Ray Harris here. Welcome to my life, so far. I have spent 95 whirlwind years on this planet, about 90 of which I have been making my own decisions of what to do and what not to do. The first five years I listened to my parents. For the most recent 90 years, I consider… Read More: Ray’s First 95 years. »
I’ve written blogs about dogs – about people – about buildings and about my adventures during the 94 years that I’ve occupied space on this planet – So far, all of these blogs have been in the past, describing things that have already happened. This blog is going to be different – about something that… Read More: Mid-Hennepin – A Vision for the Future »
All of the subjects covered over the last couple of years in my “Been There, Done That. Took Notes.” Blog have covered my activities, mostly in Minneapolis. I’ve also written about some interesting aspects of Minneapolis which occurred during that same period but did not involve me directly. In all of these articles, I have… Read More: Been There, Done That. Took Notes. – Blog 2.0 »
I was born on March 25, 1929. Since that day, I have awakened 33,900 mornings, including 23 leap year days. Since I am a “morning” person, on almost all of those days, I have been eager to begin – to study, to work, to play. In October my kidneys, affected by diabetes, stopped pumping. I… Read More: 33,900 Days »
All of my blogs have related to the years during my professional career in Minneapolis. During these sixty plus years, the physical environment has changed greatly. Some of these changes to streets or parks or public buildings have been the result of public decisions and community needs. Most of the changes, however, have resulted from… Read More: The Infamous Block E »
The installation of the Interstate Highway System during the Eisenhower Administration caused major changes in urban areas throughout America; changes to our psyche, our lifestyles, and our physical environment. The massive roadway expansion cemented our love affair with the automobile – increasing our reliance on it for our groceries, our vacations, to travel to our… Read More: Cedar Riverside »
In the early 70s when Douglas School was demolished, the future use of the site and the effect it would have on the surrounding area became a concern for the surrounding neighbors. The School Board wanted to sell the site – for a use supported by the neighborhood and one that would put the property… Read More: The Douglas School Site »
The first development proposal for the 4 and 1/2 acre Dunwoody property in the Lowry Hill neighborhood was submitted to the City of Minneapolis and the Lowry Hill Homeowners organization (LHHO) in 1959 – more than 20 years of controversy and negotiations followed before the property was developed – to everyone’s satisfaction. Part One –… Read More: The Dunwoody Saga »
The Berger Fountain One day when I returned from a peaceful stroll with my dog, I noticed my phone answering machine (this was before iPhones) was sputtering with a message from the irascible Martin Freidman – the Director of the Walker Art Center. “Mickey (his wife Mildred Freidman) and I need your help – Right… Read More: Berger’s Dandelion »
In writing about Minneapolis I have so many stories surging around in my noggin that, so far, I have been providing random stories about our city. However, there is usually a connection, a relationship between most of which happens/happened. This is true about the Uptown Story. The stories in this blog will connect history, the… Read More: Uptown and Calhoun Square »
A five year saga dominated by controversy and national interest rates of 18 percent. Developer Selection Five serious proposals were submitted to the Minneapolis School Board and Minneapolis Planning Department: A Free Parking lot – proposed by members of the Business Community. A Community Center – proposed by members of the Resident Associations. A Greek… Read More: The Calhoun Square Planning and Development Process »
Where it is – Why and How. In the early seventies I received a call from Stephen Pflaum, one of my attorneys at the Leonard Street and Deinard Law Firm. I thought to myself “What have I done wrong now?” Stephen replied “Nothing this time, but we need your help.” The Minnesota Orchestra performed for… Read More: From Stanislaw to Osmo – The Orchestra Hall Story »
Off-leash Downtown Dog Park. Over my 90 years, I have shared my home with 16 different dogs, – large, small, and many of Heinz 57 varieties – but all of them have been my close and loyal friends. Buddy, an energetic golden retriever mix with a penchant to chase a tennis ball into eternity, lived… Read More: Dogs »