Flour Power

My first dry run was to St. Anthony Falls, and it was not at all what I expected. Not being particularly familiar with the milling – or hydroelectric – history of the area, I approached our first stop with a bit of wonder. Why was the Stone Arch Bridge, which I knew to be historic and lovely and all, included on this tour? Well, darn if it doesn’t go practically right over the falls, and is a preservation victory. You can see some interesting examples of where the utilities were trying to make the power lines aesthetically pleasing, as well as see where humans have over time changed the falls to better harness their power. The mighty Mississippi (can anyone type that word without singing it? I can’t without missing a p or an i) also flows below the condo project being created in the Pillsbury A Mill, from which can be seen one of the great urban vistas anywhere, as well as some pretty vertigo-producing 4-story tall flour towers. OK, I don’t think they are actually called flour towers, but it’s descriptive. You’ll be able to peer into them as I did today. Just don’t get dizzy. You will also be able to walk down the four flights of the mill and see how the flour was produced. You’ll then visit the new park that opens in June, which will allow you to get right up to the Falls. It will be spectacular, and illustrates a terrific example of creating beauty and recreation space for people from a traditionally industrial area that still works. From there, visit and snack at a beautiful Victorian home in the residential neighborhood of St. Anthony Falls Historic District, and walk to the Congregational Church. Built (as most things are in this part of town) with money from a Pillsbury, the Church was saved in creative ways by neighbors and congregants.

Here is my nomination for “Best Restroom, Field Sessions 2007”. The proprietors request that you not use the tub during your visit. This is in the sales office of the condominium project. I considered buying one, then realized it would be a heckuva commute.

~Lori