Three Merry Widows brand condom tin manufactured between 1920 and 1940.  The tin is one of approximately 70 identical containers found buried in a yard off of West Seventh Street in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Learn more:

• “What’s New” blog post
• Collections Online catalog record

Theodolite (surveying telescope) manufactured by Keuffel & Esser Company of New York, New York, circa 1950. Used by the Minnesota Highway Department (now Minnesota Department of Transportation) at its Mankato office.

Transcription of a letter from the Soldiers of Aid Society of Northfield, Minnesota to Governor Ramsey regarding establishing a hospital for the wounded in Hastings, Minnesota.

“To his Excellency Governor Ramsey
We the undersign members of the Soldiers of Aid Society of Northfield, would hereby respectfully lay before you for consideration, the feasibility of establishing a hospital for wounded soldiers at Hastings on the Miss. River. We think the pure, bracing air of our own state would be more conducive to a speedy recovery, than the oppressive climate of the more southern states.
It would also be within the reach of many who would contribute a thousand little delicacies which will not, and in fact, cannot be sent so great a distance.  And there are many patriotic ladies who would gladly go to care for them, that cannot well leave their homes to go far away. The poor wounded soldier could be brought here with much more ease and comfort than he could be conveyed to points away from the Rivers, and when he arrives he will find kind hearts and hands ready to administer to his need and comfort.
If the suggestion meets your approval will you communicate with the head of the department having charge of such matters?
[signatures]
We request you to reply to this, that we may know what arrangements to make in regard to preparing hospital stores. Address S. E. Miller
Northfield Minn. Apr 23rd 1862″

See whole text: 1862-04-23

Citation:  April 23, 1862 Letter from the Soldiers of Aid Society of Northfield, Letters Received–Sick and Wounded. Minnesota: Governor: Ramsey. Records. Minnesota Historical Society. State Archives. Minnesota Historical Society.

Cast-iron anchor used to tether a hot air balloon to the ground.  The anchor has a cylindrical shank, a curved arm at its base, and a movable balance rod inserted at the upper end of the shank. The curved arm originally had a pointed fluke at each end; one is now broken off.  A movable iron ring is attached to the top of the shank.  An oval-shaped hole and lip are centered on the balance rod.   Made in the 1850s and used in St. Paul,  Minnesota.

For details, view the anchor in our online collections database.

Gown worn by Mahala Pillsbury, wife of John S. Pillsbury, to ceremonies marking her husband’s inauguration as the eighth governor of Minnesota in 1876. The ivory moiré gown has a one-piece bodice and an overskirt of black, Chantilly-like lace. The neck edge, sleeves, and bodice front are trimmed with metallic braid. The boned bodice has three-quarter length sleeves, hook-and-eye front center closure, and an attached waistband. The skirt has double-boxed pleats at the center back with one inner piece of tape to control fullness. The back of the skirt is lined with crinoline. Layers of pleated tapes edged with lace are sewn to the inside hem.

In 1960, Tommy Roland of New York designed a miniature version of the gown for a Mahala Pillsbury doll (pictured below).   It was displayed in the River Room of the St. Paul location of Dayton’s department store along with dolls representing governors’ wives Amelia Hubbard, Sarah Jane Sibley, Anna Ramsey, and Mary Austin.

Transcription of a letter from Captain Francis Hall of the 5th Minnesota Regiment to Governor Ramsey inquiring about a pay increase.

“Head Quarters Fort Ripley April 19, 1862
Hon Gov Ramsey St Paul
D[ear] Sir, I understood you to say that I would get extra pay as Commander of Post.  Is it in extra or double Rations—or in what shape[?]—Dr [Wrew] of this Post says this is a double Ration Post but I can not find any order of the kind.  Will you please inform me[?]  We are now drilling in [facings] –once—and [manual] and Dress Parade – daily.  Also have officer school every evening.  We will be ready for Dixie soon.
I am Very Respectfully Your Obt Serv
Francis Hall Capt 5th Regt M V Comdg Post”

Citation:  April 19, 1862 Letter from Captain Hall, Letters Received–5th Regiment. Minnesota: Governor: Ramsey. Records. Minnesota Historical Society. State Archives. Minnesota Historical Society.