1970’s Apartment Living in St. Paul…What Did it Cost?

WHEN “RUNAWAY INFLATION” WAS RACKING THE ECONOMY

Those of us who lived and worked during the 1970’s recall those far-off days when inflation was spiraling out of control. Oil prices were a key factor in this economic malaise. Each time consumer prices took a leap, buying power dropped. Salaries were then hiked, causing prices to rise again. Thus, the cycle repeated itself.

Here are a few personal mementos from that time period. Back then, my family and I were living in the Johnson Apartments. The building was located on the corner of Russell Street and Fifth Ave. – a very convenient spot back in the days when St. Paul’s downtown area was thriving. Apartments were scarce and each time one of them became vacant, new tenants quickly moved in.

For many young folks (including me) the apartments around town were the first home of their married life. Did you live in one of them? If so, let us know.

THE JOHNSON APARTMENTS AS THEY APPEARED IN 1971 DURING THAT YEAR’S CHRISTMAS PARADE.
WE CARRIED EVERYTHING FROM GROCERIES TO A PIANO UP THOSE STAIRS – WHEN OUR LEGS WERE MUCH YOUNGER!
A NOVEMBER, 1976 RENT RECEIPT (ABOVE) FOR APARTMENT #4.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD A $16.59 ELECTRIC BILL?
CABLE TELEVISION WAS INEXPENSIVE IN 1976, BUT FEWER CHANNELS WERE OFFERED. BECAUSE THE VIRGINIA CABLE CORP. OFFICE WAS LOCATED DOWNSTAIRS, PAYING THE BILL WAS CONVENIENT.

EPILOGUE

The former Johnson Apartments passed through several hands before being destroyed by a disastrous fire. Thanks to the efforts of the St. Paul Volunteer Fire Department and other area firefighters, the adjacent Fraley building was saved.

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