When we initially began our research on the Bohemian Flats, we were asked to read "The Bohemian Flats" Work Projects Administration (WPA) narrative. This narrative, while very well constructed and informative, contains a very nostalgic tone. This led our group to explore whether this first hand account represented the general opinion of the area or whether the particular material being presented was a point of view specifically selected to provide a sentimental telling.

Digging into the newspaper reports of the time (see Crime Reporting in Newspapers), representation of the Bohemian Flats was in stark contrast to the WPA narrative. The Bohemian Flats was often represented as a burden on the city filled with criminal activity and other forms of debauchery. Despite the numerous accounts of crime on the Flats, very few of them included exact locations for these activities. The map above reflects the areas on the Flats that have specific addresses reported where criminal activities occurred, summarized below with additional information. Base map provided, with thanks, by the Hennepin County Historical Society.


Bohemian Flats Proper

1/9/1913: 133 Wood St Frank Engel A fire started at this house due to an over heated stove. Estimated $1000 in damage. Minneapolis Morning Tribune: Fire Destroys Two Homes in River Flat District

1/9/1913: 129 Wood St Mike Schnoze Caught fire from Frank Engel's home. Estimated $800 in damage. Minneapolis Morning Tribune: Fire Destroys Two Homes in River Flat District

04/04/1888: 75 1/2 Bohemian Flats Maik Porvasneyik Maik died in his home the morning after he received a blow to the head in a drunken fight by Andrew Demko. Minneapolis Tibune: A Drunken Row on the Bohemian Flats Results in a Murder

4/6/1904: 52 Cooper Street Andrew Olcha Andrew fatally beat his wife over money matters. Article actually says she will probably die, so not dead at the time of print. Minneapolis Tribune: Gives Wife Fatal Blows

05/20/1891: 53 West Side Flats George Cwirtz, Andrew Meloski George and Andrew got into a knife fight at a wedding celebration at the address listed. Neither men lived at the address. Minneapolis Tribune: Two Men Badly Slashed

1893-1901: 46 Mill Street John Demko A police officer of the 3rd precinct from 1893 until he was effectively fired in a mass overhaul of the Minneapolis police by Mayor Ames in 1901. History of the Police and Fire Departments of the Twin Cities

1898-1900: 107 Wood Street South George Ihnat A police officer of the 3rd precinct from 1898 until he was let go in 1900. History of the Police and Fire Departments of the Twin Cities

09/09/1895: 102 Mill Street John "Galucha" Thomas Committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. Minneapolis Tribune: Bullet in His Head

09/09/1895: 121 Mill Street George Thomas Address of the son of John Thomas whom he visited the afternoon before he shot himself. Minneapolis Tribune: Bullet in His Head


Sixth Ward/Seven Corners

5/16/1905: 2011 2nd Street South George Zipoy Accidentally shot a 13 year-old boy during a wedding celebration at the address. The address was of the bride's, Mary Draben, parents. The Minneapolis Journal: Wedding Guest Shoots Passerby

5/16/1905: 2215 2nd Street South Mike Zancurak The address of the 13 year-old boy that got shot at the wedding celebration. The Minneapolis Journal: Wedding Guest Shoots Passerby

7/13/1905: 1500 2nd Street South Tony Novotne Tony delt a fatal blow to Matthew Michaliceck at George Shorba's saloon. Address is of the saloon. The Minneapolis Journal: Grief Not Poignant

229 20th Avenue South Michael Siverling Supervised the Bohemian Flats beat for more than 10 years in the late 1800's. History of the Police and Fire Departments of the Twin Cities

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