HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-10 HPC Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
HERITAGE PRESERVATIONCOMMISSION
7:00 P.M Thursday, May 10, 2018
LOCATION: CITY HALL
If Council Chambers is not ready, we will meet in the Maplewood Room at City
Hall. To access the Maplewood Room, use the door to the right of the main entry
(walk around the corner of the building).
A.CALL TO ORDER
B.ROLL CALL
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.April 12, 2018
E.NEW BUSINESS
1.Oath of Office for Boulay and Cardinal
2.Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1.GladstoneSavanna Interpretive Signage
2.Local Designation for Ramsey County Poor Farm Cemetery
G.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
1.Updates on History Videos
I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
J.ADJOURNMENT
RULES OF CIVILITY FOR THE CITY COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND OUR COMMUNITY
Following are rules of civility the City of Maplewood expects of everyone appearing at Commission Meetings - elected
officials, staff and citizens. It is hopedthat by following these simple rules, everyone’s opinions can be heard and
understood in a reasonable manner. We appreciate the fact that when appearing at Commission meetings, it is
understood that everyone will follow these principles:
Speak only foryourself, not for other Commissionmembers or citizens - unless specifically tasked by your
colleagues to speak for the group or for citizens in the form of a petition.
Show respect during comments and/or discussions, listen actively and do not interrupt or talk amongst each other.
Be respectful of the process, keeping order and decorum. Do not be critical of Commissionmembers, staff or
others in public.
Be respectful of each other’s timekeeping remarks brief, to the point and non-repetitive.
D1
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
7:00p.m., Thursday, April12, 2018
Fire Station 2, 1955 Clarence Street, Maplewood MN
A.CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission was held at Maplewood Fire Station 2
and called to order by ChairBoulayat 7:00 p.m.
B.ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Commissioner LeonAxtman Present
ChairPeter Boulay Present
Commissioner Bob Cardinal Present
Vice ChairRichard Currie Present
Commissioner Margaret Fett Present
Commissioner John Gaspar Present
Commissioner Frank Gilbertson Present
Staff
Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor Present
Communications Manager, Joe Sheeran Present
C.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Vice ChairCurriemade a motion to approve the agenda.
Seconded by CommissionerAxtman Ayes – All
The motion passed.
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.March 8,2018, HPC Meeting Minutes
Vice ChairCurriemade a motionto approve the minutes from the March
8,2018, HPC Meeting.
Seconded by CommissionerAxtman Ayes – All
The motion passed.
E.NEW BUSINESS
1.Gladstone SavannaEvent
Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, updated the commission on the
plans for the Gladstone Savanna Event.
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
D1
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
7:00p.m., Thursday, April12, 2018
Fire Station 2, 1955 Clarence Street, Maplewood MN
F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1.Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Signage
Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, reviewed the first draft of four
Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Signs with the commission.
2.Gladstone Shops History Video
ChairBoulaymade a motionto approve the video worksheet.
Seconded by CommissionerGaspar Ayes – All
The motion passed.
G.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
1.MAHS
Bob Jensen, President of the Maplewood Area Historical Society, updated the
commission on upcoming eventsat the Bruentrup Farmand research he’s been
doing on the Gladstone area.
H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
1.Update on Aerial Maps Video
Commissioner Gilbertsonupdated the commission on the progress of choosing a
topic for the second history video. The focus will be Wakefield Park.
2.Newspaper Article
Chair Boulay shared a newspaper article from 1962 with the commission.
I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
1.Update on Poor Farm Cemetery Local Designation
Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, updated the commission on the
progress of designating the Poor Farm Cemetery.
J.ADJOURNMENT
Vice ChairCurriemade a motionto adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by Commissioner Gilbertson Ayes – All
The motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:17PM.
Next meeting isMay10, 2018
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
E1
State of Minnesota )
County of Ramsey ) SS
City of Maplewood )
I, Peter Boulay, do solemnly swearthat I will supportthe Constitution of the United States andof
the State of Minnesota and faithfully discharge the duties of the office ofCommissioner of the Heritage
Preservation Commissioninthe City of Maplewood,in the County of Ramsey and the State of Minnesota, to
the best of my judgment andability. So help me God.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this
th
10day of May 2018
___________________________________________ __________________________________________
Virginia Gaynor Peter Boulay
Liaison Heritage Preservation Commission
E1
State of Minnesota )
County of Ramsey ) SS
City of Maplewood )
I, Robert Cardinal, do solemnly swearthat I will support the Constitution of the United States and of
the State of Minnesota and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Commissioner of the Heritage
Preservation Commissionin the City of Maplewood, in the County of Ramsey andthe State of Minnesota, to
the best of my judgment andability. So help me God.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this
th
10day of May 2018
___________________________________________ __________________________________________
Virginia Gaynor Robert Cardinal
Liaison Heritage Preservation Commission
E2
MEMORANDUM
TO: Heritage Preservation Commission
FROM:Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Staff Liaison
DATE:May 10, 2018
SUBJECT:Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
The Heritage PreservationCommission (HPC) ordinance requires that the HPC chairperson and
vice-chairperson be elected by the commission at the May meeting of each year from among
the members of the commission.
The chairperson shall be responsible for calling and presiding over all meetings and shall be
entitled to an equal vote with other members of the commission. If the chairperson is unable to
attend a meeting, the vice-chairperson shall conductthe meeting.
Recommendation
The Commission should nominate and elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson to serve
through April 2019.
F1
MEMORANDUM
TO:Heritage Preservation Commission
FROM:VirginiaGaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison
DATE:May 10, 2018
SUBJECT:Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Signage
Introduction
Maplewood is developinginterpretive signage for Gladstone SavannaNeighborhood Preserve.
At the May2018Heritage Preservation Commission meeting, commissioners will review and
provide input on designs for four signs.
Background
Gladstone Savanna Neighborhood Preserve is a 24-acre park and preservemanaged by
Maplewood’s Parks and Recreation Department. It was formerly the site of the Gladstone Shops
of theSt. Paul and Duluth Railroad. The Master Plan for the site was approved by City Council
in 2011andcelebrates the site’s industrial history andMaplewoodnatural resources. Park
improvements includetrails, soil remediation, landscaping, sitting areas, aplayground, and
prairie restoration.
The Master Plan calls forinterpreting historic and natural resources at the preserve. In
September 2016, the HPC approved the Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Sign Plan. The City
subsequently hiredJeremy Nienow of Nienow Cultural Consultants LLCto develop text and
prepare images for the interpretive trail. The HPC approved the text for the signs at the May
2017 HPCmeeting. The City has hired graphic designer Chris Johnson for the final phase of the
sign project: graphic design, fabrication, and installation of eight interpretive signs and one
playground element.
Discussion
The HPC reviewed four of the eight interpretive signs at the April 2018 HPC meeting:
1.Gladstone Shops Historic Panel (south trail)
2.East Entrance Nature Panel
3.Well Historic Panel
4.Well Nature Panel
The four remaining signs will be reviewed at the May meeting.A map showing sign locations is
attached (Attachment 1).Preliminary designs for the four remaining signs are attached for
review (Attachment 2):
1.A History of Change (Center entrance on Frost), 72”x15”
2.Building the Skally (roundabout sitting area), 72”x15”
3.Shifting Water from Problemto Asset (stormwater wall), 24”x36”
4.Restoring Prairie andSuccession (SW trail), 24”x36”
F1
The first two signs will be difficult to read on the 11”x17” hard copy. You may access these full
size in the packet posted on the HPC website: www.maplewoodmn.gov/hpc.Once open, zoom
to 100% view.
Due to a tight production schedule, this will be the HPC’s final opportunity to suggest changes
on the Gladstone signs.Staff will be happy to provide copies of the final designs once they are
completed.
Recommendation
Review designs for four of the interpretive signs.
Attachments
1.Gladstone Savanna Interpretive SignageMap
2.Designs for four signs
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F2
MEMORANDUM
TO:Heritage Preservation Commission
FROM:Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Staff Liaison
DATE:May 10, 2018
SUBJECT:DesignationRamsey CountyCemetery
Introduction
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is responsible for recommending sites to
designate as Maplewood Heritage Landmarks or to be nominatedto the National Register of
Historic Places. At the January 11, 2018 HPC meeting, commissioners approved working on
designation for the Ramsey County Cemetery, which is north of the Ramsey County Poor Farm
Barn.
Discussion
A committee includingChair Boulay, Commissioner Gaspar, Commissioner Gilbertson, Bob
Jensen, and Ginny Gaynormet twice and has prepared the attached nomination form
(Attachment 1). Commissioners shallreview the application for accuracy andcompleteness.
Next steps in the process include:
1.HPC approves nomination form
2.County staff reviewsapplication and approvesmoving forward
3.Ramsey County Board of Commissioners review (approval required to continue)
4.Maplewood public hearing
5.Maplewood City Council review
If there are changes along the way, those would go back to the HPC for approval, prior to
recommendation to City Council.
Recommendation
HPC shall review the Heritage Landmark Nomination Formfor Ramsey County Cemeteryand
make a recommendation.
Attachments
1.Heritage Landmark Nomination From
F2, Attachment 1
Maplewood Heritage Landmark
Nomination Form
Maplewood’s Heritage Landmark program honors sites and structures in the city that are historically significant.
Eligible properties must meet the following requirements:
1.Are at least 50 years old.
2.Meet at least one of the eligibility criteria in #7 below.
3.Are in habitable condition (if a building).
4.Have one or more of the elements of integrity (in Attachment 1) that enable the property to convey its
significance.
Please complete this application and submit it to: Virginia Gaynor, Maplewood Parks and Recreation Department,
1902 County Road B East, Maplewood, MN 55109. An electronic version may be sent
to Virginia.gaynor@maplewoodmn.gov
.
If you have questions or need help completing this form, please contact Virginia Gaynor, 651-249-
2416, Virginia.gaynor@maplewoodmn.gov
.
1.Name of Property: ___Ramsey County Cemetery_________________________________________
2.Location
Street and number: ____2020 White Bear Avenue________________________________________
Maplewood , MN ZIP: ___55109_________
3.Property Owner:
Name: _____Ramsey County
Address: ____ 2015 Van Dyke St
City/State/ZIP: __Maplewood, MN 55109_____________________________
4.Classification
Public building Number of resources on property
Private site Contributing Noncontributing
structure ____0______ _______________ buildings
_____0_____ _______________ other structures
archeological
site
2.45 acre site
5.Function or Use: (single family home, church, business, etc.): ___Cemetery, Heritage Park__________
6.Brief Description:
In 1894, the Ramsey County Board of Control set aside land for a cemetery adjacent to the Ramsey County
Poor Farm. For the next 30 years, wards from the Poor Farm and people who died in Ramsey County and
could not afford a burial were interred here. Graves were marked with wooden stakes. Nearly 3000 people
1
F2, Attachment 1
were buried here before the county stopped using the Cemetery in 1923. No markers or above ground
structures from the Cemetery remain. But the graves retain intact below ground. A Management Plan for the
site was adopted in 2001 to ensure protection of the site and in May 2001 the site was designated Ramsey
County’s first Heritage Park. Today the site has open rolling hills with prairie grasses and mature oaks. A trail,
benches, entry monuments, and an interpretive sign are the only amenities. The adjacent Ramsey County
Poor Farm Barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
7.Eligibility Criteria this site meets (check all that apply)
The property is associated with significant events or period that exemplifies broad patterns of
cultural, political, economic or social history.
The property is associated with a person or group that has significantly contributed to the
history, culture or development of the city, state, or nation.
The property’s character, interest or value is part of the history or cultural heritage of the city,
state, or nation.
The property embodies distinctive characteristics of an architectural or engineering type or style,
or elements of design, detail materials, method of construction, or craftsmanship.
The propertyexemplifies the work of master builders, engineers, designers, artists, craftsmen or
architects.
The property has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or
history.
The property’s unique location or physical characteristic represents an established or familiar
visual feature of a neighborhood or community.
The property exemplifies a landscape design or development pattern distinguished by
innovation, rarity, uniqueness or quality of design or detail.
8.Historic context (check all that apply, see Maplewood’s Historic Context Study for more information)
Native American and Early Settlement
Agriculture and Farming
Transportation: Wagon Wheels, Iron Rails, and Automobiles
Cultural Life: Religion, Social Activities, Tourism, and Recreation
Civic Life (schools, city services)
Commerce and Industry
ResidentialArchitecture
9.Explain why this site should be protected through designation as a Heritage Landmark (above and beyond
questions of significance addressed elsewhere).
Over the years, the Ramsey County Cemetery has seen disturbances with a pipeline corridor in the 1930’s,
road construction of White Bear Avenue in the 1920’s, 1960’s and 1980’s, recreational horseshoe pits in the
1950’s, a race track in the 1950’s and various auto related events in the 1970’s. In recent times the Cemetery
was an overflow site for parking during the Ramsey County Fair.
In 2001, Ramsey County adopted a Management Plan for the Ramsey County Cemetery, designated it a
Ramsey County Heritage Park, and added a trail, benches, and interpretive sign. These activities helped
tremendously to secure the site. Designation as a Maplewood Heritage Landmark will further protect the site
by requiring review by Maplewood’s Heritage Preservation Commission if construction is ever proposed. In
addition, it will help create public awareness of the Cemetery and its very unique history.
F2, Attachment 1
AdditionalDocuments Attached
1.Map showing parcellocation
2.Ariel and parcel map
3.Ramsey County Cemetery - Narrative
4.Chronology
5.Page Listing Buriels
6.Architectural History Survey /Inventory of structures on site
7.Narrative Statement of Significance
8.Level of Significance
9.Narrative Statement of Integrity
10.Photographs (with captions)
11.Bibliographic references
3
F2, Attachment 1
Signatures and Review
10.Form Prepared by: _Maplewood Heritage Preservation Commission, Bob Jensen, Ginny Gaynor
11.Owner’s signature. With this signature, the owner submits the application.
_________________________________________________ ________________________
Signature Date
12.Review and Recommendation by HPC:
Date reviewed by HPC: __________________________________
Recommended for Designation
Not Recommended for Local Designation. Explain:
13.Review and Recommendation by Ramey County Board of Commissioners:
Date reviewed: __________________________________
Recommended for Designation
Not Recommended for Local Designation. Explain:
14.Review and Decision by Maplewood City Council
Date reviewed: __________________________________
Recommended for Designation
Not Recommended for Local Designation. Explain:
15.State Historic Preservation Officer Review
4
F2, Attachment 1
1.Map showing parcel location
5
F2, Attachment 1
2.Aerial and Parcel Map
Note: There is discrepancy in the actual size and boundaries of the Cemetery. Originally five acres were
to be set aside, but boundaries were not marked. For practical purposes, the Management Plan
prepared by Vogel identifies it as the 2.45 parcel above and the Heritage Park boundaries coincide with
this parcel. The Heritage Landmark would also use these boundaries.
6
F2, Attachment 1
3.The Ramsey County Cemetery - Narrative
Throughout Minnesota in the nineteenth century, counties cared for the poor and aged by placing
them on poor farms, where both animals and crops were raised. In 1885, Ramsey County moved its
poor farm to Section 14, New Canada Township (where the present day Ramsey Care Center is
located.)
Care for the poor proved to be quite expensive. The Ramsey County Board of Control was looking for
ways to save money at a meeting in 1894. They noted that it cost the county several hundred dollars
per year to bury paupers at a cemetery off-site. On April 2, 1894, they decided to set aside a potters’
field cemetery north of the main Poor Farm buildings, near the Wisconsin Central Railroad tracks and
White Bear Avenue. For the next 30 years, people who died in Ramsey County were buried there, if
no one claimed the body.
A road was graded so the horse-drawn hearse could get though the hilly pasture. The road that this
hearse took is still visible today in the shadow of the massive brick barn. The graves were dug by
hand and marked with wooden stakes. The Management Plan prepared by Vogel Peopleindicates
the Cemetery was laid out in a grids of individual plots with compact spacing and east-facing
orientation. However, there were no headstones and Vogel indicates “the Ramsey County Cemetery
was for all intents and purposes a mass grave of unmarked burials.” People couldn’t be buried
during the winter because of the frozen ground. Instead, corpses in caskets were stored in a cave-
like place at the farm and allowed to be frozen by Mother Nature. The cave was near the piggery to
mask the smell when the spring thaw came.
Cemetery records indicate 2991 people were buried at the Ramsey County Cemetery. Demographics
provided in Ramsey County’s Forgotten Cemetery (1998 Park GenealogicalBooks) indicate:
About 1/3 were infants (162 stillborn, 187 died from starvation or malnutrition)
Just over 100 were unidentified bodies
2037 males and 854 females
87 people of color
Leading cause of death for adults: tuberculosis (287), pneumonia (142), heart disease (139),
kidney disease (60), cancer (51), and bronchitis (30)
54 drownings, 29 suicides, 23 deaths from gunshot wounds, 3 homicides
700 US born, 136 from Germany, 138 from Sweden, 65 from Ireland, 62 from Norway, and
other countries include Poland, Austria, England, Italy, France, Russia, Canada, and Denmark
In 1921, Ramsey County Commissioner Carr led an attempt to close the Cemetery. He said. “There
has always been a terrible, but natural horror on the part of the unfortunate wards of the county at
the idea of being of buried in the so-called ‘Potter’s Field.’ In recognition of that fact we have
changed the name to the ‘Ramsey County Cemetery’ and done all that can be done to make said
cemetery as free from any sense of stigma as possible. We found it impossible to do away with the
feeling on the part of our wards that it is a tragedy to be buried in a plot of ground given wholly to
the burial of such unfortunates.” Commissioner Carr then proposed that $6,000 be set aside to bury
the poor in whatever cemetery they chose. Opposition arose, and the plan did not pass.
Carr’s plan to close the Cemetery did not end there. On August 28, 1923, the Commissioners noted
that it cost $5 to bury children in the Cemetery and $12 for adults. They considered that insufficient
7
F2, Attachment 1
for a decent burial. This amounted to $2,400 a year. It was decided that $7,500 would be budgeted
for a burial at a cemetery according to the denomination of the poor person. It was also decided to
cease burials at the Ramsey County Cemetery. No mention was made on what to do with the nearly
3,000 people buried there. The resolution passed unanimously.
The county stopped using the Cemetery in December 1923. The old potters’ field was quickly
forgotten, except for one grave. Conrad Samuelson cared for the grave of his friend, John Dahl who
died in 1924. This was the only marked grave in the Cemetery after it was abandoned.Samuelson
built amakeshift memorial with old bricks and flowers, and placed two spruce trees in the middle.
When Samuelson died, one of his wishes was that he could be buried next to his friend. He wasn’t.
He was buried on June 29, 1936 at Elmhurst Cemetery, on Dale and Larpenteur.
The old Cemetery seems to turn up whenever a project disturbs the ground at the site. When the
Ramsey County Horseshoe Courts improved their grounds, human remains were found. When the
Williams Pipeline was dug along the railroad tracks, bones were found and caused great excitement
among the workers. They were disappointed to learn that they had just uncovered the northern
fringe of the potters’ field.
The Cemetery property was set aside as a Ramsey County Heritage Park in 2001. It is today a mix of
prairie field and trees. The hearse road is still there too, if one knows where to look.
4.Chronology
April 30, 1885
“The Ramsey County Commissioners recently decided to purchase a tract of 160 acres in New
Canada Township for use as a poor farm. The price of the same is $15,000”
Source: The Northern Pacific Farmernewspaper of the same date, also St Paul Daily Globe of same
date.
1885
Ramsey County moved its poor farm to Section 14 in New Canada Township. The old site was sold to
the Minnesota Agricultural Society and became the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. A new 3-story,
brick main building was constructed on the 160-acre new site that could house 135 inmates.
Source: History, MAHS 2013.0001.0037 also, Newspaper, St Paul Globe, July 27, 1902
1885 –87
More than a dozen buildings for farm operations were built on the new site including a wood frame
barn.
Source: Magazine, MAHS 2014.0001.0107
April 2, 1894
“A section of the Ramsey County poor farm is to be devoted to the internment of paupers, as it costs
the County several hundred dollars per annum to bury elsewhere. So said the County
Commissioners at the meeting last Monday.”
Source: Newspaper, MAHS 2015.0001.0108
April 2
, 1894
F2, Attachment 1
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners set aside a potter’s field north of the main farm
buildings for indigents who could not pay for their own burial. It was designated as the Ramsey
County Cemetery and was established as being less-expensive than paying for burials in other
cemeteries.
Source: Report, MAHS 2012.0009.0493
1895
The County Board directed the County Surveyor to “lay off five acres” for the cemetery.
Source: Report, MAHS 2012.0009.0493
April 3, 1900
County Commissioners state that all paupers must be buried at the Poor Farm cemetery.
Source: Newspaper article, MAHS 2010.0008.0269
1923
A plat map shows a 2.45 acre site that became the cemetery. Burials at the cemetery were
discontinued in December of this year with at least 2,991 men, women and children buried here. A
record of burials is in “Ramsey County’s Forgotten Cemetery”, MAHS 2013.0001.0037
Source: Report, MAHS 2012.0009.0493 and Magazine, MAHS 2014.0001.0107
April 28, 1930
At present, inmates who die at the county farm are buried at county expense, usually without
services and without the presence of friends. The county contracts with an individual undertaker for
these burials at $45.00 each.
Source: Daily News, April 28, 1930
1957
Horseshoe courts were built north of the barn and work began on a golf course over the easterly 2/3
of the farm. The course was named Goodrich after County Commissioner Harold Goodrich who was
in charge of the building program.
Source: Newspaper of December 2, 1959
2001
he Ramsey County Heritage Park was established to commemorate the Cemetery
T
Source: Photo,
F2, Attachment 1
5.Page Listing Burials
Burials at the Ramsey County Cemetery were recorded chronologically in two books. Below is a one-
page excerpt from a compilation of that information.
6.Architectural History Survey /Inventory of structures on site.
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F2, Attachment 1
There are no historic structures on this site. At least 2991 people were buried at the Ramsey County
Cemetery and most of those graves are intact below ground. The graves were once marked with
wooden stakes. The Management Plan prepared by Vogel includes a photograph of a cemetery row
marker with the inscriptions “R. 66/ S. 1”, which was discovered during construction of the sidewalk
along White Bear Avenue.
7.Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain which eligibility criteria in #7 above apply and why)
a.The property is associated with significant events or period that exemplifies broad patterns of
cultural, political, economic or social history. The Ramsey County Cemetery chronicles the state
of the forgotten, poor and old in some of the formative years of Minnesota. It shows how the
County related to the people of that time that could not cover the expense of burial. It also
demonstrates how people’s attitudes toward the poor changed over the 35 years the Cemetery
was used for burials. The County’s desire for low cost burials, later shifted to providinga
respectable burial since there was stigma with being buried in the County Cemetery.
b.The property is associated with a person or group that has significantly contributed to the history,
culture or development of the city, state, or nation.The Cemetery is adjacent to the Ramsey
County Poor Farm Barn, a historic site that that is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. Many residents of the Poor Farm were buried at the Cemetery. Their lives are an
important chapter in Minnesota’s history, showing how the county and the state addressed
poverty in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
c.The property’s character, interest or value is part of the history or cultural heritage of the city,
state, or nation.The Ramsey County Cemetery is an important part of city, county, and state
history. It relates to many issues relevant today.
1.Ramsey County Cemetery is part ofan important immigration and welfare story for the
city and the state.Because the Cemetery was not linked with a specific religion or church
it has symbolic significance tying it to an era of immigration and diversity. The struggles
that families and individuals incurred elicit strong emotions and contribute to the broader
patterns of immigration in Minnesota History.
2.Minnesota and the Twin Cities have often ledthe country in health care trends. The
period from 1895 to 1923 was no different. From a medical and sociological perspective,
the Cemetery is important because it mirrors the transition of healthcare from home care
to hospital care. Subsequently over the span of the Cemetery’s use, an increasing
number of burials resulted from deaths in the hospital. St. Paul hospitals such as Regions
(formerly City and County Hospital and Ancker Hospital), Midway (formerly Cobb
Hospital) and Bethesda are represented (Source: 1998 Park Genealogical Books, Roseville,
Minnesota). This is an important tie to significant institutions within St. Paul, Maplewood,
and Ramsey County.
3.Remembering history and understanding how Minnesota and Ramsey County treatedless
prosperous individuals provides context for current public policy decisions.
d.The property has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
As many as 2991 people are buried at the Cemetery. Technological advances could yield historic
information without disturbing the site. Questions remain about whether all the graves are
F2, Attachment 1
individual, whether any stone row markers remain underground, and the full extent of the burial
site.
8.Level of Significance.Indicate significance of the site for any of the following that apply and explain
why.
a.Neighborhood. Since 1895, the Ramsey County Cemetery has been a part of
neighborhood history. It was perhaps most significant for its association with the Ramsey
County Poor Farm, which encompassed 160 acres of land in its early years, with several
structures, and thus held a prominent place in the neighborhood landscape.
b.City of Maplewood. The Ramsey County Cemetery is significant to Maplewood as a
reminder of the lessons from this time in history.
c.Ramsey County. The Ramsey County Cemetery is probably most significant at the county
level, chronicling how the County provided for the poor that couldn’t afford burial.
d.Minnesota. The Ramsey County Cemetery is an important part of the history of how
Minnesota took care of the poor.
e.National. The Ramsey County Poor Farm Barn is on the National Register of Historic
Places. Being adjacent to the Poor Farm and the burial site for many of its residents, the
Cemetery may have national significance.
9.Narrative Statement of Integrity. Integrity refers to the ability of a property to convey its
significance.
a.Location. This is the original site of the Ramsey County Cemetery so it retains integrity of
location.
b.Design. Evidence of the former hearse road is still visible on the landscape but no historic
above ground structures remain on the site. It is believed below ground the graves
remain intact in their original locations. Integrity of design is retained.
c.Setting. The site is rolling hills with prairie grasses and wildflowers and mature oak trees,
reflecting the pre-settlement landscape. The Cemetery provides the sense of open space
that it would have had historically. The site today conveys the sense of settingand thus
has integrity of setting.
d.Materials. Not applicable. The graves are intact below ground, but there are no
structures marking rows or grave sites.
e.Workmanship. Not applicable.
f.Feeling. The site has integrity of feeling. The site’s historic character is provided by the
open landscape. While no gravestones are present, a monument and interpretive sign
inform the visitor this is a Cemetery and visitors walking through the site can imagine
what the Cemetery was once like.
g.Association. The site has integrity of association. Burials of the poor occurred on the site
and the while no gravestones are present the site is intact enough to convey that this is a
Cemetery.
F2, Attachment 1
10.Photographs
Monument marker at Cemetery entrance
Grave site of John Dahl, which was landscaped and tended to by his friend Conrad Samuelson
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F2, Attachment 1
View from the north end of the Cemetery looking south
Grading of White Bear Avenue with Cemetery to the right
14
F2, Attachment 1
The hearse road at the Cemetery
11.Bibliographic references
Bakeman, Mary. Ramsey County’s Forgotten Cemetery, Introduction by Peter Boulay and Richard
Pommier Swanson. Maplewood MN: Park Genealogical Books, 1998.
Boulay, Pete, A Roof Over Their Heads: A History of the Ramsey County Poor Farm, in Ramsey County
History, vol. 35 (2000), pp 13-19.
Jensen, Robert, Chronology of Ramsey County Poor Farm, Cemetery and Nursing Home.
Karlson, Karl J., Potter’s Field, St. Paul Pioneer Press, 1999.
Vogel, Robert C. Ramsey County Cemetery Historic Site Management Plan, 2001.
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