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         The life and times of Mark and Paula Persons
Sunday, December 4, 2011:  With snow on the ground, the James J. Hill House at 240 Summit Avenue in St, Paul, Minnesota, looked rather forbidding. 

How did Mark and Paula know that it wasn't another Frankenstein Mansion?  They decided to go in to see. 

The place has been returned to the past and is run by the Minnesota Historical Society.  Built in 1891, this mansion was the home for railroad executive James J. Hill and family along with many servants.  Mr. Hill was known as "The Empire Builder." 
The home is lavishly furnished with just about anything someone could want including this pipe organ.

An hour + tour was given by historians dressed as they would 100 years ago as servants in the house. 

The story was told from the standpoint of those who worked there way back then.  Very interesting.
Even the kitchen was an experience.
Mark liked the electric lights, which replaced gas lights soon after the home was built.  Note the light switches operated by turning a knob on the front of each one. 
Quote of the day:  There is plenty of history to learn at places like this.  Mark < Back to previous story Ahead to next story >

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page last edited 12/06/2011