My Life in Pictures
PODANY'S
Or I Move Like a Cat
This would be the Podany's building, located at 2700 Lake Street. Although random, I mention it for two reasons:
I took Interpretive Dance classes on one of the upper levels. It was a funky space and I can't believe I still remember flailing
around in there, but I do. High ceilings, pretty industrial.
The weird thing is that—many years later—an acquaintance of mine mentioned that he used to practice with his band
there, mainly causing mayhem and drinking heavily. And it was around the same time period of my dance classes. I snicker when I think of a dozen
little kids trying to soar and emote to music, while a drunk rock band is practicing in the next room.
FUN FACT: Minneapolis is home to many things. In my old hood, it was home to Dam Number One. It's the very first
dam on the Mississippi. And has the most steep hill down to it EVER. I will not detail how exhilarating it was to ride a bike down it. Or how
painful it was to ride a bike up it:
We also have a Fort. Fort Snelling. I haven't been there in years, but as a woman with a love of history—particularly local
history—I loved going there. Plus, they had rock candy at the General Store. Pure sugar so sweet and teeth-rotting that even today I am amazed that my mom let me
buy it.
The Fort was used for various purposes, but in the early days, soldiers would walk along the river and then make a left and head
toward Lake Calhoun, where they could trade with the Native American tribe living there. It was so well-travelled that this path became Lake
Street.
It became a major thoroughfare as a result. Which explains why there is a graveyard with mausoleums and grave stones dating back
to the 1800s, as well as a saddle shop that is still in operation. In the middle of the city, there's a saddle shop.
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