Here’s another favorite from the library’s collection of Frederick Holcombe photos: a street fair in downtown Stillwater from 1901. It’s interesting to see the businesses that lined Main Street in 1901 and the crowd such an event attracted. Notice the band on the platform under the “Dance Here” banner in the left foreground
Dances on Main Street were a major part of the Stillwater Street Fair, which was held every year from 1898 to about 1903, said “At least one was held in September,” he said. “I don’t know why they stopped.”Dances on Main Street were a major part of the Stillwater Street Fair, which was held every year from 1898 to about 1903, said Brent Peterson, executive director of the Washington County Historical Society. “At least one was held in September,” he said. “I don’t know why they stopped.” [1]
When Cory Buettner, owner of Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop, saw the library’s photo of a street dance in Stillwater in 1901, he was inspired to use the current Main Street closure to host a similar event (albeit 122 years later) on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from Noon until 10 PM. View 2023 street dance information.
The photo is part of the library’s St. Croix Collection. You can view this photo anytime the library is open in the St. Croix Collection or online through Minnesota Digital Library.
[1] Divine, Mary. “Main Street closure means Stillwater Can Host Street Dance”. Twin Cities Pioneer Press, July 27, 2023.