Vintage Minnesota Hockey - History

Oscar Johnson Arena is located nearby the MN State Fair grounds at 1039 Decourcy Circle in St. Paul, MN within Energy Business Park by Bandana Square.  Oscar Johnson was built in 1971 is one of the numerous Ramsey County Area rinks erected within the 1970's including Biff Adams, Aldrich, Phalen, Harding, Pleasant, Ken Yackel, White Bear, and many more arena's - all within Ramsey County during the 1970's. Outwardly, the building shares the same design as Shoreviews' Arena.  The arena is a bare-bones "no frills" classic with a small lobby upon entering the rink, and tiny makeshift locker rooms.  With one regulation ice sheet, and seating for 300, Oscar Johnson is a classic arena located within the shadows, and walking distance away of the historic St. Paul State Fair Hippodrome & Coliseum.  The building is named after historic St. Paul, MN native Oscar Johnson who - along with the Shipstad brothers (Eddie and Roy) founded the once historic Ice Follies traveling circus ice show that was grounded ironically at the Minneapolis Arena while in Minnesota, and not in Saint Paul.  Oscar Johnson was a chemist by trade, and met by happenstance the Shipstad's while skating on a local lake in Minnesota.  Together, the three men founded the Follies in 1936, and was similar in concept to later founded in 1940 Ice Capades.