Payne-Phalen History

Railroad Island historical exhibit “If these walls could talk”

The Minnesota Historical Society created a playfully interactive exhibit, “Open House: If These Walls Could Talk,” that brings to life the adage “if these walls could talk” by using a single, existing house—in the “Railroad Island” neighborhood on St. Paul’s East Side—as a window into the daily lives of people of the past.

RCHS Podcast on Edward Phalen and Old Swede Hollow

Listen to this podcast created by the Ramsey County Historical Society. Edward Phelan was one of St. Paul’s very first settlers. Was he also a murderer? In September 1839 the body of Phelan’s cabin-mate, John Hays, was found floating in the Mississippi River. He had been beaten to death. Phelan was charged with the crime, but not convicted. Now, 170 years later, St. Paul author Gary Brueggemann believes he has solved the case. He tells the tale in his new book, Minnesota’s Oldest Murder Mystery. We met with Gary Brueggemann at Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul. Swede Hollow is a ravine on St. Paul’s east side, and for a hundred years — 1850s to 1950s — a receptor neighborhood for recent immigrants. Swedes first, then Italians, then Mexican-Americans. St. Paul historian Steve Trimble edited the Swede Hollow memoirs of Michael Sanchelli for the Spring 2014 issue of Ramsey County History magazine. Steve Trimble joined us to talk about life in old Swede Hollow.

Friends of Swede Hollow (FOSH)

Friends of Swede Hollow (FOSH) formed in 1994 when a number of interested neighbors from both sides of Swede Hollow came together to discuss our common goals, deep affection for and commitment to the park, as well as our dreams, ideas, concerns, and the history of Swede Hollow. FOSH has monthly meeting, planning and orchestrating a number of clean ups and work days in the park, oral history sessions with former Swede Hollow residents, working with school children, the Historic Hamm’s Brewery Initiative, started the Lower Phalen Creek Project, history tours, and the annual Watch the Glow Event. Swede Hollow is nestled between the Dayton's Bluff and Railroad Island communities in the ravine that once carried Phalen Creek to the Mississippi River.

This active community group (FOSH) Friends of Swede Hollow meets monthly and works on Swede Hollow Park projects and issues. For more information contact Karin@swedehollow.org or call 651-776-0550.