Rondo Neighborhood
![Rondo Avenue Co-op](https://blog.jfuerst.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/661b1301a4710298adc3953b45a25381.jpg)
Not sure if you have ever heard of the Rondo neighborhood in Saint Paul, MN – today wanted to shed a little light on this past area in Saint Paul, MN prior the addition of the I-94.
Highlighting Black History
Rondo Neighborhood was always a diverse area, by the 1950’s predominantly African-American.
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Above photo shows the view of Rondo Avenue, circa 1900. The image was taken by Delia Elizabeth Chaney from Josiah B. Chaney’s residence on 604 Rondo Avenue.
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Above photograph, photographer unknown, was taken approximately 1948 in the Credjafawn Co-op Store, 678 Rondo Ave.
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Saint Paul Dispatch & Pioneer Press took the above image on June 9, 1960 of The Booker T Cafe & Tavern.
What happened to Rondo Ave. ?
In 1956, the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 was created, as there was more automobiles on the road. In Saint Paul, there were a few options for adding the I-94: one route was more norther route along the rail tracks, a different route was a more central option – running through Rondo Avenue.
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Credjafawn Co-op Store, 678 Rondo Ave.
The more central route was chosen & by that decision the Rondo Avenue neighborhood was displaced. More than 80% of Saint Paul’s lived in are surrounding Rondo Ave neighborhood’s & when I-95 was completed, over 600 African-American families were displaced. Not to mention all the business and institutions that also lost their place.
In 2016 a formal apology was given formally by MNDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. The Rondo Commemorative Plaza was installed in 2016 on Old Rondo Avenue , now is Concordia Avenue, & just west of North Fisk Street to commemorate the Rondo community.
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To celebrate the past community, every July Saint Paul holds Rondo Days & if you are in the area – check it out!
For more information on Rondo Avenue, highly encourage you to click over to the website Rondo Days – a wealth of information!
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