The MN T-Girls have had over one hundred monthly events during the ten plus years since our group started. Some of the adventures we have had are as simple as coffee and girl talk, some are annual events, like the Halloween party, and some focus on femme presentation, such as makeup lessons.
And then there are some that are completely out of left field. This past Saturday was such an occasion. Our group had our monthly event and it was one of the most unique things we’ve done. And it was wonderful.
A little history lesson first:
The city of Saint Paul has a wild and fascinating history when it comes to organized crime, gangsters, and bootlegging during the early twentieth century. The city was a haven and a refuge for many notable criminals… with the blessing of the police chief and mayor at the time. It’s fascinating to learn that a personal residence was once the home of Ma Barker or the one time hideout of John Dillinger. Criminals yes, but local heroes to some.
In fact, there are caves and tunnels in various parts of the city where criminals hid the alcohol they were smuggling or even had wild parties in.
For our March event the MN T-Girls had a bit of field trip. The Wabasha Street Caves conducts different tours of some of these caves. Years ago I went on one but they also do bus tours of the city where a tour guide points out different landmarks where criminals hid as well as buildings with a fascinating and sordid history.
This was wonderful. This was so fun. I absolutely cannot recommend this tour enough. It was such a fun day and I am absolutely going to do it again.
On a personal note, I love taking pictures of the group but I was only able to get one picture of us which was taken before the tour started. And here it is!
And no, I did not trade in my Kia. This car was presumably owned by a gangster. I had meant to learn more about this car and I had intended to take more pictures of us after the tour but shortly after the bus left the parking lot I received a message from my sister that she was taking my mom to the emergency room. I wasn’t able to exit the tour so once the bus returned I dashed away to return home to change and then join my sisters.
The doctors aren’t completely sure about what is happening but hopefully we’ll know more soon. Please keep her in your thoughts if you can.
Love, Hannah
Hannah McKnight 
Sending you giant hugs, Hannah! I hope the doctors find out what’s wrong with your mom, and that she has a great recovery 💗
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Looks like a fun outing Hannah! The caves are an amazing place and was a regular destination in my younger years…….let’s just leave it at that. Many different size caves along the river of which I believe many are boarded up. The largest cave which everyone referred to as the main cave could be entered by climbing 150 feet up a hillside and climbing down a narrow entrance. Inside were hallways as high as 40 feet and wide enough for a truck to drive in. The caves being carved out from sandstone, the floor of the cave was like walking on a beach with sand everywhere. I believe the breweries also stored kegs in there long ago as the ambient temperature is always around 40 degrees.
In the main cave there were hallways that went off into different areas. One hallway had a 6 foot tube carved into the wall about 8 feet from the floor. The tube then went upwards about 30 feet and ended where seats were carved out of sandstone. One had to crab walk their way to get to the top. Not recommended for those that were claustrophobic! People referred to this as the stairway to heaven. Ahhh yo be young and dumb again.
Although the caves are no longer accessible, they will always be part of my youth memories. Glad to have survived.
Glad the group was able to get out and learn about one of the many fascinating historical sites right here in our very own city.
Nadine
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Best wishes for your mom Hannah.
My kind of tour.. wish I could have joined in with the group.
Emily
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I’m sorry to hear about your mom and I very much hope she’ll be OK.
As for the event you organised, it sounds fun.
Sue x
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Oh, I am so disappointed that is not your car. I have always pictured you tooling around town in a car like that, with a chauffer and bodyguard.
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I hope your mom recovers quickly.
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Sending positive vibes your way, girl. I hope your mom is okay.
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