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Statues Have a Way of Going Missing in Fargo

In July of 2019, thieves made off with Fargo’s replica Statue of Liberty, which stood in downtown Fargo since 1950. As of this writing, Fargo’s Lady Liberty is still missing and some are speculating that the statue may be at the bottom of the Red River, because once the thieves realized how heavy it was, they likely pitched it over the side of the Main Avenue Bridge.

Indian Statue
Fargo’s first missing statue

In a strange coincidence, this is not the first time a statue has gone missing in Fargo. Continue reading “Statues Have a Way of Going Missing in Fargo”

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Chicago Hairdressing Academy

Looking northwest from the Great Northern Depot, 1939. Chicago Hairdressing Academy is across the street, and the St. Mary’s steeple is barely visible behind the steam locomotive.  Continue reading “Chicago Hairdressing Academy”

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The Fargo Waldorf Hotel

Fargo Waldorf Hotel

The Waldorf Hotel was built in 1899 on the corner of Front Street and 7th Street. Below: The Waldorf Hotel as it appeared in its original four-story configuration.  Continue reading “The Fargo Waldorf Hotel”

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Front Street, 1909

A view from Broadway and Front Street, 1909, looking west-southwest. The four-story Waldorf Hotel can be seen at the end of the block, opposite a two-story deLendrecies building.  Continue reading “Front Street, 1909”

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A 1910 Parade on Front Street

Moody's 1910

These photos were found in a local antique store and depict a parade as it travels west on Front Street (Main Avenue) and then turns north on Broadway. Judging by the American Flags in the crowd and in the windows of the structures in the background, this is likely a 4th of July parade.  Continue reading “A 1910 Parade on Front Street”

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Blizzard of 1951-52

Fargo Blizzard of 1951-52

The photos shown here were taken after a significant blizzard, likely in the winter of 1951-52. The photos ended up in a local antique store after an estate sale. The photographer is unknown. Looking south from the corner of Broadway and NP Avenue.  Continue reading “Blizzard of 1951-52”

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After the Blizzard on Broadway

Blizzard 1951-52

Snow is piled high on the east side of Broadway, just north of Front Street (Main Avenue), after a blizzard in the winter of 1951-’52.  A damaging spring flood would follow in the Spring of 1952. Continue reading “After the Blizzard on Broadway”

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1957 Fargo Tornado

1957 Fargo Tornado

June 20th, 1957. It would be determined later that there were five tornadoes in the Fargo area that day.  The first, a rope-like funnel near the rural community of Wheatland, did little damage. The second was a powerful funnel near Casselton, North Dakota, and it would have been devastating if not for the rural location.  The fourth and fifth funnel clouds were on the Minnesota side of the Red River, and both caused damage to nearby structures.  None of the tornadoes were as powerful, however, as the third funnel in the series–the Fargo Tornado. Continue reading “1957 Fargo Tornado”