HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-14 HPC Packet
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
HERITAGE PRESERVATIONCOMMISSION
7:00 P.M Thursday, June 14, 2018
A.CALL TO ORDER
B.ROLL CALL
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.May 10, 2018
E.NEW BUSINESS
1.Oath of Office for Boulay
2.Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1.Local Designation for Ramsey County Cemetery
G.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
1.Rush Line BRT Stations – Commissioner Axtman
2.Updates on History Videos
I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
1.View Video Clips from Jackson Street Roundhouse
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 hoped that 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 for yourself, 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, May 10, 2018
Maplewood Room,1830 County Road B East, Maplewood MN
A.CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission was held in theMaplewood Roomand
called to order by Vice ChairCurrieat 7:00 p.m.
B.ROLL CALL
Commissioners
Commissioner LeonAxtmanPresent
ChairPeter BoulayAbsent
Commissioner Bob CardinalPresent
Vice ChairRichard Currie Present
Commissioner Margaret FettAbsent
Commissioner John GasparPresent
Commissioner Frank GilbertsonPresent
Staff
Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny GaynorPresent
C.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
made a motion to approve the amended agenda.
CommissionerCardinal
Seconded by CommissionerGilbertson Ayes – All
The motion passed.
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.April12,2018, HPC Meeting Minutes
CommissionerAxtmanmade a motionto approve the minutes from the April
12,2018, HPC Meeting.
Seconded by CommissionerCardinal Ayes – All
The motion passed.
E.NEW BUSINESS
1.Oath of Office for Cardinal
Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, swore in Commissioner Cardinal
for an additional term on the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
D1
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
7:00p.m., Thursday, May 10, 2018
Maplewood Room,1830 County Road B East, Maplewood MN
2.Election of Chair and Vice Chair
CommissionerGasparmade a motionto table the election until a full commission
is present.
Seconded by CommissionerCardinal Ayes – All
The motion passed.
F.UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1.Gladstone Savanna Interpretive Signage
CommissionerGasparmade a motionto approve the interpretive sign designs.
Seconded by CommissionerAxtman Ayes – All
The motion passed.
2.Local Designation for Ramsey County Poor Farm Cemetery
CommissionerCardinalmade a motionto make changes to the application and bring
back to the commission for approval.
Seconded by CommissionerAxtman 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 Farm.
H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
1.Updateon History Videos
Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynorupdated the commission on the
progress of creating history videos.
2.St. Paul Historic Ordinance
Vice Chair Currieshared information from a newspaper article with the
commission regarding a newSt. Paul Historic Ordinance.
I.STAFF PRESENTATIONS
1.BRT
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes
D1
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
7:00p.m., Thursday, May 10, 2018
Maplewood Room,1830 County Road B East, Maplewood MN
Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, let commission members know
that the City is looking for a volunteer to represent the commission atstation
working groupmeetingsfor the Rush Line Bus Rapid Transit.
2.Summer Meetings
Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, asked commission members to
communicate if there are any meetings over the summer that they will not be
able to attend.
J.ADJOURNMENT
CommissionerAxtmanmade a motionto adjourn the meeting.
Seconded by Commissioner GasparAyes – All
The motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
Next meeting isJune 14, 2018
Thursday, May 10, 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
14day of June2018
___________________________________________ __________________________________________
Virginia Gaynor Peter Boulay
Liaison Heritage Preservation Commission
E2
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date June 14, 2018
REPORT TO:
Heritage Preservation Commission
REPORT FROM:Virginia Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Staff Liaison
PRESENTER:
Virginia Gaynor
AGENDA ITEM:Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Action Requested:MotionDiscussionPublic Hearing
Form of Action:ResolutionOrdinanceContract/AgreementProclamation
Policy Issue:
Maplewoodordinance requires that the Heritage Preservation Commission(HPC) elect a chair and
vice-chairat the May meeting of each year.At the May 2018 meeting, commissioners postponed
voting until the full commission was present.
Recommended Action:
Elect a chair and a vice-chair.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact?NoYes, the true or estimated cost is
Financing source(s):Adopted BudgetBudget ModificationNew Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other:
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
The HPC is a forum for residents to voice their opinions and to guide and have an impact on how
Maplewood addresses historic preservation.
Background
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 conduct the meeting.
Attachments
None
F1
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSIONSTAFF REPORT
Meeting Date June 14, 2018
REPORT TO:
Heritage Preservation Commission
REPORT FROM:Virginia Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Staff Liaison
PRESENTER:
Virginia Gaynor
AGENDA ITEM:Local Designation for Ramsey County Cemetery
Action Requested:MotionDiscussionPublic Hearing
Form of Action:ResolutionOrdinanceContract/AgreementProclamation
Policy Issue:
The Heritage Preservation Commission(HPC)will consider approval of the Nomination Form for
designating the Ramsey County Cemetery a Maplewood Heritage Landmark.
Recommended Action:
Motion to approve the nomination form for designating the Ramsey CountyCemeterya Maplewood
Heritage Landmark.
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact?NoYes, the true or estimated cost is
Financing source(s):Adopted BudgetBudget ModificationNew Revenue Source
Use of Reserves Other:
Strategic Plan Relevance:
Financial SustainabilityIntegrated CommunicationTargeted Redevelopment
Operational EffectivenessCommunity InclusivenessInfrastructure & Asset Mgmt.
Designation of the Ramsey County Cemetery will help protect and will bring attention to an
important historic resource.
Background
At the May 2018 HPC meeting, commissioners reviewed the draft Nomination Form for designating
Ramsey County Cemetery a Maplewood Heritage Landmark. Commissioners requested staff make
minor changes and bring the Nomination Form back for review at the June meeting.
In addition to minor corrections, the following changes were made:
Deleted two photosthat were not of the Cemetery.
Changed text “John Dahl” to “Elmer Dahl” and his date of death to 1923.
Changed wording regarding the County stopped “using” the Cemeteryto indicate the County
stopped “burying” people there (page 2 and page 8).
F1
The next steps in the designation process are:
1.HPC approves application
2.County staff reviewsapplicationand 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.
Attachments
1.Nomination Form
F1, 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.): ___ Heritage Park, Cemetery_________
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
F1, Attachment 1
were interred here by December 1923 when the county stopped burying people in this Cemetery. 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 property exemplifies 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.
F1, Attachment 1
AdditionalDocuments Attached
1.Map showing parcel location
2.Ariel and parcel map
3.Ramsey County Cemetery - Narrative
4.Chronology
5.Page Listing Burials
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
F1, 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
F1, Attachment 1
1.Map showing parcel location
5
F1, 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 theHeritage Park boundaries coincide with
this parcel. The Heritage Landmark would also use these boundaries.
6
F1, 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
peryear to bury paupersat a cemetery off-site. On April 2, 1894, they decided to set aside a potter’s
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 indicates the
Cemetery was laid out in a grid 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 Genealogical Books) 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
F1, 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 burying people in the Cemetery in December 1923. The old potter’s field was
quickly forgotten, except for one grave. Conrad Samuelson cared for the grave of his friend, Elmer
Dahl who died in 1923. This was the only marked grave in the Cemetery after it was abandoned.
Samuelson built a makeshift 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 potter’s 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 Farmer newspaper 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
F1, 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
The Ramsey County Heritage Park was established to commemorate the Cemetery
Source: Photo,
F1, 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.
10
F1, 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 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 led the 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 aboutwhether all the graves are
F1, 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 setting and 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 while no gravestones are present, the site is intact enough to convey that this is a
Cemetery.
F1, Attachment 1
10.Photographs
Monument marker at Cemetery entrance
Grave site of Elmer Dahl, which was landscaped and tended to by his friend Conrad Samuelson
(photo taken ca. 1936).
13
F1, Attachment 1
View from the north end of the Cemetery looking south
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.
14
H1
Informational Fun Ride & Walk
Saturday, June 16, 2018 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority Right-of-Way / Bruce Vento Trail in Maplewood
Great things are happening!
SCHEDULE
Join the Rush Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project
conversation! Come enjoy a morning full of fun activities for
10:00 A.M.
GATHER
people of all ages and abilities. Members of the project team
Gather at the Bruce Vento Trail circle north
will be available to discuss possibilities for trail alignments,
of Frost Avenue
landscape design, and station area planning.
View possible design concepts for the Rush
Line BRT
Come move around and take this opportunity to learn more
Speak to members of the project team!
about the Rush Line BRT Project, to share feedback
on transit and trail design in the Ramsey County Regional
10:30 A.M.WALK or BIKE
Railroad Authority Right-of-Way (RCRRA ROW), and to visit
future station locations in Maplewood between Larpenteur
Walk south on the Bruce Vento Trail to
Avenue and Hwy 36/English Street.
the proposed Larpenteur Avenue station
area, guided by members of the project
Gather at the Bruce Vento Trail circle north of Frost Avenue.
team. (30 minute walk, round trip)
Participants arriving by motor vehicle should park at the fire
Or, hop on your bike and ride north to the
station located at 1955 Clarence Street (adjacent to the RCRRA
proposed Hwy 36/English Street station
ROW).
area, guided by members of the project team.
(20 minute ride, round trip)
11:00 A.M.SHARE FEEDBACK
Share feedback on the
walking and bicycling experience
station area design
BRT guideway design
trail features
FREE Snacks & Drinks! Rain or Shine!
Kid-Friendly Activities!
Coming? Let us know at rushline.org
Sign up for email updates. Provide comments. Ask questions. Learn more.
rushline.orginfo@rushline.org651-266-2760 facebook.com/rushline@rushlinetransit