PHOTO ALBUMS
PRESERVED: Graeser Park
Thanks to MnDOT’s Historic Roadside Property Program, Graeser Park’s preservation is nearly complete. Eleven picnic tables have been built using salvaged stone from dismantled Lilac Way parks. Preservation of the rare Depression-era beehive fireplace is complete. Metal grates were added to the three openings to protect this historic ‘parkitecture’.
The beehive fireplace in Robbinsdale’s Depression-era Lilac Way park is one of only two left in the U.S., and the only beehive in its original location.
Graeser Park beehive preservation and rebuilt picnic tables, May 2022
A very chilly, drizzly spring has delayed MnDOT’s project to continue park preservation.Andrea Weber, MnDOT’s Historic Roadside Property Program Manager, is completing a project to preserve Graeser Park’s rare beehive fireplace and rebuild 11 picnic tables from salvaged Lilac Way stonework.
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, Nov. 16th, 2021 – MnDOT’s preservation project done for season
A chilly day to see Graeser Park’s five restored stone picnic tables in picnic area. The tables were built using salvaged stone from dismantled Lilac Way parks. Gorgeous fall colors, even in mid-November in MN. Restoration efforts will continue in spring 2022.
Graeser Park beehive fireplace and picnic area, Sept. 28, 2021
A gorgeous fall day showed this rare beehive fireplace in a warm light. Protected by a fence, this Lilac Way beehive is one of only two remaining, and the only one in its original location. A local resident spent time swinging in a hammock with a view of the beehive, great to see.
Graeser Park rock garden and first installed picnic table, Sept. 28, 2021
Visit this historic rock garden, and rest on the newly-rebuilt and -restored original 1930s picnic tables. The rock garden is a bit overgrown — cleanup efforts by the Robbindale Lions Club and volunteers are on pause while MnDOT completes their maintenance project. When that is done, MnDOT plans to release the easement to the City of Robbinsdale.
Views of Graeser Park’s first restored picnic table and a second platform – July 21, 2021
These July 20, 2021 photos shows the view of the first restored picnic table completed by Northern Bedrock from different locations in the park. A second table platform near the beehive fireplace was also restored, and they started restoring a third platform. The start of something wonderful.
Graeser Park – 2020
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.