Shakopee Snapshots

150 Years Ago: From the June 15, 1876 Shakopee Argus

Ice cream this evening and Saturday evening at Brown’s.

125 Years Ago: From the June 13, 1901 Scott County Argus

A new cement stone sidewalk has been laid along the east side of the St. Paul hotel. A new walk is also being laid on Holmes street between First and Second streets, in front of the property of Mrs. Paulina Heidenreich, Mrs. Mergens and Jacob Gillen. Fischer & Peterson’s crew is doing the work.

125 Years Ago: From the June 14, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

The process of firing a kiln of 350,000 brick is now under way at the City brick-yard, and the brick will be ready for the market in about ten days. Meanwhile another big kiln is being built up by the busy workmen, and the sheds will gradually be filled from one end of the big yard to the other.

100 Years Ago: From the June 17, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Law Partnership Formed

Jos. J. Moriarty, long a legal practitioner in Shakopee, has taken a law partner. In a casual conversation with Attorney Moriarty he informed an Argus-Tribune reporter that the volume of his legal business has grown to such proportions he felt the need of assistance to properly care for it. A partnership was formed and on June 14, Attorney Geo. E. O’Connell became the junior member of the law firm to be known as Moriarty & O’Connell. Mr. O’Connell is a graduate of the 1924 class of the Minnesota College of Law and formerly a resident of Faribault, Minnesota. The new firm name of attorneys, Moriarty & O’Connell, is one to conjure with and the Argus-Tribune wishes it the fullest measure of success.

75 Years Ago: From the June 14, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Special Election Set For June 25

A special election to fill the unexpired term of Elmer J. Dellwo, Third Ward alderman who died May 29, has been set for June 25 according to a resolution adopted by the city council at its session Tuesday night.

Setting of the election followed adoption of a resolution declaring a vacancy in the aldermanic post. The City charter provides that a special election must be held within 30 days after declaration of vacancy…

75 Years Ago: From the June 14, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Washout Filled In At Fairgrounds

A deep gorge on the Scott county fairgrounds which was washed out by the recent floods was filled in and completed yesterday by the Fox and Weiler firm of Shakopee.

The hole, which measured approximately 60 by 150 feet and 20 feet deep between the Riviera club and the barns took five days and six trucks hauling gravel from the local gravel pits to complete the job.

50 Years Ago: From the June 16, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

LaTour opens new facility

LaTour’s Shoe, Saddle and Western Wear announced the opening of a budget price self-service shoe department.

LaTour’s is located on the southeast corner of First and Holmes Avenues in Shakopee.

An introductory sale will be held today (Wednesday), through Saturday…

25 Years Ago: From the June 14, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

City gives business park green light

Council OKs Valley Green Corporate Center preliminary plat

After months of sometimes heated debate over the proposal to build a corporate business park on the northeast corner of county road 16 and 83, the Shakopee City Council gave its unanimous blessing to a condition‑laden preliminary plat for the Valley Green Corporate Center last week.

The approval essentially brings to an end significant debate as to whether the corporate business park, owned by Valley Green Business Park, should be permitted. Jon Albinson, Valley Green’s project manager, said the awarding of bids for the realignment of County Road 16 is still needed before work on the project can commence and before Valley Green can complete its sale of the approximately 300 acres to Ryan Contracting. That bid award is expected to come later this year…

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150 Years Ago: From the June 8, 1876 Shakopee Argus

It is rumored that Mayor MacDonald has appointed George Lyons as Night Watchman. The Mayor creates the office and then fills it with his appointee. The chief duties of the night watchman is to guard those free ferries to prevent the man in the union from stealing them.

125 Years Ago: From the June 6, 1901 Scott County Argus

The alumni association of the Shakopee high school held its second annual reunion at Busse’s hall last evening. The hall was decorated in orange and blue, the colors of ’01. A musical and literary program was rendered, after which ice cream and cake was served. The jollity was kept up until the midnight hour, and all went home with pleasant recollections of the second annual reunion of the Shakopee alumni association. Among those present were Miss Ida Busse, ’98, S. Wm. Pond, ’99, Miss Josephine Brown, ’00, and Misses Frances McHale, Jennette Pond and Roy Smith, 01, together with their parents, the school board and instructors.

125 Years Ago: From the June 7, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

The cyclists to the number of fifteen braved the cold weather in a run to the Duffy farm last night, and had a delightful time. Refreshments were served at Davis’ Restaurant on the return. Another run will be made to the same place next Wednesday night.

100 Years Ago: From the June 10, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

The Shakopee fire department went to Excelsior Monday evening to inspect the fire apparatus of that city.

75 Years Ago: From the June 7, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Butz Pass Resigns

Butz Pass, manager of the Legion club for the past four years, tendered his resignation Monday night to become effective June 10. A special committee will operate the club until a new manager has been named, it was learned. Pass said he had no plans for the immediate future.

75 Years Ago: From the June 7, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Northrup King Promotes Davies

Walter Davies, manager of the Northrup King & Co. hybrid seed plant in Shakopee for the past seven years, has been promoted to the position of corn equipment engineer.

He will be succeeded at the Shakopee plant of the huge seed concern by Ed Thorne, formerly manager of the company’s Howard Lake, Minn. seed corn plant. Mr. and Mrs. Thorne expect to move to Shakopee next week.

Mr. and Mrs. Davies will continue to make their home in Shakopee. They have lived here during the ten years that Davis has been with Northurup, King and have recently completed a new home on Fourth street…

50 Years Ago: From the June 9, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Wolfe ‘fulfills’ ambition

Ervin “Red” Wolfe, Shakopee, realized a lifelong ambition recently when he took part in a recording session of dixieland jazz music.

The album, entitled “Showcase”, features the performance of The Port of Dixie Ragtime Band, a six‑piece jazz band that has appeared in concert in Shakopee…

25 Years Ago: From the June 7, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

District starts strategic planning process

To accommodate the many changes that accompany growth in the student population, Shakopee School Board members have launched a process that will result in a strategic plan to guide them through the next three to five years. Among the primary objectives identified in a recent report: Maintain fiscal stability, work to improve curriculum, and increase student academic accountability.

At the May 29 board meeting, educational consultant Roger Worner outlined the details of a study which examines the district’s enrollment, finances and other factors and highlights a handful of priorities and objectives. As part of the strategic‑planning project, Worner sat down with Superintendent Jon McBroom, board members and school principals, and worked with a community-based task force to identify organizational needs and develop strategies to help district officials attain their goals. The report does not address facility needs, but focuses more on financial and academic concerns, McBroom said…

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150 Years Ago: From the June 1, 1876 Shakopee Argus

It will be noticed that Mr. Humphrey offers the Eagle Creek Grist Mill for sale. This mill is situated in Eagle Creek, about 6 miles East of Shakopee; has been in operation for many years, and has an established reputation for custom and merchant work. The water power is a never failing spring which remains of the same capacity the year round.

125 Years Ago: From the May 30, 1901 Scott County Argus

An unknown party left an infant on the doorstep of Frank Buch’s residence last Friday evening. The family had retired, when at about ten o’clock the door bell rang. Mr. Buch went to the door and found no one there, but noticed two bundles on the step. Thinking the party had gone to the rear door, he placed the bundles in the house and went around the house, but found no one. By the time he returned the little one became restless and was crying. An examination of the one bundle revealed the child, a $20 bill and a note saying the child was born April 29, and was baptized Elizabeth. The other package contained enough clothing to last the child almost a year. Mr. and Mrs. Buch will keep the infant and rear it.

125 Years Ago: From the May 31, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

The public schools of the city will close the year’s work tomorrow. State examinations have been taken during the past week, the results of which will not be announced for a month or more, pending the marking by the State High School board. Commencement exercises will be held at the opera house on Tuesday evening, June 4th, when diplomas will be awarded the three graduates of the high school, Miss Jeanette Clarissa Pond, Miss Frances McHale, and Mr. Roy Howard Smith. The address to the graduates will be delivered by W. W. Pendergast, formerly state superintendent of public schools, of Hutchinson. The commencement exercises are free, and the public is invited to attend.

100 Years Ago: From the June 3, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

The usual refreshing neatness in St. Mark’s church is being greatly enhanced by the tasty decoration of fresh flowers, whose delicate perfumes invite the worshippers to come frequently and stay longer at their devotions inside of this really artistic house of God. Rev. M. Savs extends thanks to generous donors and thanks the Sisters for their care of the altars.

75 Years Ago: From the May 31, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Play Program Discussed At Council Meet

Discussion of a municipal recreation program for youth of the city, granting of four off-sale liquor licenses, and awarding of garbage collection contract were the chief items of business before the city council at its meeting Tuesday night…

A plan for supervised swimming and baseball was discussed but councilmen expressed the view the plan was too limited and made no provision for those who did not care to swim or play baseball. An appropriation of $300 was made to help defray transportation costs in connection with the swimming plan.

Alderman Davies moved that Holmes park in West Shakopee be reconditioned and put to use as a recreation spot. The council concurred in the suggestion and the streets and parks committee was instructed to present an estimate of costs at the next meeting…

75 Years Ago: From the May 31, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Architect’s Drawing Of New St. Francis Hospital Here

Plans for the new St. Francis hospital here are virtually completed, Hubert Swanson, architect, told the Valley News Tuesday. It is hoped that construction can start later this summer or by early fall…

50 Years Ago: From the June 2, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

County agreement sets advisory board

Scott County Board of Commissioners yesterday approved an agreement creating a Scott–Hennepin Park Advisory Board following five months of discussion between the two counties.

The purpose of the agreement, according to the resolution executing the agreement, is to develop recommendations concerning various policy, development, funding and operational and governmental structural issues of parks in the two counties…

25 Years Ago: From the May 31, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

St. Francis sees minimal strike impact

Pediatrics unit could close

While a strike by nearly 8,000 unionized nurses in the Twin Cities could have a significant impact on about a dozen Twin Cities hospitals, only one small unit within St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee would feel the sting of a work stoppage…

St. Francis Regional Medical Center’s alliance with Children’s Hospital means the eight-bed in-patient pediatric unit could be closed if nurses trade in stethoscopes for picket signs. The strike could come as early as Friday, said Venetia Kudrle, president of St. Francis. The nurses who work in that unit are members of MNA and are employed by Children’s Hospital, not St. Francis or its co-owners, the Benedictine Health System and Allina Health System…

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150 Years Ago: From the May 25, 1876 Shakopee Argus

The Soda Fountain at the Old Drug Store is again in full operation.

125 Years Ago: From the May 23, 1901 Scott County Argus

The gravel train crew has begun work this week in the pit at Merriam Junction, and Shakopee will be the headquarters for the workman for some time.

125 Years Ago: From the May 24, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

John Mertz discontinued his saloon business with the expiration of his license last Monday, and went to Milwaukee for a short visit with his parents, who reside at Port Washington, a village near the lake city. He will return tomorrow. Whether he will again engage in the saloon business here he has not yet decided; for he may conclude that he is entitled to a rest from business cares and the enjoyment of the goodly share of this world’s goods he has accumulated.

100 Years Ago: From the May 27, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

F. L. Vitense will formally open his new undertaking establishment in the Masonic block Saturday. He extends an invitation to the public to call and inspect his new quarters which have been newly renovated and furnished to provide up-to-date funeral parlors for Shakopee and vicinity.

75 Years Ago: From the May 24, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Traffic Violators Get Last Warning

Shakopee police are going to crack down – and hard – on people who double park, park overtime or jay-walk.

This warning was issued by Chief Pat Thielen, who said the drive would be on starting tomorrow. Thielen said the department was through with courtesy-tickets and the ones to be handed out from now on would be the real McCoys, guaranteed to carry a fine or jail sentence for the above violations.

75 Years Ago: From the May 24, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Work Planned On Spring Lake Road

The Spring Lake road, county highway No. 7, is slated for improvement this summer as a federal aid project, the Scott county board of commissioners decided at a special meeting last week.

Survey work on the road, from Shakopee to Spring Lake, will be completed this week, Donald Childs, county highway engineer reported. After the survey is finished, crews will move to County Highway No. 8 to New Market township for survey work there as that road is also slated for improvement.

When the survey is completed, plans will be drawn at the highway engineers office and submitted to the state highway department for their approval and then to the federal Public Road Administrator for his final stamp. The road project then is eligible for federal funds…

50 Years Ago: From the May 26, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Harbeck election ‘official’

Shakopee Mayor Walter C. Harbeck presided over his first council meeting Tuesday evening, the first time he has been able to do so since his election in November, 1975.

25 Years Ago: From the May 24, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

Comp plan gets approval of county board

After nearly 15 months of discussion, review, study and debate, the Scott County Board Tuesday finally approved the county’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan.

The board approved the plan on a 5–0 vote, effectively ending a moratorium in county townships on the subdivision of land under 40 acres that was originally intended to end in late March, but was extended until May 23…

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150 Years Ago: From the May 18, 1876 Shakopee Argus

The last objection to the establishment of a free ferry has been removed. The Mayor agrees to take the responsibility upon himself—and of course if the free ferry does not make everybody rich he will pay back to the tax payers the $1200 a year that a free ferry is going to cost. With this understanding there is no reason why every member of the City Council should not vote for the free ferry.

125 Years Ago: From the May 16, 1901 Scott County Argus

Among the changes in the salaries of presidential postmasters in the northwest, becoming effective July 1, is a decrease of $100 in the salary of the Shakopee postmaster. The amount paid is now $1400 a year.

125 Years Ago: From the May 17, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

Mrs. Sarah Dailey has given Jos. Fischer, of the Shakopee Cement Stone works, a contract for the construction of curbing and a three-foot walk around her lot in the Valley cemetery. The work will be completed before Decoration day.

100 Years Ago: From the May 20, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

C. J. Hartmann has installed a new electric meat slicer in his meat market this week that is a marvel of mechanical efficiency.

75 Years Ago: From the May 17, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

New Hospital Plans Shown At Meeting Thursday Night

Floor plans for the new St. Francis hospital to be built in Shakopee were viewed Thursday night at a meeting held in St. Mark’s school.

Hubert Swanson, architect, who is preparing structural plans for the $600,000 project, outlined the progress made to date and expressed the belief that construction would get under way by late summer or early fall.

State Department of Health authorities have approved the plans thus far and likewise have given approval to the site for the new structure…

75 Years Ago: From the May 17, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Local Lumber Firm Erecting Warehouse

A large modern new lumber warehouse to supplement present buildings is under construction by Builders Supply of Shakopee. The new building is needed because of the rapid growth and expansion of the business, and also to enable the lumber firm to carry a more complete line of building materials, Loren Nord, manager, announced this week.

The structure is being built by contractor William Dellwo, local contractor, and the plans were drawn by H. B. Morrison, architect. It is a two story double deck type, and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

50 Years Ago: From the May 19, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Valleyfair! opened Monday to visitors and will welcome Shakopee at its VIP Day Friday. The family entertainment center will open its season officially on Tuesday.

25 Years Ago: From the May 17, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

ADC backs out

Plant that would employ 1,000 shelved

It was billed as a promise to bring up to 1,000 new jobs to Shakopee and Scott County, a jewel of an addition to the city’s already-impressive commercial‑industrial segment. City and county officials were pleased to announce they had helped with tax abatements.

But now, thanks to a downturn in the economy, ADC Telecommunications has announced it is suspending construction on a 490,000‑square‑foot production facility being built on Broadband Boulevard. Monday’s announcement followed word several weeks ago that the company was laying off workers. Work on the gargantuan building will cease after completion of its roof…

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125 Years Ago: From the May 9, 1901 Scott County Argus

The firm of Ferguson & Helmuth, proprietors of the Main Cash Meat Market, opened up for business in the Argus block a month ago, was dissolved by mutual consent last Friday. Mr. Helmuth has retired and has returned to his home at Bloomington. Mr. Ferguson will continue the business under the name of N. A. Ferguson & Co.

125 Years Ago: From the May 10, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

M. A. Deutsch is giving another exposition of his enterprise along right lines by furnishing the tables at his soda fountain with fans, on each one of which is a blue print from negatives of the most beautiful scenes about Shakopee that can be found in the repertoire of the local camera club. The fans are real works of art, and therein lies the only difficulty. They are so attractive that everyone that looks at them begs to be allowed to carry one away; adorning as many homes, although the fans were presented to the public for the first time last night. However, each fan has printed on Mr. Deutsch’s card hence there will be no loss from the advertising.

100 Years Ago: From the May 13, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Shakopee’s Whiteway to Be Turned on Saturday Night

The job of installing Shakopee’s new whiteway, directed by the city’s able and efficient electric light superintendent, E. J. Campion, is rapidly progressing and will soon be completed. A force of men has been working on the job for about six weeks now.

In conversation with Supt. Campion Wednesday morning, other things he said to an Argus-Tribune reporter, “We expect to be ready to turn on Shakopee’s new whiteway lighting system for the first time Saturday night.” This will be welcome news. It will also be the realization of a hope we have all entertained for some time past. But after all is said and done, it will be the accomplishment of just one more of the objectives in Shakopee’s well-laid and up-and-doing policy of progress. So let the illumination be turned on!

75 Years Ago: From the May 10, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

New Hospital Plan To Be Aired At Meeting Tonight

A detail report on the progress being made toward the eventual building of a modern hospital here will be given at a meeting to be held in St. Mark’s hall at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, Dallas F. Capesius, announced Monday.

75 Years Ago: From the May 10, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Dairy Whip Store To Locate Here

A Dairy Whip store will soon locate in this community, according to Mr. and Mrs. Roland Bagge of Shakopee. A new building to house the store will be erected on East First street, and it is expected to be completed and ready for business by June 1.

50 Years Ago: From the May 12, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Future of ferry bridge uncertain following discovery of cracked chord

A consulting engineering firm inspecting the Bloomington Ferry Bridge has recommended the bridge remain closed until a cracked chord on the bridge has been repaired.

The bridge is presently closed to all traffic and will remain closed for four weeks until the firm has completed the inspection of the bridge’s super and sub structures…

25 Years Ago: From the May 10, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

City, school district agree on land sale

The long‑awaited agreement between the City of Shakopee and the Shakopee School District was approved last week, a significant step in allowing the district to move ahead with construction of a $12.2 million elementary school near the intersection of County Road 18 and Southbridge Parkway.

The agreement allows the district to finalize the purchase of 11.42 acres of land from the city for $342,630 plus closing costs. The closing is expected to be completed by the end of May. The city is paying the $105,000 in assessments for the improvements related to the Southbridge development.

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150 Years Ago: From the May 4, 1876 Shakopee Argus

The Brick Yard in East Shakopee is nearly completed and the molding of brick has commenced to a limited extent and will be increased in a few days. Such enterprises as this we are glad to see established in our midst; as every brick made adds just so much to the wealth of the place and gives employment to labor and increases every other trade of our city.

125 Years Ago: From the May 2, 1901 Scott County Argus

The fire department enjoyed a little practice last Thursday evening, in accordance with the city charter, which says that for the more effectual keeping and preserving the fire engines from decay, the fire engine men shall, when the season of the year will permit, and upon the order of the chief engineer, draw out the fire engines and wash, cleanse and exercise them.

125 Years Ago: From the May 3, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

Joseph Fischer and his crew have been at work this week laying cement walks along Lewis street, from Second to Third streets, on both sides, and along the south side of Third street from Lewis to connect with the long stretch of cement walk on that street running into East Shakopee. Mr. Fischer will proceed to finish up his contract with the city to lay walks where ordered to be built by the common council last summer; but will take care of any work other than this as fast as ordered, if possible. The new walks are brought up to grade, and make a very appreciable improvement to that part of the city.

100 Years Ago: From the May 6, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Interior Lumber Company Improving Local Plant

The local branch of the Interior Lumber. Co. is making some very extensive improvements in and about its lumber plant. It is planned to remodel the offices and other parts of its buildings and then to paint the entire exterior of the structure including the fence inclosing the yards. Architect and builder Fred Rohlfs has the contract to do the work which was started last Tuesday.

75 Years Ago: From the May 3, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Tri-Y Drive-In To Open May 5

Re-opening of the Tri-Y Drive-in at the 212 and 169 junction Saturday, May 5, as announced this week by Dick Teich and Kelly Poppitz, proprietors…

75 Years Ago: From the May 3, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Dairy Whip Store To Locate Here

A Dairy Whip store will soon locate in this community, according to Mr. and Mrs. Roland Bagge of Shakopee. A new building to house the store will be erected on East First street, and it is expected to be completed and ready for business by June 1.

50 Years Ago: From the May 5, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Ray Foslid resigns mayor’s post effective Monday, Ward at helm

Shakopee Mayor Ray Foslid submitted his letter of resignation to the city council at its meeting Tuesday evening. Foslid had been mayor of Shakopee for the past five years.

Councilman Ron Ward, previously appointed acting mayor or vice mayor, to assume the duties of that office when Foslid could not, will sit as mayor until a Supreme Court decision is handed down regarding the election‑contest suit that prevents mayor‑elect Walter Harbeck from taking office…

25 Years Ago: From the May 3, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

County OKs Co. Rd. 16/83 funding

It will also study impact of growth, traffic on corridor in area

In addition to funding its share of improvements to the intersection of county roads 16 and 83 in Shakopee, the Scott County Board plans to study the overall impact of growth and increased traffic on the County Road 16 corridor, between County Road 83 and Highway 13 in Savage.

After a lengthy discussion last week, commissioners unanimously agreed to pay the county share—$1.06 million—of the multifaceted roadway improvement work designed to ultimately align the city of Shakopee’s 17th Avenue west of County Road 83 with County Road 16 east of County Road 83. The intersection’s design until 17th Avenue reached County Road 83, will include dedicated turning lanes off County Road 16 at the mouth of Valley Green Corporate Center (north of the existing intersection of county roads 16 and 83) and at the eventual intersection of 17th Avenue and County Road 83…

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150 Years Ago: From the April 27, 1876 Shakopee Argus

We understand Dr. Stoddard has fitted up neat and commodious rooms for office purposes next to the Music Store on Lewis Street and contemplates occupying them in a few days.

125 Years Ago: From the April 25, 1901 Scott County Argus

The Jacob Ries Bottling works sent its first carload of 10,000 bottles of Rock Spring Table water to Chicago last Friday. The office of the Chicago branch was opened Monday of this week.

125 Years Ago: From the April 26, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

E. E. Douglas has rented the Jacob Pauly residence on Somerville street, and will remove from his present home in John Mertz’s house on May 1st. Mr. Douglas’s change of residence is for the purpose of getting a large garden, wherein some of his boys may find a vent to a good end.

100 Years Ago: From the April 29, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Paving on Trunk Highway from Shakopee to Jordan

Paving on State Highway No. 5 began Monday. Starting from the crossroad leading to Chaska, the work will proceed for two miles towards Jordan and then will be transferred two miles beyond the completed section, from which point the crew will work back to finish a four mile stretch of pavement. After finishing that, work will begin at the Women’s Reformatory and extend back to connect with the paved road at the crossroad to complete the entire ten-mile section of paving. Hanlon and Oaks, contractors, will have the road completed on or before September first.

75 Years Ago: From the April 26, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

War Defense P.T.A. Topic

What to expect in the event of an “A” bomb attack, and method of protecting life and property from its ravages, were depicted and discussed at the monthly meeting of the Parent and Teacher association meeting of the Parent and Teacher association meeting in the high school Monday night…

75 Years Ago: From the April 26, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

County Offices Move In Old Sheriff’s Home

May first, the traditional moving day, is still five days away but already county offices have completed their moving up at the Scott county courthouse.

Four offices are now housed in the former sheriff’s residence. Roman Schumacher and the welfare office is occupying the front portion of the former home while Sheriff W. B. (Rip) Schroeder and Deputy Don Miles have two rooms in the rear adjacent to the jail.

Miss Eunice Schaefer, Scott county selective service board is upstairs as is Veteran’s Service Officer Ed F. Smith. Lester Wolfram, county assessor, now has offices in the former sheriff’s office in the main building.

50 Years Ago: From the April 28, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Franciscans present annual award to Dr. Pearson Saturday

Dr. Bror F. Pearson received the Franciscan International Award “for his witness to the healing ministry across the world” Saturday evening at the Marriott Inn in Bloomington…

25 Years Ago: From the April 26, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

Murphy’s fire cause not arson but unknown

The cause of the fire at Murphy’s Landing in Shakopee cannot be determined, but foul play has been ruled out.

The Jan. 17 fire, which destroyed administrative offices, a restaurant, shops and six apartments, did too much damage to determine the origin, according to Tom Neudahl, a deputy state fire marshal.

Murphy’s was to open this week for school tours. The regular season starts Memorial Day weekend. The park has moved its offices to a mobile home on site.

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150 Years Ago: From the April 20, 1876 Shakopee Argus

Terrible Accident.—On Monday forenoon a terrible accident occurred in our streets. A small shop on Lewis street was being moved a little back on the lot. In doing so about twenty feet in length of the wooden sidewalk was tipped up on one edge and left standing only slightly propped up. Several small children were passing along the walk, or playing about there, when the wind blew that piece of the sidewalk that was tipped up on the edge over and it fell upon a little four year old girl, daughter of our esteemed fellow citizen Mr. Jacob Ries, killing her instantly. The child was probably partly leaning over at the time of the accident, and was doubled up and almost broken in two. The sympathies of the whole community are freely and feelingly extended to the bereaved parents.

125 Years Ago: From the April 18, 1901 Scott County Argus

John Schmitz has taken Spencer Ferguson’s position in the old mill. The latter will assist his uncle in the new meat market.

125 Years Ago: From the April 19, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

Mrs. Kate Fischer is having a neat frame cottage built on her lot east of Charles Grafenstatte’s and it will add much to the improvement which has been going on apace there the past three years.

100 Years Ago: From the April 22, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Dr. D. L. Halver has purchased from W. F. Duffy a corner lot on Lewis and Eighth streets, south of Mrs. Josephine Huber’s new home.

75 Years Ago: From the April 19, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Drawings Nearly Completed For Hospital Here

Detailed plans for the new St. Francis hospital in Shakopee are nearing completion and bids on construction will be called for early in the summer.

This was the report of Dr. B. F. Pearson, who attended a meeting last week at the state department of health in St. Paul.

Dr. Pearson said architects were progressing “very satisfactorily” on plans for the new $450,000 building.

75 Years Ago: From the April 19, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Baseball Practice Called For Sunday

With Riverside Park flooded out, baseball manager John Hovanec has called the first practice of the season for Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock. Site of the practice will be the field south of the corner of Lewis street and Shakopee avenue, behind the Russell Hickman residence. All candidates are invited to attend the opening session.

50 Years Ago: From the April 21, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Consignment Shoppe is open in Shakopee

Two Shakopee housewives have turned business entrepreneurs with the opening of the Rainbow Consignment Shoppe at 123 East First Avenue in downtown Shakopee (formerly Schmitz Sewing Center).

The two business gals are Mrs. JoAnn Flynn and Mrs. JoAnn Welter.

The Rainbow Consignment Shoppe will handle hand-made crafts, new and used clothing and small miscellaneous items…

25 Years Ago: From the April 19, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

County delays project approval

Although Scott County is expected to come through with its share of financing for a road improvement project needed to help Valley Green Corporate Center make the jump from drawing board to reality, commissioners were unwilling to commit to the project last week.

The county’s portion for the proposed expansion of County Road 83 and the realignment of County Road 16 in Shakopee is expected to cost around $1.1 million. The developer of the project, Valley Green Business Park, is on the hook for just over 90 percent of the $3.65 million assessable portion of the project. The total cost of the project is $6.5 million. The city of Shakopee will also pay a small portion of the overall cost…

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150 Years Ago: From the April 13, 1876 Shakopee Argus

A brick yard is about being established in our city. This is what we have long needed, and we are all glad it is so near at hand.

125 Years Ago: From the April 11, 1901 Scott County Argus

The walls and ceiling of F. J. Gross’ barbershop are being treated to a coat of wall paper and whitewash, which greatly changes the appearance of the place and makes it more inviting. A fine new chair and commode have been added to the equipment of the shop.

125 Years Ago: From the April 12, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

The big refrigerator and interior furnishing of the Main Cash Meat Market, which Ferguson & Helmuth are about to open in the south portion of the new Hinds block, arrived Monday. The new firm will be ready for business next week.

100 Years Ago: From the April 15, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Boy Scouts Plan Log Lodge
Plans Now Being Drawn

If plans materialize the Shakopee Boy Scouts will have a home to call their own. This home, it is planned, will consist of a log cabin or lodge built somewhere in Riverside Park, providing permission can be obtained from the city council.

The plans are being drawn by Scout Master J. Jacobi and it is hoped that construction will begin in the near future…

75 Years Ago: From the April 12, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Auxiliary Power Is Sent To City

Northern States Power company announced Wednesday afternoon that a 1000-kilowatt generator was being sent to Shakopee by flat-car. Operated by a diesel engine, the unit would furnish some power to the city in the event that power lines across the river were knocked out. Power would have to be divided up, however, as evenly as possible among the various needs in the city…

75 Years Ago: From the April 12, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Work Continued On Rahr Plant Addition To Up Malting Capacity

With the arrival of warmer weather, construction work on the expansion of facilities at the Rahr Malting Co. plant at Shakopee is continuing. The project, begun when ground was broken for the first construction last August, is designed to increase the capacity of the local plant…

50 Years Ago: From the April 14, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

East side development project gets planning commission okay

The Shakopee Planning Commission agreed to recommend that the City Council grant a request to rezone 20 acres bounded by Gorman Street, County Road 17 (CR 17), and East 4th Avenue from retail and high-density dwellings to commercial.

The request was a result of plans to develop Shakopee’s east section. The plans include a bank and a shopping mall between Gorman and CR 17, a restaurant / lounge and a professional building on E. 4th Avenue and a two-level office plaza and convenience retail outlets on CR 17…

25 Years Ago: From the April 12, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

City skate park gets both cheers and boos

The skate park that supporters say will be a sure-fire bonus for the city was unanimously approved, with a change, by the City Council last week.

Neighbors of the skate park the city plans to build in the northwest corner of the Community Center property are nonetheless concerned it could be more a negative than a plus. They fear they’ll be disturbed by noise, loud music, after-hours use and increased litter.

The skate park is a series of ramps, jumps and platforms built on plywood and covered with a compound that’s a plastic-wood composite. The wooden ramps are secured to an asphalt pad. The 13,000-squaree-foot facility would be a Tier-I skate park, which means all the wood is 3 feet off the ground or lower. Metal railings may be above the 3-foot mark, said Mark Themig, Shakopee Parks and Recreation facilities coordinator… To attempt to control behavior at the proposed facility, the council agreed it should be within a chain-link fence…

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