This postcard is a recent acquisition. I bought it for several reasons but mainly because I never realized that Hamline had been at one time a village and not just a St Paul neighborhood. Although this location is only a few miles from the Minnesota State Capitol building, I'm sure that this was considered to be out in the countryside when this photo was taken. It's undated, but judging by the clothes and vehicles I suspect it is from the turn of the 20th century.
In the heart of the Hamline neighborhood is Hamline University, Minnesota's first university, and where my parents met. In addition to my parents, my grandfather who left me my stamp collection, an uncle, a cousin and a nephew also graduated from Hamline.
That Dairy Building still exists at the Minnesota State Fair. When I go to The Fair it's one of my traditional stops to get freshly made ice cream with freshly cut apples covered in warm caramel sauce. Next time I'm out that way I must try to identify the building in the background, if it still exists. Maybe my fellow Minnesotan SCF members recognize it?
This postcard is unused, but I hope someday I'll spot a Hamline, Minn. postmark!
Posted 03/09/2013 3:21 pm
