It’s warm, the top is down (the car windows open for those without the luxury) or perhaps you are enjoying the warmer temperatures by not being outside at all and basking in an air conditioner’s relief. Now imagine it is 1908, a sweltering 95 degree day and you’re in a full suit with hat or bustle and corset. Where do you go to escape the heat?
In the earliest part of the twentieth century, before air conditioners and convertibles, the only way to cool oneself was to hop on the streetcar. Of course, the streetcars were not just for catching a cool breeze, but for heading to work downtown or heading...
Did you know Minneapolis and St. Paul came into existence and grew up largely independent of each other? They are truly twins, born because of the same Mississippi River but for different reasons (St. Paul for river trade and Minneapolis for water-powered mills). This is one of the reasons why the two cities have such distinctly different cultures. Their two downtowns just happen to be a short drive apart; but soon they will be bound by light-rail as well.
The power of the light-rail had lost its appeal for a short while, but in the recession it has proven...
Choo Choo Bob might have his foundations on the St. Paul side of things, but he certainly knows how to explain a Minneapolis problem. I couldn't fully understand all the proposals regarding the Southwest Light-Rail project until I reviewed a stack of maps, charts, graphs and local complaints; but for anyone looking to learn about the issue at this late juncture, it's extremely easy thanks to our
train-fanatic friend across the river!
Here is the...
