Gleason’s Inn

This venue was located at the intersection of Central Ave. NE (Highway 5) and Highway 62, five miles from Columbia Heights.

 

It had a series of names, starting in about August, 1926:

 

• Gleason’s Inn
• Rainbow Inn – note see the page for another Rainbow Inn
• Mulligan’s Inn

 

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GLEASON’S INN

Gleason’s Inn was in existence since at least August 20, 1926.

1927

 

The first ad found was from October 19, 1927, advertising a Long Island duck dinner, but no entertainment.

 

1928

The next ads we see are from early 1928, and despite Prohibition, the place seems to be popular.  Perhaps because it was so far from Downtown Minneapolis, probably in unincorporated area.

 

 

 

 

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1929

 

Prohibition continued, and so did Gleason’s Inn.  The two ads below from 1929 hint that during the summer it was an outdoor venue.

 

 

 

 

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1930

The joint was jumpin’ in early 1930 with Henry O’Shaw and his Trio.  The illegible writing says Dinner Served From 5 o’Clock on.

 

 

 

But what’s this?  Up to this time we haven’t known who Gleason was, but now it appears that the management, at least was being taken over by Al Foster.  In 1930, “Peppy” is how people liked their music!

 

 

 

 

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1931

 

RAINBOW INN

 

In the summer of 1931, Gleason’s temporarily became the Rainbow Inn.

 

 

 

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1932

 

BACK TO GLEASON’S

But by March 1932, the place had reverted, at least in name, to Gleason’s Inn, as evidenced by the ads below.  Ed Gates was the proprietor and their ad in Twin City Brevities invited us to Dine and Dance!

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, we lose track of this place in 1933, which is the year Prohibition ended.  Beer became legal in April of that year.

 

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1934

MULLIGAN’S INN

 

 

 

 

 

And there the trail ends for this rural hot spot.  Highway 62 is no more or renamed.  Who has the answers to this Prohibition-era fun spot?