PRESS RELEASE: Lowertown History Project
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.