01/2007

Winter Carnival circa 1917 (01/30/09)

Did you know that the State Capitol and the Winter Carnival go back a long ways together? It's true. Take a look at this rare 1917 Winter Carnival film with its toboggan ride on the Capitol grounds. We included some other fun 1917 carnival footage too.

Jane Freeman (02/04/08)

Long before she was introducing Obama at his Target Center event, Jane Freeman made a gracious governor's wife.

This great silent film footage of Governor Orville Freeman was shot back in January of 1955. The Governor in tails ... Jane Freeman in a lovely gown ... daughter Connie wearing white gloves ... and son Mike (now Hennepin County Attorney) in a spiffy plaid sports jacket. This inaugural and State of the State footage comes to you courtesy of the KSTP-TV archives.

Winter Carnival #2 (01/14/08)

Here's some more vintage Winter Carnival footage from the middle of the last century. Notice again the State Capitol as a backdrop for the parade. Note too the great images of the African-American cooks and waiters from the Great Northern Railway ... a marching group that was long a fixture of Winter Carnival parades.

LeRoy Neiman Rides (08/01/07)

LeRoy Neiman sitting on top of the Capitol Quadriga! You know, somehow we don't think that the Capitol Historic Preservation folks would any longer allow an artist to sit on our Capitol's famed golden horses. But back in the late 1970's when the city of St. Paul commissioned a piece of art by its famed native son, the wildly popular artist was given wide latitude. This clip is from a half-hour documentary that Twin Cities Public Television did on Neiman some time before 1980. In it he talks about St. Paul (of Biblical fame) and his hometown. And of course, look for those rare shots of Neiman sitting on the Capitol horses!

Rookies (01/31/07)

Our featured freshman spent their pre-political careers with their party affiliation in the dark.

Constitutional Amendment (01/31/07)

Senators Chaudhary and Ingebrigtsen join Mary to discuss a variety of bills that would dedicate a portion of the state's sales tax to natural resources.

Headlines (01/31/07)

Health care dominated discussion at the Capitol today, particularly a bill that would cover all children in Minnesota; and the DECC in Duluth looks for a makeover.

Almanac: At the Capitol - January 31, 2007 (01/31/07)

Headlines (01/31/07)

Health care dominated discussion at the Capitol today, particularly a bill that would cover all children in Minnesota; and the DECC in Duluth looks for a makeover.

Constitutional Amendment (01/31/07)

Senators Chaudhary and Ingebrigtsen join Mary to discuss a variety of bills that would dedicate a portion of the state's sales tax to natural resources.

Rookies (01/31/07)

Our featured freshman spent their pre-political careers with their party affiliation in the dark.

At the Capitol (a little)

Monday, January 29, 2007 - 9:41 pm
Today was my first day back at the Capitol since my car accident last week. I'm trying to start slowly which is always difficult for my overachieving hyperactive nature. Just a couple of hours did me in. It was nice to see all my wonderful colleagues who showered me with flowers. My husband joked that our house looks a like mortuary. The lawmakers were also incredibly kind and welcoming. A couple of my favorite anecdotes: Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher said "I'd hug you but I'm afraid I'd crush you" (for background she's a strong farm kid and I'm a puny city girl). Rep. Brad Finstad earnestly rushed over to me on the House floor and said "on behalf of the Republican men" we're very concerned about you. Rep. Paul Marquart took time out from his appearance on Almanac: At the Capitol to send good wishes (I hear he was really excited to be on the show and a tad disappointed not to see the curly haired gal who's usually running things). Former Majority Leader Erik Paulsen sent a card and Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum called me at home. So you know this isn't all about me, I think this can help readers see that there are some really great, kind and considerate lawmakers who sometimes get a bad rap (from people like me too). It doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on anyone who was extra nice to me, but it shows there's more to this place than just politics and name-calling. It's one of the reasons I was too anxious to go back to work. A very tired, sore and aching Lahammer signing off for now.
Today was my first day back at the Capitol since my car accident last week. I'm trying to start slowly which is always difficult for my overachieving hyperactive nature. Just a couple of hours did me in.
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