#TourAnokaCounty
Andover
First organized with the county as Round Lake Township, the name changed in 1860 to Grow Township. In 1972 they officially incorporated as the Village of Andover and in 1974 they enjoyed an upgrade from "Village" to "City."
anoka
First called Anoka by white settlers in 1853, the Dakhóta people called it Anuka, which means “on both sides of the river”. Oxen pulling carts down Main St. were not an uncommon sight. The city officially incorporated in 1878.
bethel
Back to school! As our teacher, parents, and students used remote learning during the COVID-19 shut-down, we feel a little classroom envy from the upper grade room of Bethel Village School, 1924.
blaine
Unrecognizable Blaine at the intersection of Central Ave & Main St! If we could zoom in you'd see Trost's Garage, Augustine's Store, and Doberstein Grocery. We'd need a much more time to list all the businesses there today.
centerville
Centerville royalty Honoring "Queen of the Snows" Martha Dupis, 1942. Also featuring Centerville's "Ice Castle," with ice harvested from Centerville Lake. Mayor Joe LaCasse, Princess Joan Burque, King Bareous, Prince Jim LaValle.
circle pines
A closer look at the fire department for Circle Pines fussing with the civil defense (now severe weather) sirens. Undated, but hopefully not the 1st Wednesday of the month!
columbia heights
In 1906 Thomas Lowry purchased Lincoln's Funeral Car as an attraction at the end of the streetcar line at 37th and Quincy Street. It remained there in a shed until March 18, 1911, when a grass fire completely destroyed it. The ACHS collection includes a metal nut salvaged from the wreck.
columbus
Before consolidation there were a few school houses around Columbus - including The Republic School (District #59) which stood from 1890-1930s, when a new school was built on the same location. Miss Ruth Modie, taught there in the 1920s.
coon rapids
Once upon a time in Coon Rapids you took your film to a tiny parking lot hut to develop your photographs at this Kodak Film Fotomat at the Red Owl Family Center, 2941 Coon Rapids Blvd, 1975.
eAST BETHEL
East Bethel at Axel Olson's place on the Coon Lake narrows ca.1915. The city was incorporated in 1957 in anticipation of a new base of operations for the Air National Guard, Navy, and Marine Air Reservists.
FRIDLEY
Originally part of a whole different county, Manomin, it joined Anoka County in 1870 and became Fridley Township in 1879. It looked a bit different—like this view of Edward & Anna Hartman's farm, now Hartman Circle.
HAM LAKE
Who remembers Soderquists market in Ham Lake? Located at Crosstown Center on Highway 65, the store was in the same family for 87 years from 1926 to 2013. This view captures the store in 2003.
HILLTOP
Comprised of 16 square blocks, or approximately 80 acres, the Mall of America is larger than this "Little City with a Big Heart. It incorporated May 1, 1956. The city established the Hilltop Police force the same year.
LEXINGTON
Gorden's Corner, on the corner of Lexington Ave & Hwy 8. Gordon & Mildred Huse moved to the area in 1941-42 and built up a garage, service station, television repair shop, grocery, cafe and hardware store. Photo by Steven Lee.
LINO LAKES
Dinner inspiration from Lino Lakes - Chicken in the bucket? NOPE...Chicken in the Basket, 1961. This building was located at what was called “Ross’ Corner” on the southeast corner of Lake Drive and Main Street .
LINWOOD
Grab a hotdog from Linwood's Athletic Association concessions booth, ca 1970s. Who remembers boosting for their favorite athlete? Originally part of Bethel and Columbus Townships in 1857, it was organized as Linwood in 1871. It is the only remaining Township in the county.
NOWTHEN
1940-1941 Nowthen Pioneers baseball team included Sam Wirz, Ernest Koehler, Elmer Madsen, Jack [Hebrick or Helrick], Herb Grupner, Elroy Gamm, Art Erickson, Bob Leathers, Roy Powell, George Meyers, Dick Meers, [blank] Fricke, Harry Lindbloom, Phil Zigler. The umpire unknown.
OAK GROVE
We couldn't forget to stop at the Pancake Inn when talking about Oak Grove. Situated on Lake George, this image captures "Roe Chase entertaining the mail carriers.” One of the eight original townships when the county organized in 1857, it incorporated as a city in 1993.
Ramsey
The Auto & RV Ranch at 7665 Highway 10 in Ramsey. Tom and Patti Kurak purchased the home from Sherwin Schnenk in 1983. Tom Kurak turned it into the Auto Ranch/ Best Pawn.
st. francis
One of the eight original townships upon Anoka County's organization in 1857, it's growth was spurred by its situation along Rum River. It didn't become a village until 1962.
spring lake park
Spring Lake Park Development area opened in 1936. A Bronson—Erickson real estate agent noted that they chose the name because it fit the area and sounded nice. A myth persists that the name came from a broken water main mistaken for a spring.