Author Archive
Library News – Dec. ’23
By CARZ NELSONAll information listed here is accurate as of November 15, 2023. For the most recent information, check out the library website at www.hclib.org. FRANKLIN LIBRARY HOURSMonday 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday 12 PM to 8 PM Wednesday 12 PM to 8 PM Thursday 12 PM to 8 PM Friday 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM Sunday 12 PM to 5 PM PAINT AND POETRYFor grades 1-6. Join Soomaal House of Art for an afternoon exploring watercolor and the magic of words. Participants will learn how to paint while using poetry to express their thoughts and questions. Materials provided.Franklin LibrarySaturday, December 9 at 1 to 3:30 PM VOTING AND ELECTION RESOURCESStop by the Hennepin County Elections table to learn more about voting and elections including how to register to vote, finding new polling places, the primary election in March 2024, new election laws that are changing, and more!Hosmer LibraryTuesday, December 12 at 3 to 5 PM DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR ALLLearn about the State of [...]
Tales from Pioneers + Soldiers Cemetery – Dec. ’23
Mother’s Biased Love and Loyalty Follows Chosen Son to the Grave and Beyond By SUE HUNTER WEIR Much, perhaps too much, has been written about Harry Hayward, the most notorious person buried in the Cemetery. Less has been written about his family. Harry was the youngest of William and Lodusky Hayward’s three sons. He was their golden boy, the son who could do no wrong—except that he orchestrated the murder-for-hire of Catherine (Kitty) Ging.Lodusky Hayward was perhaps the strangest member of the family. She was born in Illinois on August 5, 1836. In 1860, she married William Wirt Hayward. They had three sons: Thadeus, Adry, and Harry. Their only daughter, Williametta, died in 1870 when she was two years old.The Haywards arrived in Minnesota in the 1860s. William became a successful real estate dealer. Thadeus was a dentist, Adry a businessman, and Harry, who had no profession, was best known as a womanizer and gambler. Their lives were disrupted in 1894 when Harry was [...]
Letter to the Editor – Dec. ’23
In Response to the City’s Survey on the Future of Throne Plaza My name is Edric Knight and I’ve lived on the southside since 1990. I was here when Throne Plaza was constructed and supported Rafala Green through my company donating used office equipment, chairs, typewriters, food and furniture for her art center.At the time I lived in an apartment just around the corner. The art center had opened, and out of curiosity I walked in to see scores of children and teens being taught to appreciate their cultures through dance, music, art and education. That’s where I met Rafala, and I was hooked. For some children this was the only food they may have had during the day. The typewriters were used to teach office skills. Remediation classes were taught by other volunteers. The young people shined with pride.Rafala was recognized and celebrated but it wasn’t without resistance. What I did observe is how the children of the community responded to Rafala and the programs at the center. [...]








