Friends,
Jen Santarelli, local artist and granddaughter of longtime Pillsbury employee Walter Santarelli, has utilized our compiled list of nearly 1200 employee names to create a wonderful memorial to the PIllsbury workers. The memorial wall on the east side of the Bakery Mix Building will be accessible for viewing and photo opportunities during our tours. Jen will be present and available on Saturday during open tour hours (11am to 3pm). She will have our existing list for families to view and make additions as needed. We want as many employees represented as possible. Jen has named the memorial piece “Roll Call”. Wow! What a powerful and inspiring addition to the overall Pillsbury Project.
Free public tours are this Saturday, April 6th at Noon and 2pm. Tours begin in our south dock entrance (at the corner of 16th St. & Phillips Ave.). Tours last about one hour with several stops within and around several buildings. The tours are on a generally level concrete surface but sturdy shoes or boots are still recommended. Last Fall our tour guests ranged in age from 2 to 90 years old…everyone is welcome to attend! No reservations are necessary. There is ample parking in our south lot and along 15th St.
The guided tours have a focus on the Historic Pillsbury Era (1929-1991) at the site. Many former Pillsbury employees have been interviewed this past year. They have generously shared their knowledge of the site so that it could be shared with tour guests during the tours.
Engraved “Pillsbury” bricks will be available ($20). Donations for tours are encouraged but not required. And, micro-pantry food donations will be accepted. Our Pillsbury Neighborhood micro-pantry has been a great success. Download a recommended donation list…
Thanks for being a part of this important community project.
~ Team Pillsbury