Senseless Destruction Of The Pauline Fjelde House

The house at 3009 Park Avenue, in South Minneapolis (SoMi) was the former residence of Pauline Fjelde, a renowned textiles artist who embroidered the first Minnesota State flag; therefore kind of like the Betsy Ross of Minnesota.

Acting on a so-called "emergency" demolition order, a wrecking crew failed to save valuable antique radiators--about $3,000 worth by one estimate--the decorative corbels on the underside of the roof and--most horrifying of all, and documented in this video--Fjelde's antique trunk which was in the third story. Watch carefully in the opening of the third story window, and you will see the trunk, a coffin-like object. It was in plain view to those who were at the scene.

I call for a modification to public policy in Minneapolis, whereby "emergency" demolition must also include the emergency salvage of useful and historical house components.

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[JohnnyHoffa]

No, nothing. The place went down without any attempt to salvage the corbels on the exterior, Pauline's trunk, not even the aluminum siding or pipes. It's a crime. Contact your city council person.

[JohnnyHoffa]

Um, by what authority would I "issue a stop work order?"

[zackhoe1978]

@JohnnyHoffa i love my job

[Revolution1975]

This is an outrage.

[JohnnyHoffa]

I would like to make further contact with you. Will you send me a YouTube email with further contact info? Some of the preservationists here would be interested to touch base with you, I think.

[AGorbeh]

Makes me want to cry. I live two blocks away, was out of town. Was anything salvaged?

[rayofminneapolis]

Why didn't you issue a stop work order?