PHOTO ALBUMS
WAITING FOR RESTORATION: Graeser Park
The beehive fireplace in Robbinsdale’s 1939 Lilac Way park is one of only two left in the U.S.—and the only beehive in its original location. There is a growing community effort to restore this park.
Graeser Park, 1939-1964
These photos show Graeser Park just after construction was completed and through the 1960s. Designed by Landscape Architect Arthur Nichols.
Graeser Park, buried staircase found in 2020
Two years of a Lilac Way archeological dig finally unearthed the bottom step of a lost 1939 stone stairway. Buried by MnDOT in the early 2000s, volunteers Beth Good, Jeannine McDonald and the Robbinsdale Lions Club found this Graeser Park structure.
***Sept. 2020 update: A MNDOT contractor will restore (rebury) the stairway. It was covered as part of the support system for the rebuilt Broadway Ave. bridge. It is possible they will be able to reclaim some of the walk/wall materials to be used in other areas.***
Graeser Park, searching for a buried stairway, 2018-20
Devoted Graeser Park Beehiver Beth Good and other volunteers spent many hours and weekends with one mission—find an original 1939 stone stairway that we think was buried by MnDOT in the early 2000s.
***Sept. 2020 update: A MNDOT contractor will restore (rebury) the stairway. It was covered as part of the support system for the rebuilt Broadway Ave. bridge. It is possible they will be able to reclaim some of the walk/wall materials to be used in other areas.***
Graeser Park, new signage 2020
*** Sept. 2020 update: MnDOT has directed us to remove the signage. We are hoping to put them back someday.*** Designed to inform and educate park visitors, they
– welcomed people to this historic 1939 Lilac Park
– documented the history
– shared details of the beehive fireplace
– honored Robbinsdale Lions’ volunteer stewardship and
– explained the staircase discovery
Writer: Kristi Gibson, Robbinsdale Historical Society for writing the content. All time and expenses were donated.
Graeser Park – 2019
Graeser Park’s beehive fireplace protected, March 28th, 2019
The City of Robbinsdale installed protective fencing around Graeser Park’s 1939 beehive fireplace to prevent future damage of this historic Lilac Way parkitecture. It is one of only two beehive fireplaces in the U.S., and the only beehive in its original location.
Graeser Park – 2018
Graeser Park ‘Meet me at the Beehive’ events, 2018
To raise awareness, Kristi Gibson at the Robbinsdale Historical Society did a stupendous job organizing a series of free community events at the park in July-September 2018. Included ‘Yoga at the Beehive,’ a painting party, and Old Log Theatre performing songs from their hit show, ‘Beehive.’
Graeser Park, 2018
Growing community support was driven by the Robbinsdale Lions Club, Kristi Gibson at the Robbinsdale Historical Society, and the relaunch of restorelilacway.com.
Graeser Park – 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Graeser Park, 2014
Lilac Way enthusiast Karen Laukkonen stood in deep snow to get these photos during a snowy March.
Graeser Park – 2010, 2007, 2001, 2000 and 1997
Graeser Park, 2010
The Robbinsdale Lions Club began maintaining Graeser Park in 2008, so these photos show early days of their efforts. Thanks to Lion Colleen Patterson for these photos.
Graeser Park, 2007
Taken for the original launch of restorelilacway.com in 2007, these photos show the sad state of this historical Lilac Way park.
Graeser Park, 1997
Just one photo, found in MnDOT’s 1998 Historic Roadside Development Structures on Minnesota Trunk Highways report by Susan Granger, Scott Kelly and Kay Grossman. Hoping to add more photos as available.