BRIDGES
In 1871, John Fadden was granted a charter to operate a ferry for 5 years to cross the Red River. It operated as a flat-bottom boat on a rope stretched between East Grand Forks, MN and Grand Forks, ND. Operators and passengers were expected to provide the labor to pull the ferry. In 1878, the ferry was replaced by a pontoon bridge. The heaviest traffic went across this bridge at the DeMers Avenue location. Captain Alex Griggs owned this bridge and used his 100X30 foot boat to open a way through for steamboats and to close up after they passed. The ferries were still used during high water. The toll to cross on the pontoon bridge was 5 cents for a person, 15 cents for a horse and buggy and 25 cents for a horse team and wagon. Two permanent bridges were constructed in 1889—The Sorlie Memorial Bridge on DeMers Avenue and another on Minnesota Avenue. This made a total of 3 bridges to cross the Red River, including the Great Northern railroad bridge constructed in 1879-1880. --information from The Sorlie Memorial Bridge 1929
GREENWAY AND INVISIBLE WALL
Running along the Red River, the Greenway Trail, which opened to the public in 2003, is 2,200 acres of beautiful open space on both sides of the river. Walking south from the Sorlie Bridge along River Street or the trail, you can look to your left and see the “Invisible” Floodwall. It is ‘invisible’ because the metal planks will only be put into place when the river reaches beyond its banks. The Greenway and the ‘Invisible’ Floodwall were designed after the 1997 Flood to move the city back from the banks of the Red River’s future flooding. It is 1040 feet long.
OLD LIBRARY SITE:
When you turn from River Street onto 3rd Avenue NW, the brick column on your right is the site of the pre-flood public library. Its 4800 sq. feet were completely destroyed by river water and debris that reached just short of the ceiling. The Library shared a parking lot with the Blue Moose, which was moved to the other side of DeMers Avenue after the flood. A new Library is on the corner of 4th Street NW and 5th Avenue NW.
POST OFFICE (NASHVILLE):
William C. Nash and his men carried mail by pony cart in the summer and huskies in the winter on the most difficult of six federally authorized Minnesota routes in 1851. By 1863, the future East Grand Forks site was a primitive trader camp called Wolf Point. The United States Postal Service set up the first post office here and named it Tillia with Nash as its postmaster. When Nash performed a marriage, probably because he was the only federal employee, between Miss Scott and Mr. Haney he did not know what to put for place. The second marriage was performed by Chaplain Woat after a 300-mile trip to officiate. When filling out the certificate he realized he didn’t know where he was either. He wrote in Nashville. The Postal Service officially renamed the Tillia Post Office Nashville June 26, 1874. On April Fool’s Day, 1883 the Post Office relocated to Postmaster Howe’s Hardware Store was officially designated East Grand Forks due in part to a petition of 80 signatures. The current Post Office was built in 1938. Ruby on the Red: East Grand Forks, Minnesota by Dr. Stephen B. Sylvester. East Grand Forks Centennial Committee East Grand Forks, Minnesota 1988. A Meeting of the Reds, Vol. 1
PROHIBITION:
North Dakota joined the United States as a dry state in 1889. Minnesota went dry in 1852 but declared it unconstitutional that same year. This benefited the economy of East Grand Forks as North Dakotans crossed the Red to quench their thirst. With over 35 named bars, saloons and gambling halls, and others known only by location, East Grand Forks entertained farmers, railroad workers, and all others passing through the area. When the stock market crashed in 1929, East Grand Forks continued high liquor sales, American Crystal remained stable, and the Northern Pacific Railroad roundhouse helped support the city’s economy. In 1937, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited East Grand Forks and Grand Forks to promote the benefits of the New Deal. The Record pointed out that “change in prohibition laws, legalization of beer, wheat and corn allotments and…the promise of a new bridge… will rank with the most momentous in world history.” East Grand Forks was ready for the change because, on April 28, 1933, New Beer’s Eve was celebrated with 3.2% beer sales for the first time, with sales topping 100,000 bottles. Two weeks later, the start of on-sale matched the excitement. Then, the 1940s arrived. In 1947, Governor Youngdahl closed all illegal bars and ended gambling in clubs and lounges in Minnesota. The goal was to create legitimate businesses to replace them. No East Grand Forks businesses closed during The Depression, but this declaration did a fair amount of damage to our city's economy. The Council’s only choices were to declare the city dry, create a municipal liquor store, or grant private licenses. The reform only allowed five licenses for hard liquor in East Grand Forks. Written on August 20th, 1947, in the Grand Forks Herald, “Each city council member had voted for their favorite tavern. Whitey’s Wonder Bar and Cafe had taken the first place, and Lealo’s Taproom, run by Roy and Leonard Powers, had won second. Laboda’s, which was operated by Joe LaBoda, took third. Some of East Grand Forks' most popular night spots were denied licenses. Ruby on the Red: East Grand Forks, Minnesota by Dr. Stephen B. Sylvester. East Grand Forks Centennial Committee East Grand Forks, Minnesota 1988. A Meeting of the Reds, Vol. 1
DeMERS AVENUE:
In the late 1930s, East Grand Forks, Minnesota, was known as the world's most neon-lit capital per square foot, thanks to its remarkable concentration of vibrant and colorful lights on DeMers Avenue. Crafted by Louis Buckner, these neon lights attracted visitors from around all over and even earned recognition from "Ripley's Believe It or Not."In 1964, city planners initiated a significant transformation in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. They called for the renovation of most buildings along the 200 and 300 blocks of DeMers and the closure of DeMers from Second to Fourth Streets. This paved the way for the construction of a pedestrian plaza, a visionary project to revitalize the city. The plan included the establishment of a medical facility and a sports center. Over the next 10 years, these plans materialized with the opening of Good Samaritan on the north side of town, the Civic Center on the north end, and the building of Sunshine Terrace in the Sherlock neighborhood to the north of downtown. DeMers Avenue remained closed to through traffic for 13 years. This closure was part of a larger urban planning initiative aimed at revitalizing the city center. When the parking lots around the mall were paved, new streetlights resembling those of the 1890s were installed, adding a touch of historical charm to the area. Finally, in 1974, the Holiday Mall opened on DeMers with White Drug as an anchor with 14 businesses. Only 1 of the 27 displaced businesses moved back into the mall. Ruby on the Red: East Grand Forks, Minnesota by Dr. Stephen B. Sylvester. East Grand Forks Centennial Committee East Grand Forks, Minnesota 1988. A Meeting of the Reds, Vol. 1
WHITEY LARSON’S WONDERBAR AND CAFÉ:
In the 1920s and 1930s, Whitey's had so many slot machines that it resembled a club in Chicago in both appearance and sound. The establishment also housed the nation's first horseshoe-shaped bar made of stainless steel, which is still in use today at Bernie's, located on the corner of DeMers Avenue and 2nd Street NW.According to a beer truck driver from that period, deliveries were usually made at back doors, including bootlegger deliveries—there were no secrets on the wet side of the Red River. Local police checked suspicious people as they crossed into dry North Dakota. After the 1997 Flood, Whitey’s was moved half a block further away from the river. Ruby on the Red: East Grand Forks, Minnesota by Dr. Stephen B. Sylvester. East Grand Forks Centennial Committee East Grand Forks, Minnesota 1988. A Meeting of the Reds, Vol. 1
STATE THEATRE
The States Theatre and Ballroom were immediately next to the northeast foot of the Sorlie Bridge, where River Street runs today. The States Theatre was the only “respectable” place a single woman or family could enjoy a good meal and entertainment during the 1920s and 1930s in downtown East Grand Forks. No liquor was served. Louis Armstrong, Artie Shaw, and Jimmy Dorsey performed at the States Theatre. The theater featured a revolving bandstand, space for two orchestras, a hardwood dance floor, and a 24-foot-high ceiling with a ventilating system that exchanged air every six minutes. It was an extraordinary venue with crystal globes and was known for serving the best barbeque beef sandwich.D.J. MacDonald owned the States Theatre, while his brother Angus ran an extensive zoo on the banks of the Red River and maintained a stable of performing horses.Ruby on the Red: East Grand Forks, Minnesota by Dr. Stephen B. Sylvester. East Grand Forks Centennial Committee East Grand Forks, Minnesota 1988. A Meeting of the Reds, Vol. 1
BLUE MOOSE BAR & GRILL
On November 6, 1998, the Blue Moose Restaurant in downtown East Grand Forks was moved from its old location by the Sorlie Bridge to a new location on Second St. NW. It was moved because the old location was on the "wet side" of the new floodwall under construction.The Blue Moose was not seriously damaged by the 1997 flood and reopened about two months later. At the new location, the Blue Moose still faces the river, but it is a block farther back from the river
RED RIVER STATE RECREATION AREA
The Sherlock Park neighborhood, located in the northern area of downtown East Grand Forks, experienced severe flooding in the late 1990s, causing significant damage and making it uninhabitable. Instead of rebuilding, the area was transformed into the Red River State Recreation Area, showcasing the community's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.It is worth noting that the campground still displays several sections with the original paved roads initially constructed for the neighborhood's residents, which reflects the area's past. This feature symbolizes the park's evolution and serves as a reminder of the community's history.
SHERLOCK FOREST PLAYGROUND
Sherlock Forest Playground, located on 4th Avenue NW in East Grand Forks, was initially designed with the help of local elementary schools and built by community volunteers with donations and grants in 2003. Unfortunately, on May 27, 2011, the playground was destroyed by fire, leaving only a portion remaining, which was devastating news for the entire community. However, the playground was rebuilt with the help of community volunteer labor, insurance, and donations. People of all ages frequent the playground and picnic shelters throughout the spring, summer, and fall each year.
RAILROADS
Northwest Minnesota faced challenges in building a positive reputation during the late 1870s. General Hazen, a scientific authority on the upper Midwest, reported in 1872 that the Red River Valley was "a barren waste." The following year, a sudden snowstorm caused the death of 70 people and left hundreds with frostbite. Ninety-four people were so severely affected that the state appropriated $5,000 for their relief. Additionally, the first of five locust swarms devastated all vegetation.However, amidst these difficulties, the train finally arrived! On October 22, 1879, at 3 p.m., the first train reached Nashville, also known as East Grand Forks. On January 13, 1880, eight flat cars successfully crossed the Red River into Grand Forks. After having only a temporary depot, the Northern Pacific finally opened an official depot in 1887. Ruby on the Red: East Grand Forks, Minnesota by Dr. Stephen B. Sylvester. East Grand Forks Centennial Committee East Grand Forks, Minnesota 1988. A Meeting of the Reds, Vol. 1
HAMM’S BREWING COMPANY DEPOT:
From 1880 until 1915, East Grand Forks looked to its liquor business for the bulk of city revenue. The Hamm’s Brewing Company of St. Paul opened an East Grand Forks cold-storage plant in 1890. They soon outgrew it and relocated to 1897 to DeMers and Fourth Street NW. In 1907, they expanded the building. In 1909 it was one of six beer depots on DeMers Avenue. The $24,000 building was the largest and only brick depot. It housed offices and the capacity to hold twenty carloads of beer. The Depot is the only building on the National Register of Historic Places located in East Grand Forks. National Archives Catalog. National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records. Minnesota SP Hamm Brewing Company Beer Depot, Ref. 84001651.
EAST GRAND FORKS CAMPBELL LIBRARY
In 1997, the library building on Second Street, around where the flood wall is currently located, was destroyed in a major flood. The building was rebuilt and opened in 2001. The library building and its contents suffered extensive damage, leading to its relocation to the Nash Park warming house on the north side of East Grand Forks. The library could continue its operations thanks to book donations nationwide. However, constructing a new facility took several years and significant funding.In 2001, the new Campbell Library opened more centrally in East Grand Forks, opposite Sherlock Park on Fourth St. NW. The building was constructed on the former A & L Potato Warehouse site, which was also affected by the 1997 flood. The new facility's design considered the area's flood risk, and the floor level was elevated by one and a half feet above the floodwater height on Second Street to prevent future damage.The library's entryway features bricks inscribed with the names of individuals or organizations who contributed to the rebuilding fund. In 2001, Katie McCleary designed and installed the "Good Friends" brick relief on the front wall of the Campbell Library.
