I NEVER WANT TO TAKE my community for granted, as cliché as that sounds. But sometimes I do. We all do, I suppose.
We need to appreciate the place we call home as much as we sometimes criticize or yearn for whatever we think is better. The grass is always greener. Or so we think. Often it’s not.
A beautifully restored building a block off Central Avenue at 31 Third Street Northeast houses Alexander’s Supper Club and Pub 31 on the lower levels and a ballroom on the second floor.
Today I want to show you a photo snippet from downtown Faribault. These images reveal one of the reasons I value this community where I’ve lived for 31 years.
A mural, one of several in the downtown area, promotes historic Faribault. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
My southern Minnesota city is old, historic old. Fur trader Alexander Faribault established a fur trading post here in 1834. That was 15 years before Minnesota became a Territory. The city of Faribault was platted in 1855, three years before Minnesota statehood.
Sturdy, aged buildings define most of the downtown. It’s lovely.
Situated across from the post office, this former warehouse is home to Alexander’s Supper Club and Pub 31.
Just up the hill a few blocks away from Alexander’s, you’ll find the Vintage Ballroom and Suites at 129 Central Avenue North. Bernie’s Grill occupies the first floor.
Historic buildings are reflected in the windows of Studio 14 Salon and Spa at 204 Central Avenue North. The salon created a “Frozen” display for a downtown holiday decorating contest, earning first place.
Grampa Al’s, 28 Third Street Northwest, founded in 1929, claims to be one of Minnesota’s oldest bars. The business website says Grampa Al’s has been “serving hamburgers and cold refreshments since the end of Prohibition.”
Crafty signage suspended high in a window of The Crafty Maven hints at the crafty goodness you will find inside this historic building at 212 Central Avenue in historic downtown Faribault.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Patterns in brick-work continue to fascinate me. Your photo montage gives me much to absorb and I always love that!!! The juxtaposition of the ‘new’ across the street from the historic creates a perfect ‘tension’ that is not in the least unpleasant but conveys the feel of the historic Faribault rising up to meet the future. Thnx, Audrey!
I was wondering if any readers would catch that– the “new” apartment complex across the street from Alexander’s.
I know that all the “river towns” struggle with such issues. LaX is trying to come to common ground with a hotel developer whose land purchase will put the structure at the foot of the “Main Channel/Mississippi/Blue” bridge. The proposed building is not in keeping with the historic theme of the downtown and the council is holding firm!!!!!!
Kudos to the council for not caving in to a developer’s pressure.
I couldn’t agree more. Awaiting further news on their decision and praying that politics and potential $$$ don’t trump!!!!
I’m so happy to see that your downtown is not crumbling away as so many are. Lovely architecture which contrasts so starkly with the ornate qualities of the Southern structures in my hometown.
Faribault’s downtown is far from crumbling. The photos here show you only a snippet of the beautifully preserved buildings that define our downtown. Many are in an historic district.
Very rich history. Historic towns [that have a “downtown”] are my absolute favorite to live in and visit. I am not fond of the highway communities with strip malls – but that is no secret to you.
We’re definitely on the same page when it comes to historic towns vs. strip mall communities.
Fantastic photos!
Thank you.
Great photos. I’m itching to go in and snoop around.
You’re welcome to come and snoop in Faribault any time, Missy. You would love The Crafty Maven.
You have made me homesick as I truly miss the rich history of the towns in the Midwest. Absolutely great photos!
Thank you, Don. Come home.
Buildings are just not made like this anymore – love that 🙂 Beautiful Captures – Happy Day!
We are fortunate to have lots of these old buildings in Faribault, downtown and elsewhere.
Love your snippets of downtown Faribault, it really has some beautiful old buildings, I especially like the photo of the Alexander Supper club with all the lighted stars in the window.
That’s my favorite pic, too. From the moment I saw those stars in the window, I knew I needed to photograph this building just as the sun was setting.
Thanks for always having an over flowing cup Audrey. I love that!
Dee, I would say likewise about you. I checked out your blog yesterday and saw how you and your friends collected money for Michelle’s saxophone. You are the best!
Tagging on to other comments the photos indeed are noteworthy that showcase your historic downtown area. Gratifying to know there exists a lot of preservation going on to keep the town intact and elicit support from the communitydespite the strip mall uprisings.
Definitely strong support for historic preservation in Faribault. We have plenty of the strip malls, too, on the fringes of the city, plus a larger mall, which is not particularly full.
I recognized a few of these places from my visits there. Your pride in your community is apparent and such a good thing. Thanks for sharing Faribault with us!
Always happy to share Faribault with others, especially you.