Photograph is taken from elevated position of present day Kellogg Boulevard. On the right side of the photograph is the James J. Hill Reference Library. Interior scaffolding and supports are visible for both library buildings.
The bedrock is exposed and being drilled, cut and removed from the construction site. Foundation walls are shown in their wood and metal frames. Various types of construction tools, including type of power-operated drill are shown.
The photograph is taken from present day Washington Street looking towards Market Street and Kellogg Boulevard. Building crews are constructing scaffolds and assembling cranes. To the right of the crane on the left side of the construction site is the beginning of the construction of the James J. Hill Reference Library. The James J. Hill Reference Library and the Central Library of the Saint Paul Public Library were constructed as one building, separated by a common wall.
Close detail of the construction scaffolding. To the left of the scaffolding are machines used to mix concrete. Workers with wheelbarrows are collecting the mixture. To the right of the mixing drum is a small wooden structure that houses the engine that provides the power to mix the concrete. Exhaust smoke is coming from the stack that rises above the small wooden structure. Various construction workers are on the site. Four men in suits and hats plus another man in a vest and hat seem to be posing for the photographer. These men may be members of the Steen Construction Company. The photograph displays the words "Steen Construction Company."
Photograph is taken at the present day corners of Washington and 4th Streets. Dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen are dressed for the occasion are shown around the corner stone. Architect Electus D. Litchfield (1872-1952) stands in lower right corner holding straw hat.
This photograph is taken on the present day corners of Washington and 4th Street. This appears to be the dedication ceremony. The individual standing by the corner stone is making a speech. The speaker is not identified. Dignitaries are seated closest to the speaker. Note the woman in the left side of the photograph, same level as the speaker, who is holding a baby. Workers from the Minnesota Club have ceased working to listen to the speech. In the background, to the right of a pile of building materials, is a street car on 4th Street. In front of the wall stands architect Electus D. Litchfield (1872-1952), who is putting on his straw hat.
Photograph taken from present day Market Street, looking towards the corners of Washington and 4th Street. The scaffolding is completed and the cranes are in place. Lumber, bricks, sand and other aggregate needed for mixing concrete are now on site.