Crystal Lake and Sacred Heart

1973 Aeration pumps, which keep water open all winter, began operation in Crystal Lake on October 22. This was after much arguing about, “what if some kid . . .” Thus began the annual migration … Read more

Cooper Retires

1965 One of the two earliest landmarks, the former First Congregational Church, was demolished on March 3rd to make room for a filling station, later occupied by Pilgrim’s Cleaners and other shops. The area had … Read more

Growing the Library

1960 Census: 16,381 (a 45% increase since 1950) The decade of the sixties included a new bank, filtration plants, the revival of Crystal Lake, the formation of the Housing Authority and another school because of … Read more

New Churches

1958 The decade of the “fifties” became famous for the building of new churches. In addition to those previously mentioned, three more must be included. On May 4, Faith Lilac Way Lutheran Church dedicated its … Read more

A Terrific Theatre

1951 The Terrace Theatre opened on May 25th, 1951. The Mid-Century Modern building designed by the architectural firm of Liebenberg & Kaplan, for movie house owners, Sydney and William Volk, won national acclaim from newspapers, … Read more

The Fabulous Fifities

1950 Census: 11,289 (an 87.6% increase since 1940) The decade of the 1950’s was busy. World War II was over. School activities were fun for all the new parents. In April, the City Council reapportioned … Read more

Triple X

1924 On January 15, 1924, Thomas Girling, age 58, died from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. As a State Representative of the 36th District and resident of Robbinsdale, he was a champion of rural … Read more

The Robbinsdale Times

1912   On the last Friday in April, Arbor Day at Parker school was celebrated with songs and recitations at morning assembly. Forty silver maple and elm trees were planted by the first grade boys … Read more

Souvenir and Sacred Heart

1911 Souvenir Robbinsdaie, published in 1911, says: “The little village has an electric light system which includes nearly all residences as well as the stores and provides arc lights for the streets. There is a … Read more