Northside-Hester Park is one of the original neighborhoods of Saint Cloud, having been platted in the 1850's.
The City of Saint Cloud was originally three separate towns: Upper Town (Arcadia), Middle Town, and Lower Town. This neighborhood includes the northern edge of Middle Town (John L. Wilson's plat), most of Upper Town (General Sylvanus B. Lowry's plat), plus post-incorporation growth to the north.
Many of the existing homes were built in the late nineteenth century, and many more beautiful and unique homes were built from the 1920’s through the 1950’s and 60’s. Residents in the neighborhood typically have taken great pride in their homes and yards. To this day, it is very common to see friendly people of all ages, often with dogs, walking throughout the neighborhood or doing yard work, as well as children biking or playing. A favorite walking route for many residents is along the Mississippi River, which is this neighborhood’s natural eastern boundary. Northside-Hester Park Neighborhood is truly a treasure to those of us who live here!
The City of Saint Cloud was originally three separate towns: Upper Town (Arcadia), Middle Town, and Lower Town. This neighborhood includes the northern edge of Middle Town (John L. Wilson's plat), most of Upper Town (General Sylvanus B. Lowry's plat), plus post-incorporation growth to the north.
Many of the existing homes were built in the late nineteenth century, and many more beautiful and unique homes were built from the 1920’s through the 1950’s and 60’s. Residents in the neighborhood typically have taken great pride in their homes and yards. To this day, it is very common to see friendly people of all ages, often with dogs, walking throughout the neighborhood or doing yard work, as well as children biking or playing. A favorite walking route for many residents is along the Mississippi River, which is this neighborhood’s natural eastern boundary. Northside-Hester Park Neighborhood is truly a treasure to those of us who live here!
Hester Park
The land for Hester Park, which was established in 1910, was donated by Charles Gilman and named after his wife. Charles Gilman served many years in the state legislature and was also lieutenant governor of Minnesota for nine years in the late 1800’s. The beautiful granite bridges and stairs in the park were built by WPA (Work Projects Administration) workers during the Depression and are monuments to the craftsmen of the era.
The land for Hester Park, which was established in 1910, was donated by Charles Gilman and named after his wife. Charles Gilman served many years in the state legislature and was also lieutenant governor of Minnesota for nine years in the late 1800’s. The beautiful granite bridges and stairs in the park were built by WPA (Work Projects Administration) workers during the Depression and are monuments to the craftsmen of the era.
Saint Cloud Hospital
The Saint Cloud Hospital was built in its current location by the Benedictine sisters in 1928, with two eastern wings facing the river. Construction of two western wings was started in the 1960's. Those two wings were expanded in the 1990's. As of 2009, it has 489 licensed beds, and is in the midst of another expansion project.
The Saint Cloud Hospital was built in its current location by the Benedictine sisters in 1928, with two eastern wings facing the river. Construction of two western wings was started in the 1960's. Those two wings were expanded in the 1990's. As of 2009, it has 489 licensed beds, and is in the midst of another expansion project.
Holy Angels & Cathedral High School
Holy Angels Catholic Pro-Cathedral was built in 1883, which included an elementary school. The school expanded into secondary education in 1902 as Cathedral High School. Unfortunately the church was severely damaged by a lightning strike in 1933, but was rebuilt using the same exterior walls. Holy Angels parish merged with Saint Mary's Cathedral in 1991. The school remained at this history location, converting the vacant church into a performing arts center in 1995.
Holy Angels Catholic Pro-Cathedral was built in 1883, which included an elementary school. The school expanded into secondary education in 1902 as Cathedral High School. Unfortunately the church was severely damaged by a lightning strike in 1933, but was rebuilt using the same exterior walls. Holy Angels parish merged with Saint Mary's Cathedral in 1991. The school remained at this history location, converting the vacant church into a performing arts center in 1995.
Historical Resources
Saint Cloud's history is available in the 1970's book Three Towns into One City, which is available at the Saint Cloud Public Library. Another excellent example of our neighborhood in history is Robert J. Voigt's 1983 book, Holy Angels in St. Cloud. Finally, a trip to Stearns History Museum on 33rd Avenue is always an educational experience.
Saint Cloud's history is available in the 1970's book Three Towns into One City, which is available at the Saint Cloud Public Library. Another excellent example of our neighborhood in history is Robert J. Voigt's 1983 book, Holy Angels in St. Cloud. Finally, a trip to Stearns History Museum on 33rd Avenue is always an educational experience.
Briggsville
In extremely close proximity of the Northside-Hester Park Neighborhood is the former community of Briggsville. Briggsville was the western side of the Mississippi River, though slightly north of the Sauk Rapids Bridge. It was temporarily annexed to the City of Sauk Rapids. Briggsville's main street, "Foley Street," still exists though was renamed 321st Street early in the 21st century. According to WJON, the businesses included:
For further information, see these resources:
|