John S Prince Residence

If you have ever been to St. Paul Minnesota you will know that we cherish our history and try to keep what we have.  St. Paul's Summit Ave is a great example containing the homes of many early elite settlers.  Summit ave is a must visit for anyone who is visiting the city.  Not as many people, however know that there was another street that was lined with mansions in St. Paul, however this one did not do so well.  Known as Layafette Park and more specifically, Woodward Ave this street housed the early mansions before Summit Ave became an exclusive address.  James J. Hill lived here before moving to Summit, as well as .  One Mansion was the John S. Prince Mansion built in 1856.Prince was popular as he was a 5 time mayor of St. Paul.  He is listed as a democrat and was a Catholic banker by trade.  Here is a short blurb about him:

"Princeton had its first permanent settlers in 1854 and was named in honor of John S. Prince of St. Paul, who with others, platted the village in the fall or winter of 1855.  The plat was recorded April 19, 1856.

Prince was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 7, 1821 and came to St. Paul in 1854 as agent of the Chouteau Fur Company.  Later, he was engaged in insurance, real estate, and banking.  He was a member of the constitutional convention of Minnesota in 1857, served as mayor of St. Paul from 1860-62 and 1865-66.  Prince was president of the Savings Bank of St. Paul for many years.  He died in St. Paul September 4, 1895."  http://www.princetontwpmn.com/history.html

Photos courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society 

If you like what you read and want to see this blog and projects keep going PLEASE feel free to donate something, even if it's only a little bit.  Every little bit helps on this restoration project. Thanks again!