Upcoming Events
Philosophy Study Group
We will be embarking on a new book: How Nature Works: The Science of Self-organized Criticality (1996) by Per Bak. Unfortunately, this is one of the pricier books that we have selected for our group. All forms of the book – hardcover, paperback, and eBook – list for $60. Fortunately, however, they can be found for less. As of the time of this writing, Amazon is offering a new hardcover for $33 and a new paperback for $38; Google Play is offering an eBook for $47 to own and $18 to rent for 90 days. There are also used books available and, of course, there is the library. For the 11th we’ll read the first three chapters.
When Minnehaha Flowed With Whiskey: A Spirited History Of The Falls
Drunks, criminals, and rowdies went to Minnehaha Falls to raise a ruckus, dance, and have fun. From the 1860s until the early 20th century, Minnehaha Falls was not a family-oriented destination. Rather, it was a scene of scandal and disreputable behavior. By 1891, things had gotten so bad that “Father of the Parks” Charles Loring said, “Minnehaha had become the rendezvous of the most depraved of both sexes.” Find out what the heck was going on at the falls, and how all was eventually redeemed.
Karen E. Cooper is an author, historian, and researcher who uncovered the lost disgraceful past at Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis. Her work reveals the power structures in the city that allowed Minnehaha to become a criminal haven, and battle with those who wanted Minnehaha to be a place where families felt safe and welcome. Her first book, “When Minnehaha Flowed With Whiskey: A Spirited History Of The Falls” won the Emile Buchwald Award for Minnesota Non-Fiction in 2023.
Bulletin Board
Have an interest in researching your family or a topic of Minnesota history? Join The Researcher Round Table, a special group of history researchers who are eager to support your work through encouragement and the sharing of vital information. Two different opportunities are available: Coffee Catch-up sessions and Topics on the Go!!