The presence of a waterway in a community has been found to increase
an individual's sense of place (Breen and Rigby, 1994). A high
percentage of small city downtowns were established by waterways.
Northfield was purposely built along the Cannon River. The founders
of Northfield recognized that they could utilize this water source into
an energy source by building a dam. This dam powered the gristmills
upon which Northfield's early settlement was created. Many
small towns' connection to lakes and rivers helps facilitate people's
sense of community. Waterways provide people a public gathering
place, where they can socially interact amongst each other. Public
gathering places are fundamental to generating a sense of community
for a city's members (Hayden, 2000). Many people gather and socialize
at the multitude of benches, pathways and other public spaces interspersed
along the Cannon River, in the downtown area of Northfield.
The Mills Dam located along the Cannon River.
In addition to the multitude of public gathering places along the Cannon River, there are also business that have developed along the waterfront. Some of the most visually pleasing settings along the Cannon River are businesses that have built plazas and decks that overlook the Cannon River. These businesses include the Tavern Lounge, the Contented Cow and Froggy Bottoms. The Art Store and the Riverwalk Salon also have decks overlooking the Cannon River. Many respondents of the interviews asserted that these businesses are an important aspect of their sense of community.
The Froggy Bottoms Pub's deck overlooking the Cannon River. To the left of the pub is a law office and to the right is the local youth club, The Key.