PRESS RELEASE: Lowertown History Project
The view looks south and slightly east down onto Lowertown from Indian Heights Bluff around 1900. Image courtesy of the History Center of Olmsted County.
1951 Flood Silver Lake Dam, Photograph of July 21, 1951 flood waters rushing over the Silver Lake Dam looking Northeast from the N. Broadway bridge. Image courtesy of the History Center of Olmsted County.
Unearthing the Past, Shaping the Future:
Lowertown Neighbors Open Historical Research Files to the Community
ROCHESTER, MN – The dedicated residents of Lowertown have spent countless volunteer hours delving into the rich and complex history of our neighborhood. From the earliest records of Rochester to the present, we have been piecing together a story that extends beyond our streets and homes—it belongs to every Rochesterite, Minnesotan, and American. Recognizing the significance of our findings, we are thrilled to announce that we are opening a portion of our research folders to the greater community for additional input and research.
Our neighborhood has always been a pillar of resilience and innovation. In our research, we have uncovered names of those who built our homes, fought in the Civil War, and withstood the devastation of the 1883 cyclone. Their legacy is one of determination, rebuilding, and perseverance, as they shaped the businesses and industries that formed the backbone of Olmsted County and southeastern Minnesota’s economy.
View looking north into Lowertown and the damage done by the cyclone of 1883. Image courtesy of the History Center of Olmsted County.
From the mills that harnessed the power of the Zumbro River and Cascade Creek to process grain and wool, to the rail lines that carried goods to Chicago and beyond, Lowertown has always been a hub of industry and commerce. The Conley Camera Co., for example, strategically placed its factory in Lowertown to take advantage of the rail network, distributing its products nationwide through Sears. Our streets once welcomed travelers from around the world who arrived by train to seek care at the Mayo Clinic, resting in our neighborhood, dining in our restaurants, and shopping in our stores.
The spirit of Lowertown has been carried forward by generations who grew up here, lived through times of war and peace, endured natural disasters, and contributed to the community’s revival. Their stories mirror those of the past—tales of hardship, triumph, ambition, and resilience. Through our historical research, we uncover not only stories of honor and integrity but also those of scandal and strife. Every record, every photograph, every family name is a thread in the ever-evolving story of our neighborhood.
View looking south from Indian Heights bluff toward Lowertown around 1900. Image courtesy of History Center of Olmsted County
Now, we turn to you. What will our future neighbors discover when they look back at us? What lessons, warnings, and inspirations will they find in our actions today? We invite you to take part in this unique opportunity to explore the historical fabric of Lowertown, to connect with the past, and to contribute to the future. Whether you are a scholar eager to trace the connections in our archives or a curious mind inspired by a single photograph, there is something for everyone in our shared history.
Please note that while we invite you to view these research files, we do not grant rights to any photos, files, notes, or documents found within. We encourage researchers and storytellers to properly cite their sources and secure necessary permissions for any publication.
1973 street view of Struve Paint, 501 N. Broadway Ave. Image Courtesy of Cheri Struve.
Ribbon cutting for the November 2021 "Broadway is Back" event commemorating the re-opening of N Broadway to traffic after the first phase of reconstruction work was completed. LNA President Benjamin Zastrow in black suit, Elcor Construction President Cory Penz in sunglasses and cap, LNA Secretary Mary Idso in pink scarf, Mayor Kim Norton in White jacket, Council Member Shaun Palmer in olive-green coat, LNA VP Ivan Idso in blue winter cap, Chamber of Commerce President Ryan Parsons in blue jacket and various other community members throughout. Image courtesy of Zastrow & Zastrow.
Join us in rediscovering and preserving Lowertown’s past as we write the next chapter together.
https://lowertownrochester.org/blog/lowertown-historical-resources
Lowertown History Project Cloud Drive
We extend our thanks to the countless people who have helped, especially to the History Center of Olmsted County.
Lowertown Historical Resources
If you, like many other neighbors, are interested in how our neighborhood community came to be, you may wish to pause some of the available online historical resources.
Kruse Lumber 1920, as shown on Google via Kruse Lumber
If you, like many other neighbors, are interested in how our neighborhood community came to be, you may wish to peruse a few of the available online historical resources. Here, we include links our association has referenced over the years as we aim to honor our past while boldly moving forward.
Publicly Available Lowertown Research Drive:
Reference Document Guide Sheet
Organizations:
History Center of Olmsted County
Online Groups:
Lowertown Neighborhood Association on Instagram
LNA Board Statement Concerning Blight
“The LNA Board does not support development practices that intimidate or exasperate neighbors in order to compel the sale of homes or property, especially below-market rates.”
[Lowertown, Rochester, MN, April 11th] – The Lowertown Neighborhood Association (LNA) Board of Directors and Officers has approved the following statement regarding the heavily blighted and vacant properties on 8th & 9th St NE.
"Lowertown Neighborhood Association continues to assert that only responsible and sustainable developments are the will of our neighbors and board. The LNA Board does not support development practices that intimidate or exasperate neighbors in order to compel the sale of homes or property, especially below-market rates.
The board believes every neighbor deserves to feel safe and welcome in their home, free to bargain the fair value of their home, and free to trust the city will intervene against predatory real estate practices that fracture our community."
The purpose and mission of LNA are to promote a vibrant, healthy, and livable community, to enhance the neighborhood, and to bring neighbors together.
Declaración de la Asociación de Vecinos de Lowertown
[Lowertown, Rochester, MN, 11 de abril] – La junta directiva y funcionarios de la Asociación de Vecinos de Lowertown (LNA) aprobó la siguiente declaración sobre las propiedades muy deterioradas y desocupadas en 8th y 9th St NE.
"La Asociación de Vecinos de Lowertown continúa afirmando que sólo los desarrollos responsables y sostenibles son la voluntad de nuestros vecinos y de la junta directiva. La Junta de LNA no apoya prácticas de desarrollo que intimiden o exasperen a los vecinos para obligarlos a vender casas o propiedades, especialmente por debajo del mercado. tarifas.
La junta cree que cada vecino merece sentirse seguro y bienvenido en su hogar, libre para negociar el valor justo de su casa y libre para confiar en que la ciudad intervendrá contra las prácticas inmobiliarias predatorias que fracturan a nuestra comunidad".
El propósito y la misión de LNA son promover una comunidad vibrante, saludable y habitable, mejorar el vecindario y unir a los vecinos.
2023 Annual Report
2023 was a big year for the Lowertown Neighborhood Association!
Lowertown’s 2023 Annual Report - or view the pages below.
LoToFest 2023 Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined in LoToFest 2023! Click here for photos and event recap.
Thank you to all who were part of the first ever Lowertown Festival on August 20, 2023 at Goose Egg Park!
An estimated 200-300 people came out for neighborhood fun. Together we laughed, painted, drummed, biked, dunked, and ate wonderful food together.
Thank you to our volunteers, vendors, and sponsors volunteers who helped pulled off the event are what make Lowertown the strong neighborhood it is!
Many helping hands were necessary to make this happen and we value every contribution no matter how big or small.
Thank you to our volunteers, vendors, and dunk tank dunkees for helping make this event so much fun for our community!
Special recognition and additional thanks given to our generous local sponsors below:
LoToFest 2023 Event Partner
LoToFest 2023 Event Sponsor
LoToFest 2023 In-Kind Sponsors
Lowertown Census Report
The Lowertown Neighborhood is rapidly changing and with that will come both struggles and triumphs. This report, compiled with data from census.gov, mn.gov, and information from Olmsted County, is intended to inform, challenge, and inspire our neighborhood toward positive growth.
2022 Annual Report
We are so grateful for your support over the last year.
2022 was a stellar year for the Lowertown Neighborhood Association and we couldn’t have done it without you!
To see what we’ve accomplished this year, click here to view Lowertown’s 2022 Annual Report or view the pages below.
And from the bottom of our hearts: thank you for making Lowertown a great place to live and visit!
Call for Officer, Director
Lowertown Neighborhood Association
Call for Officer, Directors
The Lowertown Neighborhood Association is seeking two people to run for the following positions:
Call for Officers, Director
The Lowertown Neighborhood Association is seeking three people to run for the following positions:
Director – To be elected by the Neighbors for a one-year term October 2022-2023This person must be a resident of Lowertown, or the owner or operator of a business within Lowertown. This Director will become a member of the Board of Directors and Officers, helping the President to set policy and promote the Lowertown community, and representing the interests of the members of the Lowertown community.
Treasurer – Ideally, this person will be a Neighbor (resident of Lowertown, or the owner of a business or business property within Lowertown) and will be elected by Neighbors. But if no Neighbor volunteers, a candidate from outside Lowertown may be nominated by the President and elected by the Board. The candidate must be a person who has the relevant skills to serve as Treasurer. The Treasurer will serve for two years, from 2022 – 2024. The Treasurer shall serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the LNA. The duties of the Treasurer include, but are not limited to: having charge of all funds belonging to the LNA; collecting all monies due the LNA, keeping accurate records; depositing monies in the bank account in the name of the LNA; researching and writing grants for funding; paying all funded bills incurred by the LNA; and presenting a Treasurer’s report at each Board meeting, Monthly Membership Meeting, and at the Annual Membership Meeting.
Parliamentarian – Ideally, this person will be a Neighbor (resident of Lowertown, or the owner of a business or business property within Lowertown) and will be elected by Neighbors. But if no Neighbor volunteers, a candidate from outside Lowertown may be nominated by the President and elected by the Board. The candidate must be a person who has the relevant skills to serve as Parliamentarian. In either case, the Parliamentarian will serve for two years from 2022 - 2024.
The Parliamentarian shall serve as the authority on the rules of order and the conduct of meetings of the LNA. The duties of the Parliamentarian include, but are not limited to: assisting the President in managing meetings, and advising on parliamentary procedures; reviewing the Bylaws, suggesting any changes and chairing the Bylaws Committee, if any; and resolving disputes on questions of parliamentary procedure.
A candidate for one of these positions must complete this Candidate Application Questionnaire (linked), and may also submit a resume or other materials. The candidate should submit these materials to laurazastrow(AT)gmail(DOT)com.
Candidates should be available to attend the next LNA meeting on October 13th, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Northrop Community Center, 201 8TH St, NW.
Call for Officer, Director
Lowertown Neighborhood Association
Call for Officer, Directors
The Lowertown Neighborhood Association is seeking two people to run for the following positions:
Director – To be elected by the Neighbors for a one-year term October 2022-2023
This person must be a resident of Lowertown, or the owner or operator of a business within Lowertown. This Director will become a member of the Board of Directors and Officers, helping the President to set policy and promote the Lowertown community, and representing the interests of the members of the Lowertown community.
Treasurer – Ideally, this person will be a Neighbor (resident of Lowertown, or the owner or operator of a business within Lowertown) and will be elected by Neighbors. But if no Neighbor volunteers, a Treasurer may be appointed by the President from outside Lowertown, and such candidate would be a person who has the relevant skills to serve as Treasurer. In either case, the Treasurer will serve for two years.
The Treasurer shall serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the LNA. The duties of the Treasurer include, but are not limited to: having charge of all funds belonging to the LNA; collecting all monies due the LNA, keeping accurate records; depositing monies in the bank account in the name of the LNA; authorizing signers on the account; paying all funded bills incurred by the LNA; and presenting a Treasurer’s report at each Board meeting, Monthly Membership Meeting, and at the Annual Membership Meeting.
A candidate for one of these positions must complete this Candidate Application Questionnaire (linked), and may also submit a resume or other materials. The candidate should submit these materials to laurazastrow(AT)gmail(DOT)com.
Candidates should be available to attend the next LNA meeting on September 8th, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the Northrop Community Center, 201 8TH St, NW.
Press Release: Spirit of Lowertown Week
Lowertown Neighborhood Association
lowertownrochester.org
lowertown.rchmn@gmail.com
Instagram: @lowertownrochester
FB: @LowertownNA
Press Release Date: 08/17/22
MAYOR NORTON PROCLAIMS WEEK OF AUGUST 21st SPIRIT OF LOWERTOWN WEEK
[Rochester, MN, August 17th] – The Lowertown Neighborhood Association (LNA) is glad to announce Mayor Kim Norton proclaimed the week of August 21st, 2022, as Spirit of Lowertown Week, in remembrance of August 21st, 1883, when a mile-wide F5 tornado destroyed old Lower Town.
LNA president Benjamin Zastrow and the LNA Board of Officers and Directors are delighted with the news that Mayor Kim Norton approved the submitted proclamation draft. He notes that Mayor Norton was prompt in proclaiming Spirit of Lowertown Week within the city of Rochester.
LNA plans a potluck celebration at Goose Egg Park on Sunday, August 21, from 4-6 pm. All are invited to attend the potluck, including a plant and harvest share. Neighbors will view the Mayor’s reading of the proclamation on video and the official proclamation document. Attendees should bring a dish to share, plates & utensils, a personal beverage, and any house plants or harvest items from their garden to share or trade.
Mr. Zastrow says, “This proclamation honors every one of our neighbors that have lived here, worked here, or contributed to the community as we know it today. I’m proud of this neighborhood and its historical significance.”
The Lowertown neighborhood was founded in 1857 by Mayor Charles Lindsley and sits directly north of downtown. It was destroyed by a large tornado in 1883, killing and wounding many. Lowertown has also been known as Lower Town, The Northern Addition, and Northrop.
On August 20, 2018, neighbors released a plan to rebuild and revive the neighborhood as the Lowertown Neighborhood Association. Since then, many have joined in to embrace the past while building a sustainable future.
Rochester, Minnesota Mayor Kim Norton reads the Spirit of Lowertown Proclamation 2022