10/02/2026
We were recently asked to save lights from the historic “Dinkydome” building before they ended up in the dumpster. While the main portion of the chandelier was beyond repair, we were able to make a flush mount and several pendants using the parts that were left. Long before “Dinkytown” existed at the University of Minnesota, the Scandinavian Christian Unity Missionary Society was founded in 1910. This building was constructed in 1913 for the society and called the International Christian Bible College, founded by David E. Olson. After several name changes, the college moved to Rochester in 1972. From there it was home to a variety of businesses, including a book store and a food court. Today it has been remodeled into apartments. First photo of the building is just after it was constructed, second photo is from the 1930s.