The cover story of the Fall 2005 issue of “Ramsey County History” features:
The Story of a Lost Estate and Oliver Crosby, the Inventive Genius Who Created It

 Author Jay Pfaender takes us on an intriguing tour of what was once one of St. Paul’s largest estates, the fabulous Stonebridge.

The sprawling Stonebridge estate was once located along the Mississippi in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood and is now unknown to most St. Paul’s residents. The house was once the scene of glamorous, Gatsbyesque galas and was later considered to be used as a governor’s residence. Unfortunately this architectural gem was demolished in 1953 and lost to history.

 For the first time, and exclusively in Ramsey County History, the estate’s elegant past and its demise is uncovered. The original estate layout is included and numerous privately-held, previously unseen photos of the mansion and its beautifully landscaped grounds.

 The author also includes fascinating insight into the man who built the estate, Oliver Crosby, who was an industrialist, inventor and founder of the American Hoist and Derrick.

Below are featured a few of the many photos that were not features in the magazine article.
No back issues available  
 

Images of Stonebridge

The Stonebridge mansion.
 

The frog, which now can be seen in the pond across from the at Como Park Conservatory.