I remember Rondo . . . the streets were cobbled stone.
I remember Rondo . . . 450 was our home.

I remember Rondo—the intersection Arundel Hill,
On one corner the cab station; across the street,
Joe’s Grocery Store . . .
I remember Rondo, and we never locked our door.
I remember Rondo—smiling faces still in my mind

I remember Rondo and the people of that time:
There was Darnell and Judy, “SUGAR,” Hortense and Louie;
Bo-Bo, Ray-Ray; and some of “you all”—were there too…

There was “Big Kate”—“Little Kate”—“Sister Aggie,”
“Uncle J. J.”—“Pretty Betty Lou” and “Miss Kitty Boo.”

I remember Rondo, but now, it is no more . . .
I remember Rondo . . . and we were well off—being poor!

The same tract of land has now been paved.
The people . . . all . . . subjected to removal.
You see the City Planners were playing “a game”—
I believe they called it—“Urban Renewal.”

I remember Rondo and sliding down the McKinley School hill . . .
Then, in its place—Control Data,
From Dale Street to the Arundel Hill.

I remember Rondo . . . but now it is no more.
You see they’ve changed “It” to “Concordia”—
And, you better lock your door!

I remember RONDO—even though its scenery has
all been changed . . . I will always remember RONDO,
Because from . . . RONDO. . . is where I came.

McKinley School circa 1911, Carroll Avenue between Arundel and Mackubin, Saint Paul. (Photo: MNHS)
McKinley School circa 1911, Carroll Avenue between Arundel and Mackubin, Saint Paul. (Photo: MNHS)

Moleen (Harris-Davis) Lowe is a Poet for the People—and a native Saint Paulite. After surviving the chaos of fire and floods, she moved from the West Side to the Summit/ University Area and onto the famous Rondo Avenue. Moleen says, “I know God’s grace then/now shields us to this day! If my poetry makes someone smile, laugh, or shed tears of joy, then my purpose living on this planet will have been met…. Peace and Plenty….”