August 17, 2024
Our trip down the Mississippi began in St. Paul, a city I’ve been more likely to go through than visit. A long-ago visit to the Historical Society to view the papers of Secretary of State Frank Kellogg was probably in 1960s or early 1970s and probably meant a lot of time in the Society and little for touring. It was thus a treat to spend a few days here before journey began. The lovely 1910s Hotel St. Paul served as the base for an introduction to St. Paul that included a brewery, the History Museum, and the beautiful million dollar mansions along Summit Street. One housed Governor Tim Walz, current candidate for VP of the United States, so you get an idea of the poshness of the neighborhood. I couldn’t believe how clean it was, but when you have multimillion dollar mansions, trash is not welcome.
Across from the hotel was the wonderfully restored Landmark Center, spared from the wrecking ball and life as a parking lot. At one time, it housed most of the federal offices in St. Paul, built Romanesque in the late 19th century.
The other treat was a visit with Lori and Al Lohman, academic friends that we’ve spent many years with at 
various MMA and MBAA conferences. They introduced us to a “genuine Minnesota meal” –wild rice and mushroom soup, walleye, and a brandy old fashioned. Good time with old friends.