New Documentary "Who Built Our Capitol?" Has a Roseville Connection

A commemorative program to recognize the men and women who built the Minnesota State Capitol at the turn of the 20th century will be held this Saturday (Oct. 19) with the guests expected to include the Roseville great granddaughter of one of builders.  

The documentary "Who Built Our Capitol?" narrated by Don Shelby will premier, highlighting the ethnic diversity of those who built the Capitol. The documentary was produced by the Labor Education Service at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Historical Society as the lead sponsor.

Included among those to be recognized is Otto Manke, the great grandfather of Roseville's Michelle Manke.  

In September 2011, workers who were refurbishing the Capitol's lantern and finial above the dome recovered a copper cleat inscribed with a cryptic message from the past that read "O C Manke Aug 10, 1902," Michelle said in a press statement.

Researchers tracked down information on this find by locating  O. C. Manke's great-grand daughter, Michelle Manke. Michelle confirmed to historians that  O C Manke was Otto Manke, the son of immigrants from Pomerania. 

Michelle said she provided information, artifacts and photographs about her great grandfather.

Michelle Manke said, "Our Capitol is the People's House. This magnificent building was constructed with pride by ordinary working people from a wide variety of communities. They left us an important legacy that should always remind us of what unites us as Minnesotans and Americans."

A century after Otto Manke, Michelle Manke has her own interest in the Capitol. Manke recently announced her candidacy for Minnesota House District 42B in suburban Ramsey County, which includes Roseville. 

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