Perhaps you have noticed a garden on Glenwood Avenue in Theodore Wirth Park. The sign alongside says J. D. Rivers Garden Project; a colorful giant chair stands aside it. During the summer you may see youth working in the garden or selling veggies near the street. How did this farming begin here? Whose garden is it? This is the story.
A North Minneapolis resident, James Rivers had observed crops cultivated in a small area near the beach house. After some investigation he found that they had been planted by an organization called the Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGE) who were celebrating their 100th anniversary. As part of the 1981 festivities, MGE had selected a site in Theodore Wirth Park to plant a few acres of wheat and sunflowers, which were the two crops historically traded at the MGE. Children from recreation centers across the city were invited to observe the process of plowing a field, planting it and harvesting the mature plants with farm implements. There were also creative art classes using the grains.
Local Northside residents, James D. and Ada Collier Rivers, were inspired when they saw the activities of the 100th anniversary event in their local park. They had met at a local soda shop on what is now Olson Highway and married when he was a chief petty officer stationed at what was the Wold-Chamberlain Navy base. Ms. Rivers is of a third generation of African Americans who arrived in Minnesota prior to 1900; her father Harrison, brother Wallace and Ada were born in North Minneapolis. J.D. and Ada were forever looking for ways to serve their neighbors. They thought that this Northside piece of land could be used for a permanent garden for the youth of their community. The Rivers approached the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB), the owners of the site, who agreed it was a good idea. In the following growing season, 1982, a children’s garden was born.
The plan was to create a space for gardening for the youth of the Northside neighborhoods where Mrs. Rivers grew up. Money was secured from Dayton Hudson Corporation, Target, B. Dalton Bookseller, Pillsbury Company, Bachman’s, and others for garden supplies. Children had to be six years of age or older to participate. J.D. had grown up in a small town in South Carolina where he learned farming skills from family and friends. Ada joined him as they worked “hands on” creating this Northside garden with community volunteers and children. They made sure that senior citizens got veggies from the children’s garden. Youth displayed their wares for prizes at the Hennepin County Fair. A festival of celebration was held each Fall. Mr. Rivers has since passed on, yet his legacy lives on. The Minneapolis Park Board unanimously voted that this garden be a permanent memorial to him. Mrs. Rivers keeps historical photos and news clippings regarding the garden. She turned age 100 on August 13!
Each summer, a variety of youth programs are offered at the garden including weekly programs throughout the growing season and week-long camps in the late summer. Garden staff from the University of Minnesota and 4-H work with local youth programs and agencies such as Master Gardeners focusing on gardening skills, harvesting produce, and healthy eating. Three to five high school youth from local high schools, including some from Camden High are employed there each summer.
Thank you to Ada Collier Rivers, resident of the Northside for 95 of her 100 years, the major contributor for this story. Mrs. Rivers is a Registered Nurse who retired at age 85 after serving as a volunteer and receptionist at the Greater Lake Country Food Bank in North Minneapolis for many years.