On This Date in Minnesota History: April 11

*April 11, 1953 – Approximately 1000 inmates from Stillwater Prison start fires, smash windows and shout profanities at the guards during a prolonged prison riot. It all started when prisoners refused to work in prison shops earlier in the week and staged a sit-down. One of their complaints was that the prison cook, Louis Gillis, “had put raisins in gravy served the men. They went back to work when Gilles was fired.”

Minneapolis News-Tribune; “Minnesota Prisoners Stage Riot”; April 11, 1953; p. 1.

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/april11th.html

Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Feb. 21, 2013,
as long as acknowledgement included.  

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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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