On This Date in Minnesota History: May 20

May 20, 1890 - The cornerstone for the Minnesota State Reform School in Red Wing was laid on [this date]. The facility formally opened in 1891.¹ “The original site in St. Paul was too small and the buildings crowded, inconvenient and greatly in need of repairs. The water supply was inadequate and the surrounding area was becoming more populated.”²

“Life for the inmates was difficult and at times brutally cruel. Some were orphans or from unsettled homes and had limited education. Boys were given manual training in farming and trade skills. But girls, who were segregated from boys, were expected to learn sewing, cooking, and laundering for their future life as a domestic servant. The girls reformatory was moved in 1911 to Sauk Centre, MN.”<sup>3

1</sup>http://www.doc.state.mn.us/aboutdoc/history/1889-1906.htm

²http://www.doc.state.mn.us/pages/index.php/about/agency-background-history/1889-1906/

³http://temposenzatempo.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-red-wing-training-school-band.html

Minnesota State Reform School in Red Wing

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/MN1893_pg066_THE_STATE_REFORM_SCHOOL_AT_RED_WING.jpg

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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.

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