Historic Coats from the Winter Carnival
Two historic coats worn for Winter Carnival activities in the early 20th century were recently added to the Society’s collection.
One of the distinctive “Hudson’s Bay” coats belonged to James J. Hill’s son, Louis, who succeeded his father as president and chairman of the Great Northern Railway. James J. Hill supported the first carnivals in 1887 and 1888. The festival was revived by Louis Hill in 1916 and has been a highlight of St. Paul’s colorful winter season ever since.
The second coat with similar blanket stripes has a long, full design and was worn by a member of the Great Northern Railway marching club. Both coats date from the years shortly after the 1916 carnival and were probably worn for many years after.
