Photos: Jim Deane
If a picture’s worth a thousand words, then the thousands of pictures in the Jim Deane Photography Collection at the Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society’s museum undoubtedly speaks volumes. Capturing the evolution of Maple Grove from small town to vibrant city, his photos of athletes, co-workers, pastoral scenes, recreational pursuits and road construction crews span decades.
Deane’s commitment to the development of our community began when he joined the Park Board in the 1960s. In 1972, he was elected to the city council. Deane was mayor of Maple Grove from 1981 to 1994 and chairman of the Three Rivers Park District from 1999 to 2006. Deane’s teaching career at Osseo Senior High School included history and mathematics, with the last 20 years spent teaching physical education.
He was a dad, grandpa, husband, leader, teacher and an enthusiastic amateur photographer. Take a drive along scenic James Deane Parkway and enjoy the scenes Deane sought to preserve. Even better, visit our museum, and browse his collection. Deane saw the world through an all-encompassing lens.
Kate Wodtke is a research and inventory specialist with the Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society and a Minnesota Author Project judge. Discover more at maplegrovemnhistory.org.
