On a cold day last January, hobbyist photographer Stephanie Thomas captured this image of Minnehaha Creek under 50th Street, near the former Edina Mill site.
Though she grew up in Edina during the 1960s and 1970s, Thomas didn’t know much about local history. Since moving back a few years ago, she has become fascinated with Edina history “not only because it helps me put things into context but also because I think Edina, with its challenges and development, is a microcosm of America,” she says.
On this day, Thomas and her husband went for a walk to explore Williams Park, determined to embrace the winter weather. “I was enjoying the interesting beauty of the frozen falls at the dam under the Browndale Bridge—and then I looked the other way,” Thomas says, noting the dangerous path to the incredible view on the other side. “I told my husband, ‘I’m probably going to have frostbite on my fingers,’ but the view was worth it.”
Photographer: Stephanie Thomas
Title: Reflections Under 50th Street
Equipment: iPhone 12
