Secrets of the City

Cyn is publishing a book on Dylan’s time in the Dinkytown. Not sure if she’ll jump in with any info.

When I wrote about this a few years ago, I seem to recall John Pankake telling me Dylan lived in a “white apartment house” on 15th Avenue. I seem to recall that I saw the address somewhere, and determined that the building was now gone–as is the building where the Ten O’Clock Scholar, which is now a parking lot.

Dylan was only here for a year or so, and for part of that, he was a “Sammy.” That is, he pledged at the Jewish fraternity. Implication being that he lived maybe part of the time at the Sigma Mu house? Dave Ray told me that he once harbored him in his basement after Dylan stole some steaks from the House.

Anyway, I’d strongly suggest Howard Soune’s book, “Down the Highway, The Life of Bob Dylan.” The Hibbing and Dinkytown chapters are some of the most exhaustive work done on Dylan’s Minnesota roots.

Good stuff, thanks Hans.

One of the MNspeak t-shirts that never made it into production was “Dylan Lived In My Building.” Since it’s now unlikely it ever will, here’s what it looked like.

I know where his parents former house in Hibbing is.

i know where he took a crap in Hinckley

Here’s a link to an article I wrote about the “Talkin’ Hugh Brown” song on the “party tape” donated to MHS, that gives more details about the “time of Dylan” living house at 711 15th Ave. SE.

He also lived above Davis Drug for awhile. I’ve heard from a few the 10 O’Clock Scholar was where The Lotus, next to the Oak St. Cinema is.

For anyone else who’s curious, a Google Maps link to 711 15th Ave. SE.

Thanks for the info, Hans.

Too bad the t-shirt was a no-go, rex.

I just now remember seeing in one of those cheapy photo books of the Twin Cities you can get at B&N for $10 a photo of a tiny triangular building. The caption claimed that this was where Dylan played his first ever concert. I swear it was a barber shop or something…I don’t know.

One big, ignorant question though–why are members of the Jewish frat called “Sammys”?

Cyn, where was Davis Drug? Is that the building that now houses the Loring Pasta Bar?

And would the “tiny triangular building” be the old newsstand on 14th and University?

Yes, Davis Drug is now the Loring Pasta Bar. I’m not sure what “tiny triangular building you’re referencing . . . perhaps it is the building that was the Triangle Bar, on Riverside? That was the main place where all the music moved to from Dinkytown, when people became old enough to drink. I haven’t heard that Dylan ever played there, not sure.

Yes, Davis Drug is now the Loring Pasta Bar. I’m not sure what “tiny triangular building you’re referencing . . . perhaps it is the building that was the Triangle Bar, on Riverside? That was the main place where all the music moved to from Dinkytown, when people became old enough to drink. I haven’t heard that Dylan ever played there, not sure.