In 1970, Windsor Publications, Inc., of California, published an advertising booklet about Bloomington, Richfield and Greater Edina. Although 90 percent of the pages were devoted to ads, a few pages of editorial copy extolled the virtues of the South Hennepin suburbs.
The brand new Fairview Southdale Hospital got two pages of great photos and some glowing text. Can you believe that the hospital is now more than 40 years old? Perhaps the expansion projects make me think the building is newer.
The photos above show that the traditional white nurses uniforms were still in vogue. (Side note: I remember those yarn pony tail ribbons from my childhood.)
But the photo below is the real thriller. The wide angle view takes in the Southdale Medical building as well as Southdale center. Anyone know what that round building is? (See left center.)
For more information on the hospital's history, see the story written by Joe Sullivan in the
Winter 2008 issue of the city's quarterly newsletter
About Town.
Happy Friday, everyone!
Before we go any further, I just want to note the accidental alliteration, brought to you by Photo Friday and Fanny Farmer, with credit to 50th and France.
Anyway... on to this week's photo taken from our collection of City of Edina's tax assessor files.
Youngsters won't recognize the name Fanny Farmer candies, which later became Fanny Mae, which became bankrupt. But in 1959, there were three Fanny Farmer stores in Edina -- two in Southdale mall and one at the southwest corner of 50th and France (5000 France Avenue South).
The corner has been redeveloped: Sur La Table retail store occupies the corner now.
When I first started working for the Edina Historical Society, a man called to sell a carousel (if I remember correctly) that was displayed in the window. Since we don't have a budget to purchase artifacts, and he wasn't willing to donate the item, we missed out. What do you remember about Fanny Farmer candy store? I know many a hostess received a box of Fanny Farmer candies at Christmas time... what else can you tell me?
In honor of the new season of "Dancing with the Stars," I bring you the long-time local spot to learn how to foxtrot and waltz: Arthur Murray Dance Studios. When this photo was taken in 1959, it was located at 3927 West 50th The studio must have just opened its doors in Edina - the first time it shows up in the city phone directories is in 1959.
More than 50 years later, Arthur Murray (now at 5041 France Avenue South) is still teaching Edina residents how to dance, whether they're preparing for their wedding dance or are inspired by their favorite celebrities on DWTS.
I love that this photo also happened to document a man sweeping the streets, and an Edina Police squad car, a not-built-for-speed station wagon.
Here's something to cool to think about on this hot August day: ice castles.
Edina built an ice castle in January 1988 to kick off events to celebrate its 100th birthday. Volunteers cut ice from Lake Cornelia.
And stacked the cubes, according to a design drawn up by Edina resident and architect Foster Dunwiddie.
The design was modeled after Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.
I think that's pretty cool, in more ways than one.
Note: Edina's 125h anniversary is coming up in 2013. What should the community do to mark this big occasion? Help us brainstorm by commenting below or by emailing us.
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