The Stone House
Three stone houses were built during the 1920's by Thaddeus P. Giddings (1969-1954). Giddings was the Supervisor of Music for the Minneapolis Schools and founder of the National Music Camp in Interlachen, Michigan. The stone houses were part of the landscaping of Giddings' home and were places for the family to enjoy the river.

One house was located just north of the Eastman (Windego Park) Amphitheater. The other two were located on an island in the Rum River south of the Main Street Bridge. Only one house has survived the river and time. The City of Anoka is preserving it for future generations.

Akin Riverside Historic Promenade

Robert W. Akin
Robert W. Akin (1871-1920) came to Anoka in 1898 and began working as a cahier in the State Bank. His property a few blocks south of Main Street on the east bank of the Rum River was said to be one of the "most picturesque sites in the city". Mr. Akin raised fruit on his property, but his main interest was banking. He became the president of the Anoka State Bank and devoted much of his time to public affairs. He served on the school board for twelve years, sat on the city council of Anoka for a year, and held the offices of Mayor for three terms.

Mr. Akin knew the community needed space for its citizens to relax, so he donated some of his land and sold other portions of it to the City of Anoka to become a park. The deed stipulated that the city purchase additional land to create a system of parks in Anoka. Part of the land Riverside Park resides on is land that once belonged to R.W. Akin. His vision of a system of parks in the city has been fulfilled.

Akin Riverside Historic Promenade

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Show me all markers in:  Anoka, MN  |  Anoka County  |  55303  |  Minnesota  |  United States of America

Perseverance Needed
The Gathering Place
Why Settle Here? / Time to Play
Rum River Dam
Anoka Post Office
Where Cultures Meet
Bridging the Mississippi
Fireman's Grove
Where Land and Water Meet
Logbooms Meet Sawmills

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