March 2024

LIBRARY NEWS

From Our Archives

Historical Fact Correction

In January, we featured the Majestic Theatre which was located at 229 Main Street South, the current home of Smith + Trade Mercantile. We listed the other businesses visible in the photo including the building that then housed the clothing store I.G. Ziegler at 233 Main Street South.

An astute library fan pointed out to us that that building had been destroyed in a fire in 1951 and that the lot stood empty for many years and eventually became a park-like alley that served as a convenient shortcut between Main Street and Water Street. The new building where Lolo American Kitchen currently operates was built in 2012-13 and was designed to match the front of the building that burned down in 1951. Pictured are three photos of the area: one from 1919, one from October 2008 showing the open lot (from Google Street View), and one from 2024 showing Lolo American Kitchen.

The original building in that space was a four-story structure that burned down in 1899 so the building pictured in the 1919 photograph was relatively new. The building that burned down in 1951 was called the Peaslee Plumbing Building. 

The above photo can be viewed in the Runk Historic Photograph Collection in our St. Croix Collection Room anytime the library is open. Sources for this post include Stillwater, MN City Directories; National Parks Service National Register of Historic Places Registration form for Stillwater, MN Commercial Historic District (February 19, 1992); Stillwater Patch (June 7, 2012); and Star Tribune (July 6, 2012).

UPCOMING EVENTS

READ THE OSCARS

The 2024 Academy Award winners will be announced on March 10. Check out the books that inspired some of this year's nominees. 

IN THE GALLERY

Artist Robert Snyder

Visit the gallery in March and April to view the works of Robert Snyder. Bob spent many of his formative years in New Hampshire. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for art, initially gravitating towards pencil portraits from magazine covers and refining his skills under the guidance of his art teacher. Now Bob works mostly in watercolor and pencil and his subject matter varies, often including landscapes, military themes, sports figures, and portraits. Bob acknowledges the unwavering support and encouragement from his children and their mother, who have been instrumental in his artistic pursuits. He’s grateful for the opportunity to share his passions with others, affirming his belief that

"Art is good."

Artist Reception:

Meet Bob in the gallery on Thursday, March 21 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.

About the Artist:

Bob was born in the Boston area. He is a Vietnam veteran and hails from a deep military background. After leaving the military, he began working in the landscape construction business. It was in this field that he further developed his artistic abilities in landscape design, a profession he pursued for the next 53 years. He owned a landscape company in New Hampshire before relocating to Minnesota in 1992. Bob retired in 2011, which allowed him more time to focus on his passion for art. Despite retiring from full-time work, he remains involved in the "greenery" industry.