Last week, Wednesday July 8, the rain subsided so the Walking Lake Pepin (WLP) group could walk the planned route along Garden and Oak streets exploring the many historic homes built in this neighborhood.
Jim Schreck, who lived during his youth on Garden Street, shared his early memories. He told the group that his block was home to 40+ children during the post war baby boom. The street was reserved for kids playing in the street and cars learned to take other streets to accommodate this. Capture the Flag and other games were regular evening activities at Patton Park during those years
Anne Tabat, LC Historical Society board member, led the walk along Garden to Oak Street She referred to historical society notes on these homes as to the year built, notable residents and the various architectural styles: Queen Anne, Italianate, Foursquare and Greek Revival.
She encouraged us to think of the families who lived here in the past in terms of shared experiences with the families of today. Many of these large homes were owned by merchants who had businesses in easy walking distance to Washington Street or doctors whose practices like Dr Patton where in their homes. In some cases the office signs of these doctors are still on the door.
Changing economic and life circumstances had an effect not only on the residents but on the homes. When prominent state senator Patrick Rahilly bought the Harvey Williamson home it was expanded and embellished to represent the Greek Revivial style and was designed to accommodate the guests and entertainments one would expect of a state level leader.
In other cases, homes were divided into two buildings as fuel costs rose in the early 20th century. Others were remodeled to include separate living quarters that could be rented to young couples or others looking for affordable living near downtown.
Later these homes would be occupied by large families or their elderly neighbors who had a constant supply of young labor to mow lawns and help with household chores. Jim Schrek can tell you more about that too!
Since we missed being rained on, Anne invited us to her historic home (formerly a barn to the Edward Wise home next door) for cookies and lemonade to celebrate. We were then able to appreciate the advantages of front porches that have delighted generations of Lake City residents and serve to connect friends and neighbors in a friendly, welcoming way.
Wednesday, July 15, the WLP group is scheduled to travel to Red Wing Memorial Park to walk and enjoy the bluff view vistas of Red Wing and the Mississippi River.
Wednesday, July 22, the WLP group walkers will meet at the scenic parking lot off Hwy 61 by the Marina breakwater at 6:30 for a walk along the break water and then out to Marina Point. Watch the WLP Facebook page for updates due to weather.
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Jim Schreck, who lived during his youth on Garden Street, shared his early memories. He told the group that his block was home to 40+ children during the post war baby boom. The street was reserved for kids playing in the street and cars learned to take other streets to accommodate this. Capture the Flag and other games were regular evening activities at Patton Park during those years
Anne Tabat, LC Historical Society board member, led the walk along Garden to Oak Street She referred to historical society notes on these homes as to the year built, notable residents and the various architectural styles: Queen Anne, Italianate, Foursquare and Greek Revival.
She encouraged us to think of the families who lived here in the past in terms of shared experiences with the families of today. Many of these large homes were owned by merchants who had businesses in easy walking distance to Washington Street or doctors whose practices like Dr Patton where in their homes. In some cases the office signs of these doctors are still on the door.
Changing economic and life circumstances had an effect not only on the residents but on the homes. When prominent state senator Patrick Rahilly bought the Harvey Williamson home it was expanded and embellished to represent the Greek Revivial style and was designed to accommodate the guests and entertainments one would expect of a state level leader.
In other cases, homes were divided into two buildings as fuel costs rose in the early 20th century. Others were remodeled to include separate living quarters that could be rented to young couples or others looking for affordable living near downtown.
Later these homes would be occupied by large families or their elderly neighbors who had a constant supply of young labor to mow lawns and help with household chores. Jim Schrek can tell you more about that too!
Since we missed being rained on, Anne invited us to her historic home (formerly a barn to the Edward Wise home next door) for cookies and lemonade to celebrate. We were then able to appreciate the advantages of front porches that have delighted generations of Lake City residents and serve to connect friends and neighbors in a friendly, welcoming way.
Wednesday, July 15, the WLP group is scheduled to travel to Red Wing Memorial Park to walk and enjoy the bluff view vistas of Red Wing and the Mississippi River.
Wednesday, July 22, the WLP group walkers will meet at the scenic parking lot off Hwy 61 by the Marina breakwater at 6:30 for a walk along the break water and then out to Marina Point. Watch the WLP Facebook page for updates due to weather.
See less
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