Month: March 2025

150 Years Ago: From the April 1, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The East Shakopee School closed last week, but the question is, when will it commence again? Its funds have run out.

125 Years Ago: From the March 29, 1900 Scott County Argus

Peter Arensbach has bought of Anton Marschall the little white pony and cart which were a familiar equipage on the streets for some years past, and will turn it over to St. Paul parties. The price paid was $50.

125 Years Ago: From the March 30, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

John Wampach narrowly escaped what might have proven a fatal accident last Friday. While he was engaged raising the drill out of a well he is digging on his own place, his coat was caught in the gear of the machine, and had it not been for a flaw in the drive chain causing it to break, his arm would have been ground to pieces. As it was he had his arm seriously injured so that he will be compelled to rest a few weeks.

100 Years Ago: From the April 3, 1925 Shakopee Argus

New Fire Siren

A new electric fire siren purchased by the city from Baldwin Bros., Winona, arrived Monday and is awaiting installation. The alarm cost $325 and will be operated by a 5 h. p. motor. A location for the siren has not yet been decided upon.

100 Years Ago: From the April 2, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

R. O. Brockway, proprietor of the Gem Theater, recently purchased a Curtiss two-passenger government aeroplane from Marvin A. Northrop of Minneapolis Mr. Brockway is learning to fly the plane and is taking a course of instructions from Lieut. Westover, who is located at the flying field at Robbinsdale.

75 Years Ago: From the March 30, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Activity at School Site

Activities at the site of Shakopee’s new public school addition got under way late last week with the erection of an office building and start of construction of a tool shed and warehouse. A saw house is also to be erected to house power tools to be used in cutting lumber.

Three local men, it was learned, are already employed in the preliminary work. Start of the major construction job, workmen said, would not be likely until the frost leaves the ground and excavation can be undertaken.

The office which has been set up on the southeast corner of the school block on Lewis street will serve as the supervisory and business center for the St. Mary’s school building job as well as the public school project, Harvey Michaud, superintendent said…

75 Years Ago: From the March 30, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Nagel’s year old niece, Marsha Louise Luers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Luers of Excelsior, was a winner of the $2.50 merchandise prize during the recent photo contest held at the Scott County Drug. Her picture was then judged the best in the baby division and she was awarded the grand prize of $5.00.

50 Years Ago: From the April 2, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

City retains Bonestroo firm for Municipal Service Building

Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associated, Incorporated, will be retained to construct the new Municipal Services Building in Shakopee according to an action taken by the city council Tuesday evening.

The council met at 6:30 p.m. with representatives of design and build firms and with representatives of architectural firms in an attempt to decide which avenue would be best for the city to pursue.

Council members were interested in two primary considerations: 1) Would the design and build concept save the city building costs and if so, how much, and, 2) How long would it take to construct a building through the design and build method.

The council decided that no “substantial savings” would be realized by pursuing one method over another and that occupancy time was “of the essence.”…

25 Years Ago: From the March 30, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

County offers new approach to service

When the renovated west end of the Scott County Government Center’s first level was unveiled and the east end of the building was boarded up last month, citizens got their first look at the long-discussed One Stop system county officials have long been awaiting.

The new customer service area opened in January. The intent of the system is to allow citizens to have all their needs taken care of at one window. From driver’s licenses to marriage license, plats to paying taxes, customers only have to visit the county’s new customer service window…

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150 Years Ago: From the March 25, 1875 Shakopee Argus

Three of the Shakopee railroad suits have come to grief in the Supreme Court. Mrs. Spencer against the St. P. & S. C. R. R.; Mrs. Wampach against the same company, and Mr. Jurgens against the same,–each to recover street damages. A new trial has been granted in each case because special damages to the user of the buildings on their lots were allowed, when the complaints did not show that there were any shops or houses on the lots.

125 Years Ago: From the March 22, 1900 Scott County Argus

J. A. Dean is planing to build a warehouse adjoining his shop on Lewis street. The structure will be 30 x 36 feet in size, one story in height, and work on it will be begun as soon as the weather permits.

125 Years Ago: From the March 23, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

B. J. Gentgen and Peter Paul are beautifying the clerk of court’s office with new wall paper this week.

100 Years Ago: From the March 27, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Graduates’ Gifts

Shakopee high school graduates of 1923 and 1924 who left money to be used for the purchase of something suitable for the school, and as class memorials for themselves, will be gratified to learn that the funds have been expended for a handsome piano lamp, a piano bench, and books. After buying the first two articles the sum of $40 remained with which to buy books. To this amount the state added another $40, and a discount allowed makes it possible to obtain $100 worth of books for the original $40. Members of the classes will be pleased to know that the money has been spent wisely and well. The students of today and the future will have the use of some very fine gifts and on behalf of them the Argus has been asked to express appreciation and extend thanks to the classes of ’23 and ’24 for their splendid contribution to the school.

100 Years Ago: From the March 26, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Elsewhere in this issue L. Schaefer has an advertisement telling of a closing out sale to be held at his store. During this sale Mr. Schaefer will dispose of his entire stock of jewelry, fixtures, etc. Mr. Schaefer has not determined on his future plans but finds it necessary to discontinue his present vocation due to the fact that his eyesight is failing him.

75 Years Ago: From the March 23, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

C. F. Trost Sells Business Here

Charles F. Trost has sold his 3.2 beer business here to Charles Ruffridge, formerly of Robbinsdale, it was learned. The transaction was completed this week…

75 Years Ago: From the March 23, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Car Wiring Burns

Shakopee firemen were called out early Saturday to Shakopee Avenue when the wiring on the car of Ted Schmidt caught fire. The fire was extinguished before the firemen arrived but they assisted in putting out a small fire in the seat cushions.

50 Years Ago: From the March 26, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Multi-million dollar recreation-entertainment center to open in Twin Cities in spring of ’76

A multi-million dollar family entertainment center called “Valleyfair” will open in the Twin Cities in Spring, 1975, announced David C. Sherman, president of the corporation developing the recreation complex.

Sherman said the family entertainment center will encompass 240 acres and its development will cost nearly 15 million dollars. It will provide residents of the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest with a wide variety of entertainment attractions, foremost among which will be the Valleyfair “theme park.”

The park will feature over 50 rides, entertainment attractions, theatrical shows and exhibits. Among the rides will be the largest and fastest roller coaster in the Upper Midwest…

25 Years Ago: From the March 23, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

ADC could add 1,000 jobs

The city of Shakopee and Scott County have given preliminary approval to a tax abatement plan to help ADC Telecommunications expand in the city with a 490,000-square-foot facility that would employ and additional 1,000 people within two years…

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150 Years Ago: From the March 18, 1875 Shakopee Argus

Those in need of cow bells and ear rings, need not apply to the County Board, but they should apply personally to the Commissioner from the second district. He is large hearted and liberal handed to the needy in that line.

125 Years Ago: From the March 15, 1900 Scott County Argus

Surveyor Simar and a crew are laying out a new block which lies on the line between Shakopee City and East Shakopee and between Third and Fourth streets, for the purpose of getting it squared up with the street lines and cutting out an alley through its middle. The block extends from the Eggert house to the McGrade corner, or a length of 600 feet.

125 Years Ago: From the March 16, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Chas. Hartmann returned to this city again engaging in the butcher business at the old stand, the Central meat market. He traded with his brother-in-law George H. Ries who is now conducting a saloon business at New Prague. The patrons of the Central meat market will be pleased with the change. Charlie is a pleasant gentleman and will treat his customers cordially.

100 Years Ago: From the March 20, 1925 Shakopee Argus

The roller skating rink which has afforded a great deal of entertainment for the young folks of the city during Lent was moved Monday to Chaska.

100 Years Ago: From the March 19, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Jacob Jeurissen, a prominent farmer of this vicinity, recently contracted for the erection of a new residence on his farm which is located between Shakopee and Chaska. The new dwelling will be a two-story structure, size 28×28. The Interior Lumber Co. of Shakopee will supply he material for the new building.

75 Years Ago: From the March 16, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

May Do Spring Training Here

Shakopee may be the spring training stie for the Wausau, Wis., Lumberjacks ball club, it was learned this week.

Bruno B. Haas, baseball great, now managing the Lumberjacks, has written here requesting the use of Shakopee’s ball park and seeking information on housing accommodations…

75 Years Ago: From the March 16, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Rubber Firm Is Locating Here

A rubber products manufacturing industry began moving their equipment into Shakopee this week after the Shakopee city council approved their rental of building space at the NYA camp area Tuesday.

Ralph R. Stark of the Stanark Rubber Company announced that moving of their heavy equipment would be well underway by the end of the week as much of their machinery is presently in storage in Shakopee and Chaska.

The firm, which employes 25 to 30 people, will discontinue their plant in Northeast Minneapolis and consolidate all their activities in Shakopee. The addition of the Stanark firm to the NYA area will make three industries operating there, the other two being Roto-Plow Co. and the Shakopee Foundry.

Plans include the eventual erection of a building in Shakopee to comprise 5000 square feet of floor space and measuring about 50 by 100 feet. Stark reported that the plans have been drawn, but that the firm use the NYA space for the present time…

50 Years Ago: From the March 19, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

City-county attempt to reach agreement on extension of County Road 17 past 11th Ave.

Shakopee’s common council grappled with three weighty problems Tuesday evening in nearly a five-hour session. On the agenda was County Road 17, purchase of NSP services to Valley Industrial Park and the new building program.

Two areas of concern highlighted the discussion of the County Road 17 project: extension of the project from 11th Avenue past the entrance of the new Junior High school and the extremely high cost of storm sewer.

Commissioner Dennis Hron appeared before the council and told that body that the Scott County Board would participate in the extension of County Road 17 if FAU (Federal Aid Urban) Funds were available.

City Doug Goriesky and Shakopee school superintendent Dr. Robert Mayer appeared before the county board some time ago explaining the necessity of the proposed extension.

The extension would, in effect, provide a left turn lane and slow moving traffic lane to accommodate bus traffic to and from the school building. At the time Goriesky and Mayer talked to the county Board, they were told the five-year road program had been set back one year because of lack of funds and that no new construction would take place in 1975, only maintenance…

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150 Years Ago: From the March 11, 1875 Shakopee Argus

Who steals the Hymn books from the Presbyterian church? is the question. There will be no use for hymn-books where the thief is going, so he had better return them.

125 Years Ago: From the March 8, 1900 Scott County Argus

Anyone wishing pictures of the new or old Presbyterian church building, can obtain them from C. L. Wright.

125 Years Ago: From the March 9, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Landlord Henry Spielmann is having his bar room repapered and otherwise beautified. Ben Gentgen is doing the work.

100 Years Ago: From the March 13, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Our Fire Chief Rivals Nurmi

For a heavy man, Shakopee has some sprinter in its fire chief, “Pat” Huth. On Wednesday, the day of the L. J. Vanderlinden fire scare, he covered the distance from the power house to the city hall, about two full blocks, one of which is an upgrade pull, in about thirty-two seconds.

100 Years Ago: From the March 12, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

St. Mark’s Church to Install New Pipe Organ

Rev. Dean M. Savs, pastor of St. Mark’s Catholic church of this city, announced to his parishioners last Sunday that he had recently purchased a new pipe organ from the Reuter Pipe Organ Co. of Lawrence, Kansas. As the pipe organ which is at present in the church is 65 years old and in a very run-down condition, the members of the congregation have long realized their dire need of a new organ. In order to raise enough money to pay cash for the instrument at the time of purchase, a fund called “St. Mark’s organ fund,” was established about three years ago. By giving bazaars, socials, dinners, etc. the Christian Mothers’ Society and the young ladies of the parish added materially to the sum and at the beginning of the year 1925, the net amount raised amounted to $5,001.60. This sum does not cover the entire cost of the organ but as it takes care of the greater portion of the purchase price the balance will be raised without effort.

75 Years Ago: From the March 9, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Garage Building Being Remodeled

Extensive remodeling of the Miklethun garage is now in progress with the work being done by Reimer and Sons construction company.

The present job includes laying of a concrete floor in the south end of the building providing a combined show room and repair shop area of 4,000 square feet. A ramp connecting the main section of the building with the north end at a lower level is also being built.

New equipment being installed includes two hydraulic twin-post lifts and an exhaust system to draw off all gas fumes.

Remodeling of the front and exterior of the building is planned for the future, Lawrence Mikethun, owner said.

75 Years Ago: From the March 9, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

To Erect Statue At Courthouse

Proposal to erect a replica of the Statue of Liberty on the courthouse lawn was accepted by the County Board of Commissioners at their regular monthly meeting Tuesday.

The statue, which has been given to the Shakopee Boy Scout troop by Henry Hunsman, is scheduled to arrive in Shakopee early in May…

50 Years Ago: From the March 12, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Voters okay municipal service building, turn down ice arena

Shakopee voters approved an $850,000 bond issue which calls for construction of a new Municipal Services Building for the city in a special bond issue election held Tuesday. There were 2028 votes cast.

There were 1161 votes in favor of the Municipal Services Building, or roughly 55 percent of the votes cast. 867 votes were cast against the question.

A proposed indoor ice arena went down in a decisive defeat, 713-1303. Only 31 percent of the voters favored the ice facility…

25 Years Ago: From the March 9, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Big Kmart opens in Shakopee on Sunday

Shakopee’s new 103,000-square-foot Big Kmart store opens Sunday at 1698 Vierling Drive E.

For area residents, the opening not only means shopping at Kmart on the east side of the city rather than at the old store on the west side, but at one of Kmart’s new-concept stores…

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150 Years Ago: From the March 4, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The success of the New Drug Store is mainly due to the very moderate charges for Prescriptions and pure and fresh Drugs which customers receive there.

125 Years Ago: From the March 1, 1900 Scott County Argus

There is a proposition on foot to remove the Methodist church structure, now fallen into disuse in Shakopee, to Bloomington Ferry, where a new church is to be built this summer. The Bloomington committee was on the ground Tuesday looking after the matter, and Bishop Joyce and the presiding elder of this district were here yesterday viewing the premises. The church is a substantially built, roomy, frame structure, in a good state of preservation. It was built in the year 1868, during the pastorate of Chas. G. Bowdish, and for some years thereafter it was the home of a large congregation. Regular services have not been held in it now, however, for the past nine years, and its future usefulness seems to depend upon its removal to Bloomington Ferry.

125 Years Ago: From the March 2, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Early yesterday morning the roof of the M. & St. Louis R’y. station house was on fire. Nightwatchman Wm. Mueller was on the inside and only noticed the fire when he went out to meet an early freight. With the assistance of Rudolph Teich, however, he succeeding in extinguishing the flames which had by that time already found their way to the inside.

100 Years Ago: From the March 6, 1925 Shakopee Argus

The Pelham hotel office and dining room have been redecorated this week by Peter Paul and are very greatly improved in appearance.

100 Years Ago: From the March 5, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Spring is close at hand if the oft used adage, “Spring follows the first robin,” hold true this year, as Chas. Manaige informed us Tuesday that he saw a robin that morning. This is the first report we have had that a robin has been seen in these parts thus for this season.

75 Years Ago: From the March 2, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Buy Corner Cafe

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh E. House, formerly of Minneapolis, have purchased the Corner Cafe here and have taken over its operations. The place was previously operated by Lee Schaefer. Mr. House was in the grocery business in Minneapolis before coming to Shakopee. The family occupies an apartment above the cafe.

75 Years Ago: From the March 2, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Award School Construction Contracts Totaling $386,459

Contracts totaling $346,429.39 for the construction and equipage of a new school building in Shakopee were let by the Board of Education at a special meeting in the school library Thursday evening. Aggregate low bids on construction totaled $34,000 less than at a previous bid opening.

50 Years Ago: From the March 5, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

City to seek general obligation utility revenue bonds for acquisition of NSP

Shakopee will seek a bill from the Minnesota State Legislature granting them authority to sell general obligation utility revenue bonds for the purchase of NSP facilities here it was decided Monday evening.

25 Years Ago: From the March 2, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Dual-track math OK’d

Student talk swayed some votes

Chalk one up for choice.

The Shakopee School Board on Monday voted unanimously to commit to a two-track math program, with both traditional and integrated courses to be offered to students in grades nine through 12 beginning next fall.

After a lengthy discussion, which included testimony from parents, the board approved a motion to add a second track to the Core-Plus offerings and directed a curriculum articulation team and advisory committee to hammer out the details in time for the 2000-01 school year.

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