1950 Map of Lake Elmo

About this map

The Lake Elmo area in the mid-century shows a transitional landscape where established lakeside settlements and a dense network of rural school districts meet the expanding reach of the Chicago and North Western railroad. The map preserves the specific locations of numerous one-room schoolhouses that once served this portion of Washington County, including School No 13, Gillie Sch, and Carver Sch. While the village of Lake Elmo is a primary hub, smaller points like Midvale and Oakbury reflect the older hamlet-based structure of the township. In the southern half, the terrain of Woodbury is dotted with landmarks like the Woodbury Ch and several named family-linked schools such as Schilling Sch and Salem Sch. The map's hydrography is particularly prominent, featuring a chain of water bodies from Eagle Point Lake down to Carver Lake, providing a clear view of the natural drainage and wetland patterns before significant suburban development.