Looking back at Minnesota history can be fascinating and provide hours of nostalgic memories. There is nothing quite like seeing the past to reflect on how much life has changed in the past 65 years. Enjoy this trip back to the 50s, and take some time to appreciate all the memories this state has made.

  1. Around 1950, there was a lot of suburban development happening on Washburn Avenue in Richfield.

Wikimedia/Richfield Historical Society

  1. This family took a fun-filled trip to the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth in 1951.

Flickr/Arthur T. LaBar

  1. This is Snyders store near 66th and Lyndale in 1951.

Flickr/David Haines

  1. Hennepin Avenue and 7th Street in Minneapolis were definitely very different in 1951!

Wikimedia/Michael Donovan

  1. Minnesota First Lady Jean Freeman attends the Oak Park Home Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon.

Wikimedia/Steinfeldt Photography Collection of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest.

  1. In September 1954, the SS James Norris arrives in Duluth.

Flickr/Steve Moses

  1. This was a busy day at the Hub Shopping Center in 1954!

Flickr/David Haines

  1. The crowd was shopping at Klien’s Foods, Walgreens and JCPenny.

Flickr/David Haines

  1. This is Felix Phillips, Captain of the University of Minnesota 1955 Men’s Tennis Team.

Wikimedia/Steinfeldt Photography Collection of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwes

  1. This aerial view of the Mississippi River in 1955 is stunning.

Flickr/City of Minneapolis Archives

  1. Elvis signs autographs in Minneapolis in 1956.

Wikimedia/The Minneapolis Tribune

  1. In 1956, the window of Dayton’s was promoting voting for the upcoming election!

Flickr/Minnesota Historical Society

  1. In 1956, the fruit stand was certainly extravagant at the Red Owl Store.

Flickr/David Haines

  1. This is Alary’s Bar when it was located at 444 North Wabasha Street in St. Paul in 1956.

Wikimedia/Michael Donovan

  1. In 1957, the Minneapolis Public Library conducts an evacuation drill.

Wikimedia/City of Minneapolis Archives

  1. These explorers were on duty at the U of M stadium as fire guards and the emergency service first aid squad in 1957.

Flickr/City of Minneapolis Archives

  1. In 1959, Policeman Clarence Pederson directs traffic at Seventh and Nicollet in Minneapolis. How many of you remember the police officers from your hometown in Minnesota?

Wikimedia/MNHS photograph collection

Did you recognize any of these places? Do you have photos from the same time period? As always, share your photos with us in the comments or on the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page!

Wikimedia/Richfield Historical Society

Flickr/Arthur T. LaBar

Flickr/David Haines

Wikimedia/Michael Donovan

Wikimedia/Steinfeldt Photography Collection of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest.

Flickr/Steve Moses

Wikimedia/Steinfeldt Photography Collection of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwes

Flickr/City of Minneapolis Archives

Wikimedia/The Minneapolis Tribune

Flickr/Minnesota Historical Society

Wikimedia/City of Minneapolis Archives

Wikimedia/MNHS photograph collection

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