Month: March 2024

150 Years Ago: From the April 2, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The German Lutheran Church has been enclosed with a new fence. Its grounds are valuable and pleasant, and their beauty would be much improved by a few shade trees.

125 Years Ago: From the March 30, 1899 Scott County Argus

Hubert Marx has disposed of his saloon business, and will in the future devote more time to the enjoyment of a well earned vacation and pursuit of renewed health. Ever since the 29^th day of June, 1865, or, almost 34 years, Mr. Marx has been in the business, in the same building, and he has seldom been absent from his daily work in all that time. He retires from active business life with the respect and friendship of all citizens. The new proprietor, Mr. Anton Ries, is from New Market, and is a brother of Jos. G. Ries, of the city meat market, and George H. Ries, of the Central market. He is a young man of pleasing address with good prospects for success.

125 Years Ago: From the March 31, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Last Saturday a change was made in the drug firm of Deutsch & Zettel of this city by the purchase of the latter’s interests in the business by Mr. Deutsch, who will hereafter conduct the business alone. We have not as yet learned what Mr. Zettel intends to do in the future.

100 Years Ago: From the April 4, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Joseph Hontz has bought the building in East Shakopee formerly known as the soap factory from A. C. Schroeder. The price was $1000. Mr. Hontz will renovate the building and move there later in the spring.

100 Years Ago: From the April 3, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Milwaukee Engine Is Derailed Here Monday

No. 206 east bound passenger train on the Milwaukee due at Shakopee at 7:19 a. m., derailed its engine on the Omaha railroad crossing in front of the St. Paul House last Monday morning, March 31, blocking the tracks from 8 a. m. until 11:15 a. m. All Omaha and Milwaukee trains due at Shakopee during this interval were delayed.

From what we learn the derailment was caused by ice in the frogs of the railroad crossing causing the Milwaukee engine to ride over the rails.

75 Years Ago: From the March 31, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Mammoth Snow Plow Built Here

Believed to be one of the largest of its kind ever constructed, a mammoth V-type twin rotor snow plow, nine feet high and 13 feet wide, has been built by the Roto Plow company of Shakopee.

An experimental unit, the plow was designed and fabricated for Houghton county, Mich., to where it was shipped late last week…

75 Years Ago: From the March 31, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Ask State Help On Holmes St.

Assistance of the state highway department in repairing Holmes street will be asked by the Shakopee City Council, President Ray Siebenaler and Street Committee Chairman Robert Wampach disclosed yesterday.

Pointing out that nearby state highway truck traffic has put heavy burden on both Holmes Street and Sixth Street, Siebenaler said, “it has been the custom of the state highway department to pay their share of street damages caused by highway detours in other communities, and we believe that Shakopee is entitled to the same consideration.”…

50 Years Ago: From the April 3, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

‘Name the park’ contest planned

The Shakopee Jaycees are sponsoring a “Name the Park” contest to help promote community involvement in the development of an athletic complex.

The park is located on Co. Rd. 15 near the swimming pool, and the Jaycees have been spearheading a drive for development of the land.

Several softball fields are now nearing completion and additional work is expected to be done on the park this season.

The Jaycees have put up a $30 savings bond as the prize for the person submitting the winning park name…

25 Years Ago: From the April 1, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

New life for old Ferry Bridge

It’ll connect trails with hikers, bikers, skaters

A new-and-improved version of the bridge that once served as Shakopee’s primary commuter link to north of the Minnesota River will be serving a different type of traveler this fall when the “new-old” Bloomington Ferry Bridge reopens…

Starting in February, dismantling work on the old bridge began. Eventually, it will be replaced by a 12-foot-wide paved bridge with an ornamental chain-link fence on the sides. The new bridge will link a trail from the north side of the river to the south. While the old bridge had a single pier in the center of the river, the new design will have supporting piers on each side of the bridge, just off the banks of the river. Leon Lillie, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) project engineer, said the new bridge will be between three and four feet higher above the water than the old bridge…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the March 26, 1874 Shakopee Argus

There are negotiations pending in railroad circles to establish a new through route from St. Paul to St. Louis by way of Shakopee and Sioux City.

125 Years Ago: From the March 23, 1899 Scott County Argus

The lobby of the St. Paul Hotel is being renovated by paint and calcimine laid on by the skilled hand of John Kreuser.

125 Years Ago: From the March 24, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

The Presbyterian church and congregation are requested to meet at the church Wednesday evening March 29, to make arrangements so that we may if possible commence building operations early in spring.

100 Years Ago: From the March 28, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Frank Koelzer, who recently moved to Shakopee from Carver, has bought a half interest in the Shakopee Ice Cream Manufacturing Co. from W. E. Redman and is now associated with the latter as a partner in his prosperous business.

100 Years Ago: From the March 27, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The March number of “Sparks,” a monthly magazine published by the Minnesota State Automobile Association, carried an illustrated story telling of some of the most active members of the association. Among these was a splendid sketch of Miss E. K. Ries of this city. The cut showed Miss Ries in the act of nailing a sign on a guide post. Miss Ries is chairman of the Guide Post Committee of the State Automobile Association.

75 Years Ago: From the March 24, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Senate Bill Asks for New Women’s Reformatory Site

A bill that would provide for the purchase of the buildings and acreage of the Mudbaden Sulphur springs near Jordan as a site for the state reformatory for women had been introduced in the state senate.

The bill, asking an appropriation of $200,000 provides for purchase of land and buildings and alterations of the structures on the site.

It is understood that if the bill is approved the present reformatory at Shakopee would become the center of the Youth Conservation commission which has recently been held unconstitutional by District Judge J. J. Moriarty.

75 Years Ago: From the March 24, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Moriarty Must Take Long Rest

Because of an acute nervous condition caused by overwork District Judge Joseph J. Moriarty has been ordered by his physicians to take a two months’ rest. He is now at his home in Shakopee after having been in the New Prague hospital for the past two weeks.

During his absence, Judge Mark Nolan, Duluth, and Martin Nelson, Austin, will preside on the bench of the 8th judicial district. Judge Nolan will open the spring term of court at Chaska Monday…

50 Years Ago: From the March 27, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Thielen to seek Sheriff’s post

Shakopee police chief R. G. “Pat” Thielen has formally announced his intention to run for Scott County Sheriff in the election next fall.

Thielen, who has headed the Shakopee police department the last years, made the decision public Tuesday morning.

In announcing his candidacy Thielen said he would base his campaign on four items: organized police administration; support for law enforcement at the local municipal level; coordination and cooperation among various law enforcement agencies; creation of a central county crime lab, and professionalism in county law enforcement…

25 Years Ago: From the March 25, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Commercial moratorium idea nixed

Lawsuit threat loomed; Target store planned

Faced with the threat of a lawsuit by the landowner and developer that want to bring a Kmart store to the intersection of Vierling Drive and Marschall Road, the Shakopee City Council Tuesday backed off its plan to enact a moratorium on commercial development in the highway business (B-1) zone.

The council voted 4-0, with Councilor Jane DuBois absent, to table indefinitely the moratorium proposal. The city will proceed with a traffic study it intended to conduct during the moratorium, with the developers of the three undeveloped parcels at the intersection of Marschall Road and Highway 169 paying the cost.

The city had considered a halt to development in the area out of concern over traffic levels that would be generated by so-called big-box retailers that want to build. Along with Kmart’s plans for a 108,152-square-foot Big K store on the northeast corner of Highway 169 and Marschall Road, a developer representing Target has applied to build a 122,000-square-foot store and an unidentified 40,000 square-foot building at that intersection. The developer controlling the southwest corner of 169 and Marschall Road has indicated that Wal-Mart is interested in coming to Shakopee…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the March 19, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The East Shakopee School is having a vacation this week on account of the sickness of the teacher, Miss Smedley.

125 Years Ago: From the March 16, 1899 Scott County Argus

At a meeting of the county commissioners last Friday, John J. Ring was awarded the contract for keeping the county poor for the term of three years commencing the first of April. The business of the Ring Hotel will be continued, although arrangements have not been completed yet.

125 Years Ago: From the March 17, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

O. Spielmann has received two dozen new records for his graphophone. They are all the latest up-to-date selections.

100 Years Ago: From the March 21, 1924 Shakopee Argus

A contract has been let for the building of Cottage No. 3 at the state reformatory. Joseph Pavek of New Prague was the successful bidder, Schroeder Brick and Lime Co. will furnish the brick and lime used in construction. Cottage No. 3 will be located north of Cottage No. 2 facing west toward the administration building.

100 Years Ago: From the March 20, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The interior of Miller’s Cafe is being completely renovated. New wall paper is being put on in the hotel, cafe and lunch room. The wood work is also being newly painted and varnished. The work is being done by J. H. Stans.

75 Years Ago: From the March 17, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Child Missing Four Hours Went to School

Unperturbed and unaware of the worry and excitement he had caused, 5-year-old Garry Schesso was found by firemen Monday afternoon four hours after he had wandered away from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Schesso, on E. Third street.

Missing him shortly after noon, Mrs. Schesso started a search of the neighborhood and then widened the hunt as worry and fear mounted within her. Neighbors and the police department joined in the hunt and finally when their efforts proved fruitless, firemen were summoned at 3:30.

Systematically the search expanded to wider circles and it was not until shortly after 4 o’clock that a group of firemen found the lad scarcely four blocks from home.

Children identified him for the firemen and when the lad was questioned he calmly told his “rescuers” that he had been to school. His brother and sister who attend the public school verified the child’s story.

75 Years Ago: From the March 17, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

New Lights Bought For Courthouse

Contract for new fluorescent lights in the Scott County courthouse was awarded to Wes Schneider of Shakopee by the Board of Commissioners Tuesday. His bid of $1137 was the low proposal among other bidders.

50 Years Ago: From the March 20, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

New school building plan unveiled

Shakopee school district residents got a first look at drawings of the proposed new $4.5 million Junior High School building Tuesday night.

An open forum on the new building was held at the Shakopee Senior High auditorium to help acquaint voters with the bond issue proposal to be decided Thursday, April 4.

The new Junior High proposal is being offered as a solution to the district’s critical building shortage. According to school district officials, the new school will satisfy the need for more room but was designed to guard against over-building. Expansion of the facility is possible under the architect’s plans should that be necessary in the future…

According to the architects, the new building will be two stories and will be built to conform to the lay of the land.

The site gives ample room for outdoor recreational areas, and voters will have an option on their ballots to determine whether a pool will be built in connection with the new building.

According to the plans outlined Tuesday, the new structure would follow a traditional pian rather than have an open format…

25 Years Ago: From the March 18, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Sun Path School (not elementary, my dear Watson)

Randy Moss Elementary School. It has a certain ring to it.

While it does pay homage to the popular Vikings wide receiver, it’s not quite what members of a volunteer committee envisioned in their search for a name for Shakopee’s newest grade school.

After receiving 140 suggestions submitted by adults and students throughout the school district, the committee of eight community representatives selected a name with a more tranquil, suburban flair: Sun Path.

Committee chair and Central Elementary principal Libby Bergen joined committee member Shari Lusignan in presenting the group’s recommendation to the Shakopee School Board Monday evening…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the March 12, 1874 Shakopee Argus

It is reported that several saloons have received notice from a committee of ladies to close up or they will be visited with prayers and singing. Of course the notice is a bogus one, and no such committee exist here.

125 Years Ago: From the March 9, 1899 Scott County Argus

For sale or rent. 224 acre farm, pasture, hay and tillable land. Will take share of crop for rent. 20 acres seeded to rye, balance plowed. Good buildings. For particulars enquire on premises three miles east of town. Geo. Sencerbox.

125 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

“Bob” Iten left last Monday for Chicago to accept a position as traveling salesman for the large boot and shoe firm of C. M. Henderson & Co. of that city. Mr. Iten is an old knight of the grip, having had twelve years experience before coming to Shakopee. His field of canvass will be in Minnesota.

100 Years Ago: From the March 14, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Elected Principal

At a meeting of the Board of Education of Independent School District No. 1 Monday evening, Miss Myrtle Avelsgaard was elected principal to succeed Miss Birdsall who will not return.

100 Years Ago: From the March 13, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The laying of a new hard wood floor has just been completed this week by carpenter George Dietrick in the Philipp Building on First Street, occupied by the H. G. Swenson Drug Co. The new floor adds greatly to the appearance of the store.

75 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Scott County Drug Sold to Bemidji Druggist

In a transaction completed March 3, Jerry Regan, formerly of Bemidji, became the owner of the Scott County Drug company, formerly operated by the late William Kroonblawd and Dr. Paul F. Nevin.

The new owner, a registered pharmacist, is now in charge of the store and in an advertisement in the Argus-Tribune today announces that Friday and Saturday have been designated as “get acquainted” days.

Mr. Regan’s wife and three children are continuing to make their home in Bemidji, but will move to Shakopee as soon as satisfactory living quarters are available.

75 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Kopp To Handle Low Cost Homes

New Housing Project Offers New Dwellings At Very Low Prices

The Kopp Agency will handle sales for a new low-cost housing project in Shakopee, Roman J. Kopp announced this week. The homes are under construction in Shakopee by the Besco Construction Corporation, managed by Walter C. Kutscher.

Kutscher, in reporting that this city would be one of the first communities to have such a project, said that the first units will be available for occupancy here this spring.

In order to eliminate much of the red-tape usually associated with housing units, the Besco Corporation have worked out their own financing plan and will handle all details. The houses are to be sold on a ten per cent down payment with monthly payments lower than most present daily rents…

50 Years Ago: From the March 13, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Council undecided about shopping center

The proposed Minnesota Valley Mall shopping center to be built at the west edge of Shakopee in Jackson Township is still up in the air after the city council discussed the matter further Tuesday night.

The council had agreed to terminate the sewer and water agreement between the center’s developers and the city at the end of this month because the city had heard of no new progress on the center project.

The developers, Watson Centers of Minneapolis, had appeared at the last two council meetings to say that the center will be going ahead as planned if the council does not cut off city services.

The council asked for still more study on the matter Tuesday night and told Watson Centers representatives that it would make a decision before the end of March…

25 Years Ago: From the March 11, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Commercial moratorium next?

Would affect B-1 zone

The types of land-use clashes that led the Shakopee City Council to enact a nine-month moratorium on residential housing development has spilled over to commercial development. The council is setting the stage to consider calling for a moratorium on commercial development in the city’s highway-business (B-1) zone.

At its March 2 meeting, the council voted 4-1 to have city staff study the options and impacts of a moratorium on B-1 development…

The council scheduled a joint workshop session with the Planning Commission on March 23 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. to discuss the issue.

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.

150 Years Ago: From the March 5, 1874 Shakopee Argus

We are surprised by having continued complaints made to us that certain saloon keepers sell liquor to minors and to men that get drunk. The penalty of the law is severe and some of these days some one will pay dearly for its violation. The law allows any licensed dealer to sell liquor to a man until he is made a drunkard, but he has no right to sell him any more until the drunkard becomes a temperate man again.

125 Years Ago: From the March 2, 1899 Scott County Argus

Joseph Fischer has bought out J. H. Ring’s interest in the Shakopee Stone works, and will continue the business. He is still at work manufacturing the stone in the basement of the Ring hotel, but will move to the creamery building as soon as weather permits. As a result of the winter’s work there is quite a large stock of the blocks on hand.

125 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Lauer are now occupying the Frank Buch cottage on First street, recently vacated by Rev. Ferguson, having moved in last Tuesday.

100 Years Ago: From the March 7, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Secretary Ries Resigns

It is with regret that the Argus this week reports the resignation of Wm. Ries as secretary of the Scott County Agricultural Society, a position he has filled for a number of years in a most efficient and satisfactory manner. Mr. Ries has given much valuable service to the society in the interest of better agriculture in this section. He is a man of splendid judgment and is possessed of all the qualifications that go to make up a methodical, conscientious and painstaking official and his place will not be easy to fill.

100 Years Ago: From the March 6, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The party who removed the two bundles of shingles from the Ketterer property is known, and to avoid trouble will kindly return them.

75 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Pastor Moves to New Parsonage. Old Home Sold.

Rev. and Mrs. Norbert Augst and family have moved into the new Lutheran church parsonage at 714 E. First street.

The former parish residence at 731 E. Bluff has been purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Anton Bongart of Cologne. The Bongarts moved into their new home Saturday. Three of their children will attend high school here and the eldest daughter will remain at Cologne to graduate from the Norwood high school in June…

The modern eight-room parsonage include four bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, bath, office and basement recreation room.

75 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

City Seeks More On-Sale Permits

Council Petitions Legislature To Allow Nine Liquor Licenses

Increase of on-sale liquor licenses in Shakopee to a total of nine was asked this week by the common council of the city in a request made to the Minnesota State Legislature.

The request was made by resolution which passed unamously at a regular adjourned session of the council Saturday. Copies of the resolution, published elsewhere in this week’s issue of the Valley News, were sent to Senator Henry Wagener and Rep. Michael R. Moriarty of this district…

50 Years Ago: From the March 6, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Board readies plan for $4.45 million school bond issue

The Shakopee school board and a citizens committee met Tuesday to discuss plans for a $4.45 million bond issue to be decided by voters April 4.

The bond election would be for a new junior high school to be located on district owned land at the south east corner of County Rd. 17 and 11th St.

Architects, Jim Rydeen and Dan Gallagher, were present at the meeting to show the preliminary plans for the proposed building and to answer questions on its design.

The proposed junior high as shown by the architects would be a split level building, 127,000 square feet, facing the south with access off of County Rd. 17…

25 Years Ago: From the March 4, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Growth brings need for a new school, another referendum

Even as a new elementary school takes shape near St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee’s population growth and a projected surge in elementary enrollment has prompted the need for a fourth elementary school by the fall of 2001.

Shakopee School Superintendent Bob Ostlund said Monday a bond issue to fund construction of another elementary should be put to voters by next February…

Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.