George Luxton went to great lengths and heights for a news photo. Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

taken from the Southeast Angle

The site of the annual Fire and Ice Festival--Luxton Park--was named for George Luxton, a resident of Prospect Park and noted photographer and gardening editor for the Minneapolis Tribune.
The neighborhood history book, “Under the Witch’s Hat,” reports that George Luxton initiated a petition drive to acquire the park in 1912. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board was invited to a meeting at Pratt School, where Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls carried a banner with all the petitions pasted together. The board voted to purchase the land from a farmer for $15,134, after hearing a neighborhood girl speak on the topic, “Why Can’t We Have a Safe Place to Play.”
In 1909, Luxton built and lived in the house at 138 Arthur Avenue, overlooking the park. In 1912, he built the adjacent house at 142 Arthur Place. Early in his career, Luxton earned fame as a photographer for Twin Cities newspapers, and his work had a broad range: the Hennepin History Museum has a George Luxton Collection of Theatrical Portraits. Later in his career, he provided down-to-earth gardening advice as garden editor of the Minneapolis Tribune from the late 1930s until his death in 1962.
Luxton’s column and his book, “Flower Growing in the North: A Month-by-Month Guide,” featured information about gardening, along with anecdotes and a signature silhouette of Luxton’s “Grandma,” who fostered his love for the earth and things that grow (see box below).
Fitting for the Fire and Ice Festival, the January chapter of Luxton’s book suggests uses for Christmas trees, including setting the tree up as a bird feeding station or completing the winter protection of your roses.
The annual Fire and Ice Festival at Luxton Park will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy a bonfire of Christmas trees, hayrides, music, food and a nice, cold ice rink.

last revised: March 29, 2006