HISTORY MATTERS

The Newsletter Publication of NWA History Centre, Inc.
8101 – 34 th Ave., So. – Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 997-8000 – Ext. 8-6102       www.NWAHistory.org
H.V. “Pete” Patzke, Editor

Vol. 5 - No. 1                                                                                       March, 2007

REMINICING

            A few weeks ago I made a rather nostalgic visit to the old Northwest Airlines General Office building on St. Paul’s University Avenue. I was actually calling on a book publisher who occupies one of the multi tenant spaces that now makeup the building. It brought many memories as it was where I spent the majority of my first fifteen-years’ employment at NWA. I was quite familiar with the building as I grew up in the neighborhood and at one time had a paper route that included a couple of customers who worked in the building.

            A little research finds that the 80-by-160 three story and basement structure was built in 1926 for the grand sum of $150,000. It was occupied by the Krank Shaving Cream Co mpany as an office and factory. The factory part probably explains the existence of several manhole covers in the floors that housed various conveyors. Krank vacated the building in 1941. Shortly thereafter it was occupied by NWA as an employment office and to house the
many functions involved with the World War II contracts for aircraft modification and operation of the Northern Region.

            The building at 1885 University Avenue served as system wide headquarters from the mid 1940s until 1961 when company facilities were consolidated at the new overhaul facility at the MSP airport. In 1985 St. Paul’s Heritage Preservation Commission gave the old building special historical status. As such, special permission will be needed for any exterior changes and any changes made must conform to the building’s historical nature.

            The old general office was generally recognized “as one of the finest examples of an industrial building constructed in St. Paul in the 1920s” and specifically recognized for its “glazed terra-cotta panels of brightly-carved floral and classical motifs” that adorn “an otherwise utilitarian structure.” In addition, its 75-foot setback from the curb “enhanced its appearance and provided for one of the few substantial green spaces along the entire length of University Avenue.”

            In a recent phone conversation with retired Budget Director Bob Campbell he recalled having his desk beside the the north wall of the second floor. In the winter gusty northerly winds would create quite a draft and rustle papers on his desk. Suit coats and/or sweaters were the order of the day.

            Along with the Personnel Department, Norm Haglund’s Print Shop, Bill Barney’s Stockroom and Al Lindholm’s building maintenance the basement housed the bailiwick of Al Kons, Chef Extraordinaire. Somehow he managed to offer some great lunches for the grand sum of thirty-five cents. For several years the airline, probably as a Public Relations ploy, was the successful bidder at the Minnesota State Fair auction of the champion 4H steer. That’s where Chef Kons had his finest hour. He would spend more than twenty-four consecutive hours on the job roasting the huge rounds of beef with only a couple short breaks for naps on a cot setup in the back room. At noontime he would personally handle the carving/serving decked out in his full chef’s regalia.

            Many of those who spent time at the old G.O. will recall the shuffleboard court on the sidewalk in front of the building. Weather permitting there was usually a noon hour game. Strictly a “King of the Hill” format open to all challengers. The court itself was somewhat of a challenge created by heaved cement blocks that made up the sidewalk. This made for some odd and spectacular shots as those sidewalk cracks would deflect otherwise carefully planned plays. The court and some of the shirt sleeved regular players have been memorialized in a photo taken one warm and bright January and printed in a book relating the history of NWA. One day the group was admonished by President Don Nyrop, “To enjoy your game but keep the noise level down and don’t forget the length of your lunch hour!” His office overlooked the court.