This week in history

Historic Minnesota events with anniversaries this week.

August 28

1977 Lake City’s Ralph Samuelson, the “father of water-skiing,” dies. In 1922 Samuelson had successfully tested water skis on Lake Pepin, having fashioned the skis by boiling and curving the tips of boards purchased at a local lumberyard.

Aug. 31

1929 The Foshay Tower is dedicated in Minneapolis. Hiring John Sousa to write and perform a march for the occasion, Wilbur Foshay throws a splendid grand-opening party, a final display of extravagance before the 1929 crash and subsequent economic depression that ruins him.

Sept. 1

1894...