River Story: Diving off Houseboats, Building Shacks

I am 88 years old. My grandparents came from Sweden and settled by the Mississippi River.

I was a teen in Minneapolis, and we would go where the houseboats that were parked on the river by the U of M. We would dive off the houseboats!! My teenage years were exciting ones as we swam in the river — clean river, not so much, but as teenagers, we could care less.

Yes, the Mississippi River brings back many memories, as I grew up on Cedar and Riverside back then and went to the Pillsbury House, spent hours there.

The river ran across from the river road down by St. Mary's Hospital. ...Spent a lot of time also riding our bikes on the river road, by the Mississippi River. We tied a rope to a tree over the river. The boys built a one-room shack there until we were told by the police that we weren't allowed to.

I grin just thinking about my days on the Mississippi River and houseboats.

by Ramona Danberg

The River Story Map

Created and coordinated by volunteer extraordinaire Michael Bischoff, the River Story Map kicks off FMR's silver anniversary year with 25+ stories of friendship with and connection to the metro Mississippi.  These honest and personal reflections portray the river as a source of intrigue and adventure, a beloved date night venue, and even an unlikely partner in tales of loss and healing. We hope you enjoy them and consider adding your personal story of friendship with the Mississippi River.