Do you feel a chill? Here at Swede Hollow Henge, some say the spirits of former residents linger. This isn’t just an artwork. It’s a doorway to a hidden past.
The Swede Hollow Henge Sculpture stands as a monument. It honors the immigrants who once called this place home. These were the Swedes, Irish, Poles, Italians, and Mexicans. They settled here off the grid between 1850 and the 1950s.
Imagine a town hidden within a city. For about 100 years, nearly 500 people lived in Swede Hollow. It was a secret shanty town. St. Paul barely knew it existed. English was rarely spoken here. Depending on the decade, you would hear Swedish, Italian, Polish, Gaelic, and Spanish.
The residents received no city services. They entered and left through hidden paths in the trees. The thick woods concealed the town. The only way to find it was to visit it.
Picture the shock of St. Paul’s mayor and city council. They discovered a secret town within their city. They were not amused. Instead of making it an official neighborhood, they evicted everyone. Their homes were burned down.
Today, Swede Hollow is a wooded park. It’s a place to escape the city. But, hints of the old town remain. As you explore Swede Hollow Henge, remember its history. Artist Christine Bauemler created this stone sculpture.
The Swede Hollow Henge has interesting shadow patterns. Is it functional? Maybe not. But it serves as a reminder of the past. The artist Christine Bauemler teaches at the University of Minnesota. She studied in Japan and graduated from Yale University.
She creates art based on her experiences. Her current work reflects the impact of climate change. She focuses on rainforests, coral reefs, and the deep sea.
Swede Hollow was once accessible through a single tunnel. The ravine’s steep sides made it a secluded world. There was no electricity, no sewage, and no city services. Residents built shanties from scraps.
By the late 1950s, the city was shocked to find this wild pocket within its limits. The remaining families were evicted in 1956. The structures were burned. In the 1970s, it was recreated as a green park.
As you walk through the park, look for remnants of the past. You might find brick structures and rusted metal. These could be from old roofs or chimneys. A wooden staircase leads to the bottom of the basin. Brick pavers and foundations are still visible.
At the north end of the park, you’ll find the Swede Hollow Henge. Some stones seem decorative. Others appear to have been functional. The Swede Hollow Henge sits on a mound.
Christine Baeumler’s work is a civic monument. It honors the anonymous people who called Swede Hollow home. This mysterious little monument is a beautiful reflection of their lives.
So, as you stand here at the Swede Hollow Henge Sculpture, take a moment. Remember the hidden town. Feel the spirit of those who lived here. It’s a powerful reminder of a forgotten past.