By Mary Mergenthal

In her latest architectural history talk, Augsburg University academic Kristin Anderson will discuss the history of St. Anthony Park’s “railroad island.”

Anderson’s talk is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Ave. SAPLC hosts these talks the second Tuesday of each month.

St. Anthony Park’s early success relied on the railroad lines crossing the middle of the neighborhood. With two stations and a central location, this area between the tracks became a community hub, boasting stores, a post office, housing, a park and two churches.

Most of this architecture is now gone. But Anderson, professor emerita of art & design from Augsburg University, will explore the area’s past and see the remaining evidence of St. Anthony Park’s “railroad island.”

Anyone unable to attend in person can view the presentation live online, with a recording available for one week after Nov. 11 via the SAPLC YouTube channel bit.ly/Sap-history.

You can also access the channel from saplc.org via the worship tab and livestream link.

All are welcome to attend. Presentations are still free, but donations are appreciated to help offset program expenses. 

Mary Mergenthal lives in St. Anthony Park and is a former editor of the Bugle.

Photo credit: Illustration of St. Anthony Park’s “railroad island” train tracks. Submitted image.