North St. Paul in the 1970’s was a typical small town suburb. It was family and kid-friendly. We could walk to downtown North St. Paul (or “uptown” as my best friend, Roxanne, called it ) for a Coke at Perrault’s Ice Cream Shop, a hamburger at Mac’s Dinette or a plate of hot fries at Village Pizza. Downtown has changed as only Village Pizza remains from those days but the wonderful huge, iconic snowman remains.
Originally this guy was constructed behind the old bank building on the corner of 7th and Margaret. I remember when the first rebar steel was set in cement resembling a round cage that motorcycle daredevils use in the circus. We would stand inside and try to figure out what the heck it was going to be. I think it was years before the snowman finally took shape and became the icon that it is today.
The move of the snowman in the early 90’s to its current location at the corner of Highway 36 and Margaret is just as memorable. It was so large that it was moved in two pieces. The snowman sat headless for months on the side of the road. Its smiling face just yards away from his two snowball bottom. Finally, the city heard the plea of a resident to “Please Put Frosty’s Head Back On!” in the Review!
Only in Minnesota!
Look for other Hometown and Homeowner Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions in upcoming posts.
If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
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1 comments:
The snowman looks like something that has been around so long that no one will let it go away now. I remember something similar in the foothills of Denver, in Conifer. It was a hot dog stand called Coney Island, and it looks a bit like the weinermobile without wheels. It has since been moved to make room for a grocery store, but I am not sure where it went. I think it was saved though! People really get an emotional tie to these icons and they don't want to lose them. I think your snowman fits in that category.
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