BRING THE CROOKS HOME
Summary:
The William Crooks steam engine arrived in St. Paul on Sept. 9, 1861. It was the first railroad engine in Minnesota. Its first commrcial run was from St. Paul to St. Anthony on June 28, 1862. That started railroading in Minnesota and the Northwest. It became the personal engine of James J. Hill. In 1962, the Great Northern Railroad gave it to the Minnesota Historical Society which eventually sent it to the Lake Superior Railway Museum in Duluth in 1975 for 'indefiite custodial loan'. It has been there ever since. It belongs in St. Paul out of which it made hundreds of runs. Like James J. Hill it is St. Paul. It is a major part of our history, not of Duluth's. It was once on display in the St. Paul depot. It would be wonderful if it was on display there again.
About You
About You
First Name
KENNETH
Last Name
PIERRE
City
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United States
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Names of others who helped contribute to my idea
How did you hear about the Forever Saint Paul Challenge?
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Citizen Historian
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Your idea
Title of your idea
BRING THE CROOKS HOME
Give us the highlights of your idea for making Saint Paul great (2,000 characters maximum or approx. 250 words)
The William Crooks steam engine arrived in St. Paul on Sept. 9, 1861. It was the first railroad engine in Minnesota. Its first commrcial run was from St. Paul to St. Anthony on June 28, 1862. That started railroading in Minnesota and the Northwest. It became the personal engine of James J. Hill. In 1962, the Great Northern Railroad gave it to the Minnesota Historical Society which eventually sent it to the Lake Superior Railway Museum in Duluth in 1975 for 'indefiite custodial loan'. It has been there ever since. It belongs in St. Paul out of which it made hundreds of runs. Like James J. Hill it is St. Paul. It is a major part of our history, not of Duluth's. It was once on display in the St. Paul depot. It would be wonderful if it was on display there again.
Website address (if applicable)
Innovation
What makes your idea different or unexpected? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
The William Crooks engine has been on display in Duluth for almost 40 years. It is time to bring it home to St. Paul where its journey and history began. That would be different and unexpected given the last 40 years, but it would be right, comfortable, and most welcome to bring it home to St. Paul.
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
How will your idea make a difference in Saint Paul? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
The William Crooks engine is a jewel. It shines. It glistens. School children would be charmed by it and would be motivated to learn about the history of our city and of railroad transportation with St. Paul as a hub.
Adults would again take pride in one of the great pioneer artifacts of our city and history.
Sustainability
Why do you think people will recognize or remember your idea after it comes to life? How might it inspire others to do something similar in their community? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
The engine would need a safe home here, now and in the future, and the renovated depot is the place of choice. Or, it belongs to the Minnesota Historical Society and it might find a home there. (It could replace the boxcar there since there is a boxcar in the Mill City Museum). The Jackson Street Roundhouse would be happy to receive the William Crooks (It was restored there to its present sparklilng condition).
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