Sewardâs Summer Walks, an annual neighborhood event that schedules pleasant
strolls â usually with historical themesâaround Seward.
Because the Fourth of July falls on a Thursday this year, weâve delayed the
start of our programs until Wednesday July 10. And, even on that night, there
wonât be much walking. You can count on several things with the walks: The
walks are always free and no sign up is necessary. The walks are always on
Wednesday and at 7 p.m. Just show up at the starting point (The locations may
vary week to week and our routes are as accessible as public sidewalks.) Here
is a rundown of the upcoming walks for the month of July. You can mark your
calendars or you can rely on reminders we post shortly before each walk. The
events will continue through August.
July 10â We will be celebrating 50 years of the Minneapolis Park Board in the
Seward Neighborhood. We are meeting at Matthews Community Center, the structure
that was the site of an historic collaboration among the Park Board, the school
district and social services back when Seward neighbors held off urban renewal
and convinced authorities to build a new school, a new playground and a new
park.
We will gather oral histories at the meeting so you will hear
interesting stories from people who participated in the centerâs early history.
We will honor people, remember events, recognize changes, look at some old
pictures and share light refreshment while catching up with old friends. It all
will begin at 7 p.m. at Matthews Recreation Center
July 17âThis July Wednesday has been set aside for honoring the Legacy of Del
Bursch and the Birchwood Dairy and Grocery Store; which became, as most folks
know, the Birchwood Café at 3311 E. 25th St. But, pay attention: We will meet
instead at 2300-33rd Ave where it all started (and therein lies the history
lesson for the evening) Youâll get a chance to meet Del and we hope that many
former patrons who grew up running errands at the dairy store will attend.
July 24â We will explore the lost commercial strip of 25th Street and 27th Ave.
Meet at 7 p.m. at 2715/2717 E 25th street. This was the heart of Sewardâs main
business area. Old timers can recall the many stores and businesses that were
located here. Weâll make sure you hear stories from patrons and also hear the
related story of why I-94 changed its original location.
July 31âWe end the month on the theme of âMaking changes thru protest,
agitation, and conflict.â Plan to meet outside the main entrance to Flour City
Ornamental Iron (Now known as the Ivy Building) 2637 27th Ave. The place has a
history of labor protests that fundamentally changed the lives Minneapolis
workers and the Seward neighborhood. We will also be remembering places in
Seward where changes came about through personal or corporate confrontation.