu and Moen. “Most of all, they taught me patience and the importance of teamwork and trust,” she said, “and what a privilege it was to play in this community in front of our great fans.”
1969 baseball team Bob Wasko was hired as head baseball coach prior to the 1968 season. In his first season at the helm, the Packers finished the season in the middle of the pack in the Suburban Conference. “We didn’t do anything special, but we were young team. We had a great group of kids who worked hard and flashed some ability, too,” he said. “As we approached the 1969 season, I thought our pitching staff was one we could build around.” The staff was led by an emerging star, junior Glenn Novack, and senior Tom Barger and sophomore Bill Braun. Wasko also had six senior letterman returning – Captain Jim Van Horn at shortstop, Denny Kaiser
at third base, Tony Kallas at catcher and Jim Jacobson, Marshall Huebner and Jeff Milbert in the outfield. “Our senior class had played together for several years,” said Jacobson. “We were on the first team sponsored by the VFW and we finished in third place in the 1965 VFW State Tournament.” The Packers opened the 1969 season with victories over Irondale (2-1) and Moundsview (9-1), and then suffered consecutive losses to North St. Paul (6-0) and Columbia Heights (2-1). At that point, they reeled off ten consecutive victories before losing the final game of the regular season to White Bear Lake (2-1). They finished 12-3 and in second place in the Suburban Conference. The statistics for the regular season fortified Wasko’s pre-season notion that the Packers had a worthy pitching staff. South St. Paul outscored its opponents 74-31, allowing an average of just 2.1 runs per game. The senior-led Packers were on a mission. They opened District 14 play with consecutive victories over Moundsview (11-4) and Sibley (12-1). The semifinal game versus White Bear Lake was tied 2-2 after seven innings. In the bottom of the 8th, Novack singled home Jacobson with the winning run. In the district final versus Ramsey, the Packers trailed 5-3 going into the bottom of the seventh inning. They scored two runs in the seventh to tie it 5-5, and again won it in the bottom of the eighth on a Novack single. On to Region 4. In the first semi-final game at Midway Stadium, St. Paul Central’s Dave Winfield, now
a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., pitched an eight inning no-hitter to defeat Coon Rapids, 1-0. In the nightcap, the Packers, behind six shutout innings from Braun, beat Farmington 2-1 when Huebner made a run-saving, diving catch in centerfield. The pitching match-up in the championship game was a classic: Winfield versus Novack. The Packers touched up Winfield with four runs on five hits and Novack held Central to just one run. The improbable 4-1 victory put the Packers in the state tournament for the first and only time in the one-class tournament era. In the quarter-finals against Pipestone, Novack pitched a six-hit shutout. Behind two RBIs from Kallas and one each by Novack and Jacobson, the Packers prevailed 4-0. The semi-final game versus Minneapolis Washburn was one that the Packers would like to forget. In a 5-3 loss to the eventual state champion they committed nine errors and left 15 men stranded on base. In the third place game that followed, the deflated Packers lost 4-0 to Bemidji. Coach Wasko emptied his bench and got every member of the roster into the game. Novack and Jacobson were named to the All-Tournament team. “It was a marvelous season in so many ways,” recalled Wasko. “We had a bunch of hungry kids that wanted to learn – they were like sponges. And we had great parents and great support from the community. In the end, it was the kids who got on a roll and they rode that momentum all the way to the state tournament.”
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South St. Paul Voice - October 2019 - Page 5
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day
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A rts & Entertainment
Fitzgerald Theater
10 E. Exchange St. St. Paul 651-290-1200 https://thefitzgerald theater.com
“Talking Volumes,” 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25. Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio will present author Alice Hoffman and her new book, “The World That We Knew.” $30.50-$32.50. Goblin will perform Dario Argento’s “Deep Red/Profondo Rosso” at 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. $25-$50. Tegan and Sara will present “Hey, I’m Just Like You” tour at 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13. $40.50$80.50.
SANDWICHES BURGERS PIZZA ENTREES & MORE
“National Geographic Live,” 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20. Wildlife filmmaker Filipe DeAndrade, star of National Geographic WILD’s “Untamed,” will share what it’s like to come face-toface with wild animals and survive extreme environments. A preview of his documentary, “The River and the Wall,” will also be presented. $25-$45. “An Evening of Luther Vandross,” 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23. Ruben Studdard will sing hits by Luther Vandross. $45-$65. Richard Thompson will perform at 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25. $35-$45. “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot Roadshow,” 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26. Jason Mewes and
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Kevin Smith will show their motion picture, “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.” $29.50-$49.50. “Brains On!,” 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27. Join Molly Bloom from the Brains On! podcast as she explores fascinating questions about the world. $27.50.
History Center 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-259-3000 www.mnhs.org
“First Avenue Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom,” through May 2020. Since 1970, First Avenue & 7th St. Entry have been at the heart of the Minnesota music scene. This exhibit celebrates the musicians, employees and regulars who
Delicious, Affordable & Close to Home
“Sugar Skull!” is presented at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13. This joyous, heartfelt musical delves into the rich, tuneful traditions of Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). have called First Avenue their rock ‘n’ roll home. Museum tickets are $12
for adults, $10 for seniors and college students, and $6 for children ages five
to 17. Free on Tuesdays, 3-8 p.m.
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Second pizza must be equal or lesser value. With coupon. Not valid with other offers. Exp. 10/31/19. Kaposia Club.
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HAPPY HOUR All Day. Every Day!
Page 6 - South St. Paul Voice - October 2019
TRIVIA MAFIA 7:30 pm Wednesdays POKER 7 pm Thursdays
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October Tours
Tues., Oct. 8, 1 p.m. Sat., Oct. 19, 10 a.m. Call Cathy for appt. 651-450-9851
www.gramercyinvergrove.org 5688 Brent Avenue Inver Grove Heights (651) 450-9851
A rts & Entertainment
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History Theatre
from Ballet Co. Laboratory will perform excerpts from their repertoire. Free.
“Gloria: A Life,” through Oct. 20. An allfemale cast presents the life and work of Gloria Steinem and her work with the feminist movement. From $35.
“Artist Talk,” noon1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. A discussion of paintings, land use and changes in landscape between 1848 and now. Free.
10 E. Tenth St., St. Paul 651-292-4323 www.historytheatre.com
Landmark Center
75 W. 5th St., St. Paul 651-292-3225 www.landmarkcenter.org
“Historic Views of the Mississippi,” 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3. A look at the 1848 paintings by Henry Lewis, and the same locations today, painted by artist Tom Stewart. Free. “Nooks & Crannies Tour,” 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6. Off-limit areas of the Landmark Center are opened for exploration. Highlights include the North Tower and sub-basement, where a surprise or two may be found. Free. “Ballet,” noon-1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8. Dancers
Eliza Gilkyson will perform at 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11. Cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m. $20-$25. St. Paul Civic Symphony, 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20. The symphony will perform their first concert of the season. Free. “Gangster Ghost Tour,” 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23. An interactive history tour that highlights St. Paul’s most famous and infamous residents. $10. “Great Pumpkin Halloween Celebration,” 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27. Halloween festivities featuring live entertainment, crafts, treats and a costume parade. Free.
Ordway Center 345 Washington St. St. Paul 651-224-4222 www.ordway.org
“Back to Before,” 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3. Enjoy the songs and stories of the most iconic female characters. $23-$44. Brian McKnight will perform at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4. $48-$89. “Gaelynn Lea,” 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5. Join Gaelynn Lea and her full band for an evening of music that includes hiphop, acoustic guitar and everything in-between. Guest artists include Wheelchair Sports Camp and Billy McLaughlin. Q&A begins at 6:30 p.m. Reception to follow performance. $33.97. “ Wo m e n o n t h e Moon,” 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 6. This concert showcases the work of the best female vocalists and musicians from the 1960s. $39.36-$44.76. Comedian Felipe Esparza, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11. Esparza is known
for finding humor in the struggles of everyday life. $27-$89. “Sugar Skull!” 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13. Sugar Skull! is a joyous, heartfelt musical that delves into the rich, tuneful traditions of Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). $19-$27. “Say Anything: An Evening with John Cusack,” 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15. Join Cusack for a screening of “Say Anything,” followed by a live conversation regarding his career and the making of the film. $58-$211. “The New One,” 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17; 7:30 p.m., Friday Oct. 18; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19. A fun Broadway musical by Mike Birbiglia. $39-$85. “One Giant Leap,” 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19. Listen to the vocal ensemble Cantus as they explore and celebrate humanity’s triumphs, and the spirit of innovation and excellence. $23-$43.
“Improv Under Hypnosis,” 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27. Join comedian Colin Mochrie and hypnotist Asad Mecci as they combine forces for a mind-blowing, side-splitting show. $58-$79.
Palace Theatre
17 W. 7th Place, St. Paul 612-338-8388 www.palacestpaul.com
Concerts: Explosions in the Sky, 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19 ($30-$50); Judah and the Lion, 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31 ($35-$50).
Park Square Theatre
20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul 651-291-7005
www.parksquaretheatre.org
“Aubergine,” through Oct. 20. In an attempt to cross emotional, linguistic and cultural divides, a son cooks a meal for his dying father to express things words can’t say. From $16.
es rock ’n’ roll with crazy dance numbers. From $16.
Science Museum of Minnesota 120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul 651-221-9444 www.smm.org
“Body Worlds RX,” Oct. 4-Jan. 5. Explore the human body exhibition that has drawn 47 million people around the world. “Object ID Day,” noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5. Get a professional opinion about your natural or archeological object. “Superpower Dogs,” Oct. 17. See the film “Superpower Dogs” come to life on the Omnitheater’s 90-foot domed screen. Museum tickets are $18.95 for adults and $12.95 for children and seniors. Omnitheater tickets are $9.95 and $8.95 respectively.
“Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Sept. 27-Nov. 2. A sci-fi fantasy that mix-
On the Road Again Special
Pumpkin inPatch South St. Paul 3RD ANNUAL
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South St. Paul Voice - October 2019 - Page 7
N ews Briefs
Your community news and information source
Southview Blvd. project awarded The Southview Boulevard (County Road 14) project in South St. Paul recently won
the Transportation Achievement Award for Planning from the Institute of Transportation Engineers. The project was recognized for its innovative use of transporta-
hing everyt 0% off ober! 2 10 in Oct Opening %
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tion planning, design, operation and safety concepts. In 2018, Dakota County worked with the City of South St. Paul and other partners to improve the boulevard from Third Avenue to 20th Avenue, and Third Avenue from Southview to Marie Avenue. Safety improvements included modifying sidewalks and extending the curb to increase pedestrian visibility, and shortening the length of crosswalks. The project included changes to the roadway and intersection traffic control.
Luther Memorial bake & craft sale Luther Memorial Church, 315 15th Ave. N., South St. Paul, is hosting a craft and
bake sale 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12. Chicken wild rice soup will be served at 11 a.m.
Fix it clinic Have some household items that need repair? Get free assistance and learn useful repair tips noon-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19 at Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Ave. N., South St. Paul. Skilled volunteers will assist with repairs of small appliances, clothing, jewelry and more. Helpful tip: plan to arrive early as this popular event attracts long lines. The event is hosted by Dakota County. For more information, contact 952-891-7557 or environ@ co.dakota.mn.us.
Parks & Rec. youth programs • Horseback Riding, 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17. Take a guided horse ride through Bunker Hill Regional Park in Coon Rapids. A hayride, lunch and s’mores will follow. Ages 8-14. Must be at least 52 inches tall. Cost: $47. • Sever’s Fall Festival and swimming, 9 a.m.4:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18. See the largest corn maze in Minnesota, run the obstacle course, explore the petting zoo, climb a tire mountain and more. Afterwards, go to the Eden Prairie Pool. Ages 6-12. Cost: $35. • Third Annual Pumpkin Patch, 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 12. Visit Kaposia Park to decorate pumpkins, play games and have your face painted. The event also includes a balloon artist, cider and cookies. Free pumpkins will be given to the first 250 children age 12 and under. Costumes encouraged.
Free English classes South Suburban Adult Basic Education offers free classes at 517 Marie Ave. South St. Paul, to help people age 17 and older learn English and improve literacy skills. To register or receive more information, call 651306-3632.
The On the Road Again festival began as a way for the business community to thank its customers... and the tradition continues.
Fare for All Express
We join you in celebrating On The Road Again! Thompson Trucks and Parts, Inc. 316 Malden St. 455-9300 • MidWestOne Bank 835 Southview Blvd. 451-2133 • Metzen Realty and Associates Co. 412 Southview Blvd. 455-2214 • South St. Paul Voice 651-457-1177
Central Square Community Fitness Center “Where South St. Paul comes together” 100 - 7th Ave. N. 651-306-3690 • State Farm Christopher Kisch 625 Southview Blvd. 455-9700 • Neighbor's Inc. 222 Grand Ave. W. 651-455-5000
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCALLY. Together we make South St. Paul strong.
Page 8 - South St. Paul Voice - October 2019
Fare for All Express will be held 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22 at Central Square Com-
munity Center, 100 7th Ave. N. Fare for All is a cooperative food-buying program that allows people to save as much as 40% on monthly groceries by purchasing packages of fresh fruits and vegetables and frozen meat. For more information, call 651-366-6200 or visit www. southstpaul.org.
Diapers needed Diaper Needs Awareness Week, held Sept. 23-29, is designed to draw attention to one cost that puts a strain on family budgets. Diaper donations and cash are being accepted at Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul; Neighbors, Inc., 222 Grand Ave., South St. Paul; and Wakota, A Guiding Star Center, 1140 Robert St. S., West St. Paul. All donations will used to provide diapers to families in need. To discover more ways to help, visit www.diaperbankmn.org.
Food trucks at Bridgepoint Food trucks will be at Bridgepoint business park on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Different vendors are featured 11 a.m.-2 p.m. through Oct. at 150 Hardman Dr., South St. Paul. The trucks are hosted by the Bridgepoint Business Association. Here’s the schedule: • Sept. 25: Brick Oven Bus, Up in Smoke and Egg Roll Queen • Oct. 23: Crepe and Cake and Brick Oven Bus
Free Family Fun at Landmark Center
October 8, 12-1 pm: Ballet Tuesday October 27, 1-3 pm: Sundays at Landmark Great Pumpkin Halloween Celebration Full event details at www.landmarkcenter.org Ballet Tuesday partner:
Sundays at Landmark sponsored by:
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Your community news and information source
E V E N T S Call 651-554-3240 or visit www.southstpaul.org/library
How to Write a Will, 6-7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7. Get free and practical advice on how to write a will from estate planning attorney Ryan McLaughlin of McLaughlin Law, LLC. The presentation covers wills, power of attorney, health care directives, trusts, guardianship and more. Includes question and answer session.
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a.m., Thursday, Oct. 17. Use watercolors and oil pastels to create your own pumpkin. Learn how to make the pumpkin look three-dimensional, and hear a fall story. Ages 5-12. Registration required. Glove Monsters, 10:30noon, Friday, Oct. 18. Sew your own squishy friend using a fabric glove embellished with felt, beads and embroidery thread. Ages 9-15. Registration required.
Finding Franklin, 6-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24. Learn about Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s life using census records. After a history lesson, the 2020 census will be discussed. Ages six to 12. Registration required. Dinosaurs Galore, 10:1511 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29. The Story Man from England will explore the truths and falsehoods of dinosaurs using interactive poetry, props and puppets. Ages 2-8.
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Storytime, 10:15 a.m., each Tuesday in Oct. Children will develop literacy skills through playing, singing and writing. Ages 2-6. Stories at Lawshe Memorial Museum, 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15. The Dakota County Historical Society and library will collaborate on a program that merges history with stories and activities. Ages 2-6. Catch a Chapter for Homeschoolers, 2-2:45 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8. The first chapters of classic and contemporary books will be read aloud. Copies of these books will be available for check-out. Titles are geared toward students in grades 2-5, but all ages are welcome. Watercolor and Oil Pastel Pumpkins, 10:30-11:30
IRS problems | Estates, trusts, planning
Healthy Cooking for Everyone, 10:30 a.m.noon, Wednesday, Oct. 2. This hands-on cooking class teaches about healthy eating, meal planning and working together in the kitchen. Participants will help prepare a dish together. Ingredients provided. All ages and abilities welcome. Registration required.
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L I B R A R Y
Fall Book Sale, Oct. 7-12. Children’s and adult materials available for purchase. $1 bag sale the entire week. Stock is replenished throughout the week. Book club discussion, 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. The title discussed is “So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed” by Jon Ronson. Reducing Anxiety through Meditation, 6-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21. Arvind Naik, long-time meditator, will present methods of meditation and conduct a short meditation sitting. Registration required. Rock, Rattle and Rhyme, 6:15 p.m., each Monday in Oct. Children will learn how to socialize, listen and read through the use of books and music. Ages three and under.
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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR South Washington County Schools, serving the communities of Cottage Grove, Newport, St. Paul Park, Woodbury, Afton, Denmark and Grey Cloud Townships is now accepting applications for the following positions: • Evenings, weekends and school breaks off (for many of our jobs) • Access to affordable health insurance • Public Employee’s Retirement Plan PARAPROFESSIONAL – Work directly with regular or special education students assisting a classroom teacher OR supervise groups of students. Part time and full time positions available. Starting base wage $15.75 per hour. BUS DRIVERS – Safely transports students to and from school; starting base wage $17.30 - $20.35 per hour. NUTRITION SERVICES – Prepare and serve breakfast and lunches for students; starting base wage $14.25 per hour. CUSTODIAN – Perform cleaning, event setup/clean up and ensure security of buildings (year round positions); starting base wage $19.87 - $26.83 DOQ Please visit our web site for specific job information and to apply: www.sowashco.org EOE
South St. Paul Voice - October 2019 - Page 9
C ommunity
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Postscript
Marriage Stew
I told my husband, Peter, that our marriage was like stew – and that’s a good thing. This is a second marriage for Peter and me. We were both married for a long time and then divorced for quite a while. We dated other people and realized how tricky the whole process of finding a new Carrie Classon partner was, after habits had CarrieClasson.com been set and preferences settled. When I met Peter, I was ready… I think. I had healed and spent time on my own and figured out who I was – single and over fifty and changed in many ways from the person I had been while married. Peter had also done his homework. He was perfectly self-
Jennifer L. Gale president
Celebrating 100-year-old businesses
The year 1919 had many notable events, including the Great Molasses Flood in Boston that took the lives of 21, the origination
of UPS, the foundation of the American Legion, and a Stanley Cup that was not awarded because of a flu epidemic. Locally, that year saw the foundation of South St. Paul’s own Croatian Hall and Globe Publishing Co., a union shop from the onset,
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sufficient in every respect. He just wanted love. As it happens, this is something I had a good supply of. And so, we started dating and Peter asked me to marry him after only two months. We waited a year and got married on the oneyear anniversary of our first date. “I like stew,” Peter said, when I told him what I thought. “It’s better than soup. But I like mine all mashed up with a food processor, and you don’t.” “You are ruining my metaphor,” I told him. Peter has a way of doing this. Because I work at home and Peter is retired, we spend a lot of time together. Perhaps because of this, we actually do a lot of things separately that you might imagine we’d do together. Peter exercises in the morning. I exercise in the evening. Peter eats his main meal in the middle of the day and cooks it for himself. I cook my own meal and eat it in the evening. Peter spends most of his day downstairs while I am upstairs in my “writing room,” which is actually not a room, as it has no door and is open to the rest of the house. I like this. I can keep track of what Peter’s up to and holler things at him. “I can’t hear you!” Peter hollers back. I know he can’t hear me, but I do it anyway. I’m convinced he enjoys knowing that I’m thinking about him.
Maybe our marriage is peculiar; I am in no position to say. Maybe every marriage is peculiar in its own way. My parents, who have now been married more than 60 years, have arguments in which they are in perfect agreement. My mother will state her case, then my father will state his. There will be some made-up antagonist hovering in the background, arguing against both of them. My parents invariably win these arguments and I am sure they feel satisfied with themselves when they vanquish their imaginary opponent. It’s a terrific strategy. It lets them vent a little of the frustration they would never consider taking out on one another. I think a happy marriage is like stew because it starts out with good ingredients gets richer and more satisfying with time. It is full of lots of healthy things: humor and understanding and a profound desire to see each other happy. Peter and I both understand that our moods are our own, but comfort one another when things aren’t going the way we’d like – when Peter’s knee is acting up again, when my writing doesn’t go as well as I’d like. “Yeah, stew is much better once you’ve taken a food processor to it,” Peter insisted. “And it’s easier to digest.” I had no idea what to do with that metaphor, so I let it simmer. Till next time.
and the Southview Country Club. Croatian Hall - The Hrvatski Dom Croatian Hall was built by Croatian immigrants who settled in South St. Paul at the turn of the century. It was created as a place for Croatians to meet, celebrate their heritage with traditional food and music, and get help learning English, finding jobs and learning other ways to assimilate. It has since become a gathering place for the entire community, regardless of background. Board members are proud of the positive impact
the Hvratski Dom has had on South St. Paul and surrounding communities as it continues to celebrate Croatian heritage. Its recent 100th anniversary celebration saw the next generation of Croatian-Americans and community members get involved to continue the legacy of “the Cro.” Globe Publishing - Charlie Regan and his partner Jay Dunbar purchased the “Globe” on Sept. 26, 1919. The company originally published a newspaper, hence the name, with Regan serving as editor. It later became a print shop, and in 1955 Ed Horst and John Goff Jr. bought it from Regan and Dunbar. Horst bought out
his partner in 1960. Now, 60 years later, they are a second generation family-owned business. Bill and Dan Horst have taken over the day-to-day operations. Their father, Ed (E.W., aka Grandpa Eddie), passed away in 2013. High-speed digital printing and 2-color presses have increased the possibilities that Globe can offer to its customers. While the printing industry has seen many changes over the years, the Horst brothers say the values their father taught them are still their main focus today: a dedication to quality and the trust of their customers. Southview Country Club - In 1919, some South St.
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School Choice Directory Academia Cesar Chavez 1801 Lacrosse Ave., St. Paul 651-778-2940 www.cesarchavezschool.com
Saint Agnes School 530 Lafond Ave., St. Paul 651-925-8803 www.saintagnesschool.org Athletics Calendar: http://trimetro. org/public/genie/5/school/2/
St. Croix Lutheran Academy 1200 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul 651-455-1521 www.stcroixlutheran.org St. Paul City School PreK-8 260 Edmund Ave., St. Paul 651-225-9177 www.stpaulcityschool.org
For a link to explore these schools and for tips on how to choose a school that best fits your student’s and family’s needs...
Visit www.stpaulpublishing.com/schoolchoice.html Page 10 - South St. Paul Voice - October 2019
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Paul businessmen decided to build a golf course to bring local businessmen together. They purchased the Peters Farm and started Louogden Country Club, naming it after two prominent South St. Paul residents: Lou Swift and Ogden Armour. It was privately owned until 1975, when club members purchased it from investors. It has been a member-owned club since. The club has evolved over the years to become a place for golf, work gatherings and celebrations of all kinds. Many of their members join for the golf and stay for the relationships they create, and the love and passion they have for the club. The course began with nine holes and sand greens. Now it’s an 18-hole course with a great reputation among Minnesota golfers. Southview has hosted the Tapemark Charity Pro Am since the tournament began in 1972. Congratulations to these River Heights Chamber members. Happy 100 years!
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F
rom time to time, it is important for us all to take an introspective look at who we are and what we do. That is what Neighbors has been doing during the past year. As we prepare to mark our golden anniversary in a few years, we have been looking at our mission statement, vision and
Your community news and information source core values. These three items guide our daily work. After many discussions, surveys and meetings, it was determined that it was time to refresh these three foundational items to carry us into the future. In last month’s issue, I wrote about the core values – respect, generosity and inclusion – that guide our actions each day. These values support our updated mission statement and vision. Our updated mission statement is: providing opportunities for our neighbors to thrive by connecting volunteers to people in need. This mission honors the foundation on which Neighbors was established and will guide our work now and into the future. It affirms we are an organization created by the community to help one another in times of need, and that we will take responsibility to provide opportunities. Finally, it reminds us we are in communion with one another, and we must work together as neighbors to see that we all thrive. When our mission is accomplished, it will fulfill our vision:
having transformed communities where all are nourished. We have reasons every day to celebrate the communities we live in. We also see people who are not able to celebrate due to a financial crisis, homelessness, hunger, addiction, unemployment or underemployment and many, many other challenges. If all our neighbors are to be nourished, we must transform our communities by joining together to resolve the most difficult of societal challenges. While the words that make up these statements are new, the meaning and spirit behind them have been present since a small group of volunteers first gathered together on a cold December night in 1971. They set out to provide opportunities for their struggling neighbors. They wrestled with how to connect with people in need. They did so with respect, generosity and inclusion. Now, it is up to us to continue the work they started. However long it takes, we will be here to see that our communities are transformed and all are nourished.
Halloween events
This event attracts up to 4,000 trick-or-treaters and family members. We will help with games, handing out treats and cleanup. Another favorite project of the task force is the “A Book for Every Child” program, co-hosted by the South St. Paul Public Library and Neighbors, Inc. Beginning in October we will start collecting books for the Holiday Gift Program at Neighbors, Inc. The program ensures every child receives a new book. The response over the past few years has been humbling. More than 4,000 books have been distributed so far. The task force will host a wrapping party, and invite the community to join in the fun. Watch for more details. As you can see, October is a great “U” month for the task force, and we look forward to it. For more information on our October events, visit the South St. Paul Events and Activities Facebook page, the City’s website at www. southstpaul.org, or contact Deb Griffith, community affairs liaison, at 651-554-3230 or deb.griffith@southstpaul.org. Happy October everyone!
The motto of the Mayor’s Youth Task Force is “There is no I in Team, but a U in Volunteer, Youth and Community.” October is a great month to showcase the “U.” We will be partnering with Neighbors, Inc. on a Halloween Costume Exchange, a new program this year. We will help collect costumes, sort them and make them available for families on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Doug Woog Arena. Our goal is to recycle costumes that are no longer worn, save money for families and make our global footprint just a little bit smaller. For more details, visit the City of South St. Paul’s website and the South St. Paul Events and Activities Facebook page. We hope to see some of these costumes at the Halloween Skate, taking place 1-2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27 at Doug Woog Arena. It will be a ghoooouly good time with treats, games and prizes. Bring a nonperishable food items for Neighbors, Inc. and receive free skate rental. The South St. Paul Great Halloween Get Together will take place 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31 along Marie Avenue.
South St. Paul Voice - October 2019 - Page 11
B ack in Time Trick or treating at the candy counter of corner groceries
Your community news and information source
Lois Glewwe Contributor
H
alloween trick-ortreaters in South St. Paul in the 1920s through the 1960s had a very special resource that not every community has enjoyed. Scattered throughout the city from north to south were dozens of little grocery stores with penny candy counters stocked with a wide variety of lollipops, chewing gum, candy cigarettes, wax lips, tootsie rolls, butterscotch drops and candy bars. Although not
all stores were open for the pleasure of costumed kids on Halloween, some were, and their candy counters became a buffet of sorts for trick-or-treaters. The 1987 South St. Paul Centennial history book documents 78 grocery stores that existed in the city at one time or another. There were the big stores – Glewwe’s on Fifth and Marie; Applebaum’s, where Knowlan’s is now; and National Tea on Eighth and Southview – but most of the establishments were small, family-owned neighborhood stores that
provided bread, milk, eggs, canned goods, fresh meat and penny candy to shoppers. One of those corner stores opened on May 13, 1848 at 459 Third Ave. S. It was owned by Esther and Earl Burington. The shop was originally owned by Vincent Mikacevich and later was known as Jerry’s Meat Market and Mastbaum’s. The grocery business was a new venture for the Buringtons. Earl had been on the police force of the St. Paul Union Stockyards for 20 years but was ready for a new career. Esther was both his partner in
life and in the new business. They had a meat counter, where Earl served as butcher, and they always made an effort to keep the shelves well stocked with everything from soda pop to laundry detergent to fresh baked goods. The store provided delivery service, and the couple, along with their three children and dog Queenie, became well-known fixtures in the neighborhood. The Buringtons operated the business for more than 20 years. Today, the building is a private residence. Some of the other neigh-
These two unidentified trick-or-treaters stopped by Burington’s for penny candy on Halloween night. Esther Burington is pictured with the boys.
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Page 12 - South St. Paul Voice - October 2019
In May 1948 Earl and Esther Burington purchased the corner grocery at 459 Third Ave. S. and changed the name to Burington Food Market.
borhood stores include Hjort’s at 141 W. Richmond, later named Waltman’s L&M; Kisch’s, 300 Seventh Ave. S.; Zinn’s at 610 Third Ave. S.; Lee’s United Grocery at Twelfth and Marie, now Ollom’s; Marie Avenue Confectionery, also called Andy Gump’s at 609 Marie Ave.; Mikutowski’s, later JM Grocery, at 558 Second Ave. S.; Nechville’s, 1000 Fifth Ave. S.; Weir’s at Bircher and Concord; Zem’s at 311 Sixth Ave. S.; Dairy Home, now The Coop; Lehmann’s Grocery, 345 Fourth Ave. S., later named Niederkorn’s; and Yamka’s, 6114 First Ave. S., later known as Zamen’s. In addition to the shops in residential areas were dozens of butcher shops and grocery stores on Concord Street and Grand Avenue, including Drkula’s at 200
Grand; Matczynski’s, 144 N. Concord, later known as the Square Deal and Concord Meat Market; Doichita’s, 224 N. Concord, later moved to 502 Second Ave. S.; Chalupa’s, 371 N. Concord; Haagenson’s, 502 S. Concord; and Hausman Grocery, 1666 S. Concord. The little corner grocery stores eventually gave way to big box retailers, who attracted local shoppers to Robert Street in West St. Paul. Illetschko’s Meats and Smokehouse, formerly No Name Steaks, is still located at 101 E. Richmond, and Husnik Meat Company still operates at 235 S. Concord Exch., but Knowlan’s is the only grocery store in the city today. Today’s trick-ortreaters have no more penny candy counters to visit on Halloween night.
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