“U.S. 61” – Deadpioneer's Historic Minnesota Highways Blog

Blog: Page Updates and Communication

Historic Photos from the Old Pigeon River Crossing

Posted on March 11, 2018 by deadpioneer

I just received two great photos from Mike Sebek of his grandfather and future uncles, the Johnsons of St Paul, on a family road trip in 1933 or 1934 at the old Pigeon River crossing between Canada and the United States on Highway 61.

sebek-pigeonriver-Bridge_ed — The first image shows the Johnson family posing at the steel bridge completed in 1930, looking north across the Pigeon River into Canada. From left to right: Charles I Johnson “Chuck”, Wilfred T Johnson Sr, Wilfred T Johnson Jr “Bill”.

bridgetoday — For comparison, here is me standing at nearly the same location in 2012, nearly 80 years later (the angle of the picture is to the northeast instead of to the northwest) The bridge has been removed, but the abutment remains.

sebek-pigeonriver-customs-ed — The second image is at the Canadian customs station (this building is visible in the first image above the left shoulder of Mr. Johnson Sr.)

Many thanks to Mr. Sebek for providing the photos!

For more photos and history of the historic Pigeon River crossing, see my article HERE

Mn/DOT Restoration of Burns Avenue Overlook

Posted on August 11, 2012 by deadpioneer

The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota recently posted about the ongoing restoration of the Burns Avenue overlook in St Paul using a photo from an article here on the site! Check out their post here.

Video of the Hastings Spiral Bridge

Posted on June 8, 2012June 8, 2012 by deadpioneer

An amazing video has been digitized of the historic Spiral Bridge in Hastings, showing it in use before its demolition, and a brief shot of its demise. You can check it out here. Thanks to Cathy Wurzer for posting this on the Tales of the Road facebook page!