Help The Alley Be Bound for the Future The Alley Online! Pg 2 www.alleynews.org Pauline Fjelde House Threatened! Pg 4 EXCLUSIVE New Year’s Poem! “It Could be Verse” Pg 7 NEWS & VIEWS OF PHILLIPS SINCE 1976 • January 2009 • Volume 34, Number 1 Power or Problem to the People? Xcel’s Proposed High Voltage Lines–more time needed to develop alternatives Xcel Seeks Path of Least Resistance and Most Money Community Seeks Commonsense, By Eric Hart distributed electricity generation (such as In late September 2008, Xcel Energy solar power or co-generation of heat and Energysense and Safety announced its Hiawatha Project that seeks power), upgrading the local distribution to increase the amount of electricity flowing system, and high-tech demand management to the Midtown area of south . systems. The plan includes two new substations, one near Hiawatha Avenue and another WHAT YOU CAN DO: near I-35W, which are to be connected by • Recommend to the following parties that two high voltage transmission lines. The alternatives to the Hiawatha Project be potential area for the transmission lines is studied and that more time be allowed parallel to the Midtown Greenway between for this purpose: Minneapolis Council 26th and 31st Streets. It is our understand- Members (contact info at: http://www. ing that the only approval needed by Xcel is ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/) or Xcel a routing permit from the Minnesota Public Energy (Paul Adelmann, paul.adelmann@ Utilities Commission (PUC). Xcel does not xcelenergy.com, 612 630-4384). have to prove the need for the project or • If energy conservation and renewable study alternatives to it like they would for a energy interest you, volunteer your help larger project. Their application to the PUC or request that updates be emailed to you, could come as early as late January 2009. contact Tim Springer at 612-879-0105 or We have learned from Xcel and busi- [email protected]. nesses in the corridor that there have been • Finally, participate in one or both of power quality issues that have adversely these upcoming meeting: effected some businesses. It is important Community Forum on Xcel’s Hiawatha that the corridor is served with high quality, Project reliable power. However, simply running Sponsored by the Phillips Community high voltage lines on huge towers through Energy Cooperative, the Coalition, and the Greenway corridor or along residential others streets is not the long-term solution that Monday, January 12, 2009 causes the least harm to the people in the At Plaza Verde (next to Heart of the effected neighborhoods and promotes a Beast) more sustainable future. As of December 1516 East Lake Street 3, 2008 the Midtown Greenway Coalition 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. “currently opposes” the Hiawatha Project given the lack of detailed data from Xcel Xcel Energy’s Next Public Open House Photo courtesy of Xcel Energy and the lack of any serious alternatives on the Hiawatha Project analysis so far. Visit www.midtowngreen- Thursday, January 15, 2009 Neighborhood’s Actions to Xcel’s Powerline Proposal way.org to see the Coalition’s policy reso- At Plaza Verde, 1516 East Lake Street By Tim Springer lution or watch for updates on this issue. Noon to 2:00 p.m. Neighborhoods that have taken actions so far to Xcel’s Powerline proposal are: Little The Coalition is working with Xcel, And 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Earth of United Tribes, East Phillips, Midtown Phillips, Corcoran, and Cedar Isles Dean (this the effected neighborhoods and others to last one just supported a previous version of the Coalition’s resolution and so they’ll have to explore solutions that negate the need for Eric Hart is a resident of Longfellow reconsider it now that it has been modified since their action). All other neighborhoods voted the power lines and substations. Alternatives Community and a Midtown Greenway to either support the Coalition’s resolution or recommend a project delay or both. include aggressive electricity conservation, Coalition board member. Tim Springer, is a Phillips Resident and Midtown Greenway Executive Director Midtown Greenway Coalition Letter Requesting Transparent, Joint Research and Planning to Quantify Needs of Electricity and an Amenable Plan to Accomplish Electrical Service by Midtown Greenway Coalition How does our chain of hospitals in this area Minneapolis compare with households metro- If large commercial users in the corridor were Questions Related to the Xcel Energy’s compare to the most efficient hospitals in the wide on a kilowatt hour per year per household to implement gas-fired cogeneration for their heat- Hiawatha Project metro area on a kilowatt hour per year per square basis (or other units if more appropriate)? ing needs, how much of the electricity needed in What are the three most common causes for foot basis (or other units if more appropriate)? What incentives or tools are being used in this area could be supplied in this way? (If other outages as well as for power quality problems How do the Wells Fargo Home Mortgage the industry now to achieve electricity usage parties besides Xcel would be more appropriate experienced by businesses on Lake Street? campus and Allina Commons compare to the reductions by residential customers, for example to answer this question please direct us to them.) Are there any upgrades or improvements to most efficient office buildings in the metro area on-site meters for immediate feedback or efficient If renewable or local generation was installed the distribution system, or technical solutions at on a kilowatt hour per year per square foot basis appliance buy down assistance, etc., and could in the corridor and significant amounts of excess the customer level, that could help alleviate the (or other units if more appropriate)? those tools be used or expanded here? power was generated and put back into the grid, power issues that individual customers are hav- Please explain any incentives currently avail- Please characterize the relative electric effi- could existing distribution lines handle the load ing? able from Xcel to maximize the electric energy ciency of our area businesses and describe what or would they need to be upgraded? If no, what In order to understand the stated problem of efficiency of new developments, and existing programs or incentives are currently available would be the extent of upgrades needed to handle transformers at the substations operating above buildings that which are being retrofitted. to them to become more efficient, and what the the reverse loading? (please be specific). 75% of their rated capacity, how many days per Would Xcel use the 5% C.I.P. for solar pro- expansion potential is for these programs? If the Hiawatha Project is part of a larger plan, year, for how many hours per day, and on what gram (as passed in the 2008 Minnesota Legislative Please help us understand what generating what is the larger plan, including subsequent days, is this occurring for each of the transform- session) to promote conservation and solar in the capacity is required to supply the 13-15 megavolt projects? ers at the Southtown, Elliot Park, Aldrich, and St. project area and which could help meet some of amps that the Hiawatha Project would bring to Is there a such thing as the “2008 South Louis Park substations? the energy needs? the area (is this about 13 to 15 megawatts of gen- Minneapolis Load Serving Study” and if so, may What is the average loading year-round on How do residential electricity customers in the erating capacity?) and how does that compare to we please see a copy? these transformers for each of the past 7 years? Hiawatha Project impact area and in greater south an average coal plant, wind machine, etc. See Midtown Greenway’s Resolution opposing Xcel Engery’s Hiawatha Project • pg. 8 4 Years before Studs Terkel died on October 31st, 2008, he often said that on his tombstone he wanted it written that “Curiosity didn’t kill this cat!” The Intrigue of “Scotch Maggie” Cloaks Fred Wescott’s Death in Mystique Fred Wescott was murdered on went to bed around 11 o’clock. Tales from Pioneers to hear her sing “Scotch songs.” Maggie was released on $1,000 June 2, 1912, and someone got Maggie claimed that she was & Soldiers Cemetery In just 15 years she had become bail, while Jacobs remained in away with it. Wescott, 45 years awakened by gurgling noises and “time-worn and sin-scarred”—all jail. As far as the press was con- old and divorced, had worked as a sent her husband out to investi- by the age of 38. cerned, that’s where the story u e u n t e r e i r cook at the Rising Sun Restaurant gate. According to John Getsman, S H W The day after the arrest, Hubert ended. Presumably, Mr. Jacobs th in Minneapolis for about two years he found Wescott in distress so 55 in a Series Jacobs, one of the restaurant’s was released since there is no before he died. Beyond that, little went out in the street to look for a patrons testified that he had heard evidence that anyone was tried else was known about him. policeman to help him. When he The police took the Getsmans Scotch Maggie and Fred Westcott for Mr. Wescott’s murder, the If reporters for the Tribune and couldn’t find one, he went home into custody. Since Mr. Getsman arguing, and that he had seen her Getsmans appear to have left town Journal were not much interested and found Wescott dead. had not been at home at the time stab him. The case was scheduled shortly Maggie was released. in learning more about Wescott’s By the time that the Getsmans that the police believed that the to go to the grand jury on Tuesday, Mr. Wescott is buried in Lot 7, life, they were enthralled by the notified the police it was 3 a.m. stabbing occurred, he was held as June 11th, but Jacobs, the chief Block 5 in Minneapolis Pioneers main suspect in his murder-- They told the police that they a material witness. It was Scotch witness, disappeared. Without his and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery. Mrs. Isabelle Getsman, known as believed that Wescott had died of a Maggie that the police were most testimony there wasn’t enough “Scotch Maggie.” Mrs. Getsman heart attack. Dr. Gilbert Seashore, interested in. According to a evidence to try Scotch Maggie. Sue Hunter Weir is Phillips his- and her husband, John, owned the county coroner, discovered detective who had known her for The police did their best to find torian extraordinaire, mem- the Rising Sun Restaurant where otherwise. When he removed 20 years, she had been a “belle in him but were unsuccessful and ber of Friends of the Cemetery Wescott worked. At 8 o’clock in Wescott’s jacket, he found that her youth,” but over the years had were forced to release her for lack who, with husband Paul Weir, the evening on the night that he Wescott had been stabbed below become “the keeper of a sordid of evidence. have lived in Phillips over 30 was murdered, Wescott left work his left shoulder blade. The “sti- little restaurant in a sordid part of Nothing happened for seven years and together also garden to get a shave and to run some letto-like” knife had cut through the city.” Years earlier she was months. In February 1913, Jacobs with the 12th & 13th Avenue errands. He returned two hours Wescott’s shirt and vest but since known to have been the cause was arrested in Kentucky, and a Block Club, was a co-founder later without having done either. there wasn’t any corresponding of many fights between hopeful few days later confessed to killing of Phillips website pnn.org. Although the Getsman’s accounts cut in his jacket; Dr. Seashore suitors, and “she had a temper Wescott. He was brought back to See friendsofthecemetery.org of the evening’s events contra- concluded that it was probable as hot as her face was beautiful.” Minneapolis and jailed; Scotch for info on Cemetery and all of dicted each other in a number of that someone had dressed Wescott But it was her singing that was Maggie was taken into custody Sue’s Tales. small ways, they both agreed that in the jacket after he was already her claim to local fame—she was once again. Jacobs retracted his Wescott had been fine when they dead. sought after by those who wanted confession and on May 24, 1913, Fjelde Family Artists, Artisans, and Performers Works Enrich our History and Culture. The Home of Pauline

photo by Harvey Winje Fjelde is Threatened by Wrecking Ball Minneapolis, many coming to live Chicago. Both Pauline’s “Nisse” with their Aunt Pauline at 3009 and “Animal Kingdom” tapestries Park Avenue. now are in permanent collection Pauline herself left Minneapolis at the Vesterheim, the National in December of 1910 and for nearly Norwegian American Heritage two years traveled Europe study- Museum in Decorah, Iowa while ing the works and techniques of the “Hiawatha” tapestry remains the masters of her time. Her places locally in the care of a descendent of study included Copenhagen, of her sister Thomanne. Paris, Luxembourg, and of course What makes the story of Pauline . Pauline returned to Fjelde interesting is not only that Minneapolis and began creating she was a great artisan and a mem- artistic tapestries utilizing the ber of this great artistic lineage, Gobelin tapestry weaving tech- but also her accomplishments as a nique learned in Paris in which woman during her time in history. she worked from the reverse side Although her brother Jakob was of the tapestry while looking at considered famous for his time, Pauline Fjelde’s former house at 3009 Park Avenue. A delay to demolition application is being sought by community his- torian activists, to verify its historical significance, because Pauline Fjelde and many of her immigrant family made signifi- her design image placed behind reports indicate that financially cant artistic contributions to the history of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and America. her through a mirror. The image he was near destitution. Pauline Unfortunately, insensitive alterations have eliminated or concealed many of the architectural details of this very classic for the design of her famous however, capitalized on her tal- style of house so familiar in early 20th Century south Minneapolis. The removal of the full-width, front, two-story front “Hiawatha” tapestry was created ent to embroider the linens of and porches and the smaller side porches all most likely with bold, fanciful round columns and fancy wooden or wrought iron for her by the famous Danish make dresses for the upper crust railings drastically altered the relationship of the house to the street as the house now appears starkly tall and less invit- painter Brendekilede. Pauline is ladies of Minneapolis with great ing than it did with its characteristic porches. Removal of the ornate wood brackets and stucco over the the frieze board credited with incorporating the tra- financial success. Additionally beneath the roof’s eave-overhang has added to the insensitive monolithic changes. The original clapboard siding has been ditional pictorial forms of tapestry she is noted as having special- concealed by stucco resurfacing. Aluminum combination storm windows, satelite antennaes, and other modern “ameni- with the Arts and Crafts Movement ized in embroidering silk banners ties” further compromise its original beauty. Fortunately, it is possible to reverse these alterations. underway in Europe and bringing for literary and musical organiza- By Brian Finstad 3008 Park Avenue. Together, they National Opera Company in New those influences to Minnesota. A tions around the country. Utilizing A recent request for a wrecking are our own “Norwegian Betsy York City. Paul Fjelde, a son Duke University School of Law these talents, Pauline attained the permit of a Central Neighborhood Rosses” of Minnesota. of Jakob, also became a sculptor article entitled “Cultural Aspects financial means as an unmarried residence has unearthed some very If the story were to stop there, whose fame was even greater than of Immigration: Its Impact on our woman to commission the con- significant history in the story of it in itself would make an inter- his father’s. His works include a Arts and Sciences” credits Pauline struction of a large Park Avenue our city. Application has been esting anecdote of history; how- bust of Abraham Lincoln that was Fjelde’s works in its example residence designed by the firm of made to demolish the residence ever, that is really only the begin- a gift to Norway and stands in of textile handicraft. Pauline’s Boehmme and Cordella (whose at 3009 Park Avenue in order to ning. Pauline came from a fam- to this day. Other works are works have been described as other works include the Gluek create a surface parking lot for the ily of highly acclaimed artisans too numerous to mention but can truly “Norwegian-American” Building, Grain Belt Bottling neighboring commercial property. whose collective contributions to also be found at the Smithsonian. works of art in that they repre- House, and the American Swedish What has been discovered is that the arts of Norwegian American A grandson of Jakob’s translated sent “Norwegian craftsmanship Institute). Construction occurred this was the residence of Pauline heritage is unparalleled. Pauline’s the works of Ibsen into American applied to a distinctly American in 1907. This residence is adja- Fjelde, a renown seamstress, father was a renown woodcarv- English, founded the Yale Poetry subject.” The “Hiawatha” tapestry cent to the commercial district as embroider, and weaver who emi- er. Her brother, Jakob, a famous Review, and was bestowed the is reported to have taken between it served as both her home and grated from Norway to MPLS sculptor whose works include Norwegian Royal Medal of St. 10-13 years to create. Pauline’s “dressmaking and fine art embroi- in 1887. Pauline and her sister the Minnesota monument at Olaf for his contributions to the works have been displayed at dery shop” until her retirement in Thomanne together completed the Gettysburg, the Minerva sculpture arts. Jakob died at an early age the Minneapolis Institute of the 1918. This is the structure whose embroidery of the first Minnesota at the Minneapolis Public Library, when his children were quite Arts, the Walker, the Art Institute fate is currently in question. State Flag that was commissioned the Ole Bull statue in Loring young and their mother moved the of Chicago, and have toured in A special meeting was called for the Columbian Exposition in Park, and the iconic Hiawatha and family to . However, Norway. In November of 1917 by the CANDO (Neighborhood Chicago in 1893. Interestingly, Minnehaha sculpture at Minnehaha as the children came of age and Pauline’s “Animal Kingdom” tap- Fjelde Home her sister Thomanne lived directly Falls. A niece, Astrid, went on to pursued their own educations and estry was featured on the cover of see page 5 across the street from Pauline at become an opera singer with the studies in the arts they came to the bulletin of the Art Institute of Years before Studs Terkel died on October 31st, 2008, he often said that on his tombstone he wanted it written that “Curiosity didn’t kill this cat!” 5

Fjelde Home online tour of this district via from page 4 Placeography. This property lit- Organization) Housing and Land erally is the gateway property to Use Committee in order to for- future tours and this district. mulate an official Neighborhood Another aspect is that this prop- Getting to know Candice Washington a long time recommendation. Discussion not erty also tells the story of Lake only included the value of this Street. Whenever we celebrate neighbor and new Lake Street Council board member property as a historic and cul- Lake Street, we talk about immi- tural asset to our city, but also grants past and present. There is issues related to land use planning ample evidence of today’s immi- “And as we let our own life shine, we unconsciously give and the blight of the commer- grants (which is wonderful) but cial blocks immediately adjoining very little remains of the past. other people permission to do the same.” Lake Street. The neighborhood Due to its location adjacent to the –Nelson Mandela would like to see these blocks business district and in an area of become vibrant residential areas high pedestrian traffic, this prop- considered desirable to those who erty would make a very interesting wish to live in close proximity to “point of interest” to the visitor of transit and amenities. However, Lake Street as well as serve as a destabilization and blight have connection point for the visitor of occurred over time in part due Lake Street to take a self guided to encroachment of commercial tour down historic Park Avenue. expansion and surface parking. By The special CANDO Housing example, the blocks with the most meeting on December 13th was By Joyce Wisdom own every day and every minute too. Those babies are now 12 and intact residential character (such attended by 38 people who took Candice Washington is a she could. She got that job and 14 years old; and as described as Columbus) are the most stable time out of their Saturday to woman who knows the impor- then she stepped up to Support by their mother, they are bright, and viable of these blocks. attend. Of those eligible to vote tance of sharing a personal story. Coordinator in Housekeeping. brilliant and caring young people. The official City Council under CANDO bylaws, all voted in She’s quick to tell you that At this point she went back to Oh, and her mother worked at adopted Land Use plan for this favor of requesting a Designation you don’t really know a person school, working nights and school Sears! area calls for it to be a pedes- Study with the exception of Mr. until you know their story. So during the day. She got her cer- Candice sits on 4 communi- trian and transit oriented district James Schoffman, applicant of that’s how we started sharing tificate in half the time typically ty boards including Lake Street and specifically recommends “Off the wrecking permit. This rec- tales one day recently. Here’s required. With more education Council. She loves the hustle and Street Parking - Not Surface.” ommendation will came before what I learned about Candice and now an established reputa- bustle of Lake Street and its com- Many in the neighborhood feel the CANDO Board of Directors Washington… tion at Abbott Northwestern for munities. She says everything she that parking is a collective issue on 12/18/08 for official approv- Candice works at Abbott being a go-getter, she came to the needs is right here. of the district and as such should al. The Board forwarded the Northwestern and has since she attention of Daryl Schroeder and Candice is a woman, like so be problem solved and addressed issue to the CANDO Economic graduated from high school. She Eric Eloff, executives at Abbott many others in our communi- in a collective fashion. Although Development Committee. Under still possesses the same drive and Northwestern. They encouraged ty – the Muriels, the Janas, the these cases can seem to make HPC guidelines, only the mayor, determination she had when she her to take a role in making con- Shirleys and the Mother Atums sense on a case by case basis, the a city council member, an HPC was younger and this is the story nections for Abbott Northwestern – who so genuinely care about result of individual commercial commissioner, or an owner can of how that drive and determina- within her community. Candice the well-being of others. She rep- frontages solving their individual request a designation study of the tion helped her accomplish her lives just 6 blocks from the hos- resents the best of our commu- needs through demolition into the property. Therefore, an option for dreams. She started in the Abbott pital in Midtown Phillips. She has nity both in her work and how surrounding neighborhood results the CANDO board could be to Northwestern kitchen washing worked with her neighbors and she lives. As we left each other in lack of confidence to invest request council member Elizabeth dishes, but Candice is a woman other community leaders in both this day, we were reminded of in those immediately adjoining Glidden to request the study on who has always asked for more Midtown and West Phillips for a Nelson Mandela quote: “And blocks as well as degradation of behalf of the wide spread support responsibility and always risen to almost a decade now. as we let our own life shine, we the overall residential character of the neighborhood recommen- the task when given responsibil- She’s proud of every job she unconsciously give other people of those blocks. It should also dation. ity. She learned everything there has held at Abbott Northwestern permission to do the same.” be said that many in the neigh- In summary, this house is about was about that kitchen, taking and the opportunities they have borhood do not see the interests more than a woman who could on lead cook responsibilities and brought her, including a home Joyce Wisdom has led the Lake of the commercial district and sew. And it is not only about our looking for the next opportunity. loan program that allowed her to Street Council as Executive residential blocks needing to be state flag. It’s about an entire fam- Seven years out of high school buy her home. This program and Director since 2004. Joyce seen at odds with each other but ily of artisans whose contributions she had her first child, a beauti- others have allowed Candice and engages, serves, and represents rather envision that a healthy and to Norwegian American heritage ful daughter. Candice looked at her neighbors to build greater the Lake Street business commu- respected boundary between what is unparalleled. It is about the her child and knew she had to stability in our neighborhood. nity from the Mississippi River is commercial and what is residen- travel of art forms, techniques, and reach farther for herself and her Candice knows what it means to to Lake Calhoun. Joyce lives in tial could lead to vibrant neighbor- influences between continents and family. She wanted to show her her and to others to have a reli- Longfellow Neighborhood and hood blocks supporting vibrant across oceans. It is about the story children opportunity was there able, safe and secure place to lay also serves on the Mpls. Public neighborhood businesses. of immigrant settlement along if you asked and knew she had you head. Art Advisory Committee. Another consideration is that Lake Street. It is about the history to make that opportunity for her- You might say Candice Park Avenue embodies a wealth of Park Avenue. It is about wom- self. There was an opening in Washington is everything Abbott of architecture and fascinat- en’s history. It is about respect- Admitting that required typing Northwestern is about…she was ing historical stories along its ing our future land use planning proficiency, but Candice had born there, she met her husband entire length through the Central and wish to create vibrant resi- never typed. So she got herself there and both her children were Spanish Classes Neighborhood. Although not an dential blocks adjoining the busi- a typewriter and practiced on her born there – she now has a son at Mercado Central $90/6wks officially a designated district, in ness district. The significance of All levels. 612-728-5480 the summer of 2008, the Heritage this property transcends beyond [email protected] Preservation Commission spon- Minneapolis to state, national, Home Based Business Fair sored a first ever Historic Park and arguably international signifi- By Joyce Wisdom Avenue Walking Tour entitled cance. But also, it is a part of the Home Based Business Fair to be held on Saturday, January 31 “From Queen Annes to Classical heritage of the Midtown area and from 10am to 1 pm at the Midtown Global Market. It will give you a Revivals: The Stories of Park the Central Neighborhood. It is terrific chance to network with the home based business community Avenue and its People.” This thor- our heritage. as we network amongst ourselves. oughly researched and narrated Brian Finstad is a resident of Areas of interest include: tour set records in attendance and Central Neighborhood • How to Get a Good Start on Your Work Day - we’ll have yoga is planned to be repeated again instructors and life coaches available in the future. Additionally, the • Bookkeeping, Accounting and Taxes - we’ll have representatives NEIGHBORHOOD state Historical Society has an from the IRS • We have asked local business supplies and services providers to NIGHTS Every Thursday 5 TO 8 pm join us - Office Max, Target and Kinko’s | 3440 Bloomington Ave. There will be info about local tech support, legal services, home Join us for dinner specials, free live music, and more! Powderhorn park office design, guerrilla marketing, local print media, database man- minneapolis agement, website design and maintenance, printing, graphic design, Upcoming Events: m-f 6:30-6 signage, insurance and financial management Martin Luther King Day sat 7-5 • sun 7:30-5 Hourly drawings at 11, 12 and 1 Monday, January 19 ­­Interested in tabling at this event? No charge for presenting your 729-5627 Chinese New Year service or wares, but you must bring your own table, chair(s) if need- Friday, January 30 Or g a n i c & ed and approved visual attractive display (no handwritten signs). Call or email today to be part of this event: Global Soup Cook-off Fa i r Tr a d e Coff e e 612-822-0232 Saturday, January 31 FREE Wireless Internet [email protected] midtownglobalmarket.org

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