Author: Wes Reinke

150 Years Ago: From the Sept. 10, 1874 Shakopee Argus

On Tuesday morning a team that was standing unhitched in front of R. O’Dowd’s store became frightened and ran away, the wagon bed was off, and a little fellow about five or six years old was seated on the wagon at the time. He held on manfully and the team was stopped after running two squares, and no one was hurt. People should be careful to secure their teams whenever they leave them, and especially if they have children in their wagons.

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 7, 1899 Scott County Argus

The new cement walk at the Jacob Ries Bottling works property is nine feet wide the length of the building. In front of the residence the walk is six feet wide, and the other three feet to the cement curbing is sodded.

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 8, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Treasurer Frank Huber purchased the Titus property in east Shakopee this week and will move his household effects there this week.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 12, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Boyd Bowdish bought out Steve Breimhorst’s confectionery this week and expects to take possession next Monday.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 11, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Hardware Stock to Be Closed out in Big Sale

Anton Boegemann is putting on a Closing Out Sale to dispose of his entire hardware stock.

During this sale, which starts today, Mr. Boegemann will offer every article in his stock at special sale prices. He has a display ad on page four of this issue in which he gives some of the details of the sale.

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 8, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

943 Pupils Enroll in City’s Schools

Topping all previous opening day enrollment figures a total of 943 pupils were registered in Shakopee’s three schools when classes were resumed Tuesday morning. Last year the opening day total was 898.

The public school reported an enrollment of 289 for the four high school classes and 215 for the eight elementary grades. The previous year the high school figure was 284 and in the grades 204…

The first grade and the second grade pupils in the public school are in separate rooms with individual teachers for each grade, but grades III through VIII are divided into three groups with an average of more than 45 pupils to a room, it was learned.

All available classroom space has been utilized, Al N. Wurst, superintendent said, and the staff is now considering the advisability of holding a grade school class in the gymnasium in an effort to relieve the congestion.

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 8, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Girl From Latvia Enters School Here

After traveling thousands of miles, a 15 year old Latvian girl got her first glimpse of an American high school when she started classes as a freshman at the Shakopee high school Tuesday morning.

Miss Rasma Kupers, daughter of a displaced Latvian family employed on the William Fisher farm at Prior Lake, is the young girl that traveled so many thousands of miles to attend an American high school.

Speaking in excellent English, she told local school authorities that her last school was in the Neustadt Displaced Persons Group in Germany…

50 Years Ago: From the Sept. 11, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

New monitoring system studied for courthouse

BOSS (Building Operation Service System) is being considered for installation at the new Scott County Courthouse here by the county commissioners.

The monitoring system, built by Honeywell and costing $119 per month, would be monitored by that firm from its Fourth Avenue plant in Minneapolis via a telephone cable.

The monitoring device relay information about all mechanical systems in the building and an alarm system would be coordinated with emergency agencies in the case of fire or malfunction.

While alternatives are still open to the commissioners, more study is being done into the monitoring system…

25 Years Ago: From the Sept. 9, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Community Center to be referendum focus

Setting aside any pretense that it will be for anything but improvements to the Community Center, the Shakopee City Council Tuesday night decided to again ask voters to approve a bond referendum.

The council voted unanimously to put a referendum not exceeding $5.5 million on the Nov. 2 general election ballot. Unlike the $6 million referendum that voters rejected in May by 97 votes (53 percent to 47 percent), this fall’s referendum will include only improvements to the Community Center, enhancements the city believes could allow the facility to break even or even operate profitably for the first time since it opened in 1996. Revenue shortfalls in the facility are covered by the city’s general levy…

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

150 Years Ago: From the Sept. 3, 1874 Shakopee Argus

O. S. Brown, the accommodating proprietor of the City Livery, is astonishing those who supposed that the temporary suspension of the livery business for a few weeks during harvest indicated no more livery, by the erection of a large and commodious barn on the corner of Holmes and Second sts., where he expects in a few days to furnish the best “rigs” on short notice.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 31, 1899 Scott County Argus

A cyclists’ lantern parade and drill will be one of the features of one evening of the street fair. All who ride are requested to meet for organization tomorrow night (Friday), at the store of J. C. Marx. It is hoped to have at least fifty wheels in the line of parade, and there should be a hundred.

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 1, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

P. F. Stemmer while ploughing on his farm run against a bull snake curled up in the ground of such immense size that the plow was thrown out as if it had struck a large rock.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 5, 1924 Shakopee Argus

New School District

As will be noted from the resolution published elsewhere in the Argus a new school district, No. 77, was created. This new district will take the place of old No. 3 in Eagle Creek, which was known as the Duffy district. The resolution establishing District No. 77 was passed at the session of the County Board last Monday.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 4, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The E. G. Dahl family have rented the M. H. Oliver home located on Third Street. They moved their furniture and household articles Monday and are now domiciled in their new location.

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 1, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Lost – $1,000

In a classified ad in the Argus-Tribune today, E. G. Bandy is offering a liberal reward for the return of $1,000 in currency which he lost on First street in Shakopee sometime between 1 and 4 p.m., Aug. 30.

Mr. Bandy, who makes his home with his son, John, on a farm south of Shakopee, was taking the money to the bank to make a deposit. He stopped in four business places on First street and when he was ready to go to the bank, discovered the cash had vanished.

He said the money, mostly $20 bills and smaller currency, was in a roll tied with string. He is positive he had it in his pocket when he reached Shakopee. After retracing all his steps he reported the loss to the sheriff’s office and W. B. Schroeder, deputy sheriff, conducted a search.

Up to Wednesday noon the money had not been recovered, and he hopes that someone will return it to him.

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 1, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

New Pinsetters At Local Bowling Alley

With new improvements added, the St. Paul House bowling alleys, opening Labor Day, are now the most modern in this section of the state, Jerry K. Wampach announced this week.

During the past month workmen have completed installing new Brunswick semi-automatic pin-setters. Use of the new machines will greatly speed up play and make the work of the pinsetters much easier.

Each machine has an individual electric motor to furnish the power. All that is now needed is to place the pins in the rack and then the machine takes over…

50 Years Ago: From the Sept. 4, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Building program ignited animated discussion during joint committee meeting

An animated and sometimes heated discussion brought life to an otherwise tranquil and routine joint committee meeting of the common council Tuesday evening in the council chambers. Main principals in the discussion were aldermen Ron Ward, George Roberts, Ted Odenwald and Mayor Ray Foslid.

Subject of the debate was the proposed building program and what objectives should be achieved through such a program.

While specifics cannot yet be discussed, priorities and long range goals of the building program were at the heart of the matter. Listed among possible priority projects were: remodeling of the fire department, a public works facility, remodeling of the street garage, a new police facility, enlargement of the recreation department and community space.

Among points of contention Tuesday night was the amount to be spent on the new facility, suggested at $850,000, location of the new facility, what should be included in the new facility and what type of building would best serve the public…

25 Years Ago: From the Sept. 2, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Weekend blaze damages truck transporting roofing materials

A double-axle truck being used to transport roofing materials from Anchor Glass in Shakopee sustained significant damage when fire broke out in the rear compartment on Sunday…

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

150 Years Ago: From the Aug. 27, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The success of the Minnesota Valley Academy has been so great that they are now building an addition for the accommodation of their students.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 24, 1899 Scott County Argus

H. C. Carlson, who has been operator at the gravel pit during the present season, has been appointed day operator at the Shakopee station of the Omaha road, to fill the vacancy made by the promotion of R. P. Starr to the office of station agent.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 25, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

The Steamer Henrietta will give an excursion Sunday, Aug. 27^th, for Shakopee, Chaska and Carver, leaving St. Paul at 9 a.m. Arrive, Shakopee 1.30 p.m. Leave Shakopee 2 p.m. Arrive, Chaska 2.30 p.m. Carver, 3 p.m. Will return to Shakopee about 5.30 to 6 p.m. Fare, round trip 25 cts., dancing included. Fine orchestra provided for.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 29, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Big Parade Tonight

The industrial parade scheduled for tonight is going to be one of the big features of the fair this year. There will be numerous floats of various descriptions—there will be bands—and then more bands. Every nearby city will have a delegation of it’s citizens accompanied by a band in the procession. Shakopee will have three of its own—the Silver Lake, the Chaska Sodality, and the K. of C. band of St. Paul will represent the local council of K. of C.’s in the parade.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 28, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Peter Annen Purchases Cargill Home on Third St.

Peter Annen purchased the Cargill home on Third Street last week from Ed Eckert, overseer of the property. The home was the property of Miss Josephine Cargill, who formerly lived in this city but is now residing in St. Paul. Mr. Eckert, overseer of the property is a brother-in-law of Miss Cargill.

Mr. Annen is having the house entirely renovated. He intends to have the exterior of the house stuccoed and the interior remodeled. New floors will be put in and other improvements will be made. After the work has been completed the house will be occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George Annen.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 25, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Leases Building for Meat Market

In a transaction completed this week, A. C. Moldenhauer leased the Shoenecker building on West First street and also purchased the meat market equipment and fixtures in the place.

Mr. Moldenhauer said his son, Arthur, will operate the market starting about Sept. 15. The present Moldenhauer market on First street is to be operated until May 1, after which the business will be transferred to the new location, it was learned.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 25, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Schools To Open On September 6

Schools in Shakopee will open for the 1949-50 school term Tuesday, September 6. At the Shakopee public school and two parochial schools, St. Mary’s and St. Mark’s, everything is in readiness to begin operations a full time basis.

At least two of the schools, however, will be severely crowded as a record influx of students are expected to be on hand. St. Mary’s and the Shakopee public school are faced with a terrific housing problem…

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 28, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Auto Service Center complex planned

Jim Hauer demonstrated the quickest way to “tear down” a home Thursday afternoon in Shakopee and it made the big bad wolf look like a good guy.

Hauer did away with one of Shakopee’s older homes (at the corner of Market and East First Avenue) in less than two bours — leveling the combination wood, brick and stucco add-on structure and repeatedly running over the materials reducing them to “chip size” for hauling to a sanitary land fill.

Wilbert “Willie” Welter, Shakopee businessman acquired the former home (part of the Mamie Schroeder property) as part of a commercial venture. Welter, plans to open a 4,000 square foot Auto Service Center…

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 26, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

K-6 projections fizzle

Enrollment below expectations; officials puzzled

Staff and administrators at Shakopee Public Schools were bracing for a flood of students this fall, particularly in the elementary grades. Instead, the torrent looks like more of a trickle.

Shakopee School Board members learned Monday that the preliminary elementary enrollment is 61 students fewer than anticipated. Figures on Monday showed that 2,071 students signed up for classes; district officials had predicted there would be 2,132…

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

150 Years Ago: From the Aug. 20, 1874 Shakopee Argus

Shakopee claims to have the best sidewalks to be found in any city of its size in the State.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 17, 1899 Scott County Argus

The residence of Chas. G. Hinds is being improved in great measure by the building of a new veranda of ornamental design along the entire front of the house. It will be 13 feet wide where it replaces the old piazza, and the whole will add immeasurably to the comfort of the home.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 18, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

It is an everyday occurrance that the seats and tables in the city park are damaged by cutting and often obscene matter has to be erased. Many warnings, such as signs and verbal instructions have been given our youth and if matters don’t improve certainly the proper steps should be taken.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 22, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Grant Lundberg has charge of the work at the City Recorder’s office in the absence of City Recorder, Michael Regan.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 21, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Fred Berens Sells His Interest in Building

Harry C. and Arthur H. Berens bought the third interest in the John Berens store building from Fred P. Berens. The deal was completed yesterday morning.

Fred Berens will retain a lease on the portion of the building that he is now occupying until December, during which time he will dispose of the balance of the stock he has on hand.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 18, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Fire Run Friday

Firemen were called out Friday afternoon to extinguish a fire in a sawdust and shaving pile north of the old mill building on Lewis street. A rubbish fire ignited the pile of wood waste, it was learned. The blaze was promptly extinguished.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 18, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

City To Share Utility Costs

After a torrid discussion at an adjourned council meeting last Wednesday night, the matter of the sewer and water main extension in the third ward was decided on the issue of the city of Shakopee paying costs of water improvements and the benefited property owners paying costs of sewer mains.

The council let a contract some weeks ago for five blocks of sewer and water main to John L. Ries on his unit bid of $4200. His low bid called for $9.50 per cubic yard for excavating rock. Specifications furnished by the city engineer’s office called for an estimated 30 yards of rock.

However, when the street was opened and work underway it was discovered that approximately 550 yards of rock would have to be moved. This material boosted the cost of the project.

After discussing the matter at some length, the council by resolution moved that the cost per lot be determined, and that the city pay the cost of the water main improvements on the basis of cost of comparable excavation…

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 21, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Renaissance festival gets needed land

The Fourth Annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival has found a long-term home southwest of the Twin Cities in Scott County, according to Festival Managing Director Barbara Rork.

Announcement of the new site ends a nine-month search for “Just the right place,” Ms. Rork said.

The new location lies on 150 acres four miles southwest of Shakopee off Highway 169 near the Minnesota River.

The land is the property of Lester Malkerson, owner of Malkerson Motors, Shakopee, and has been offered to the Festival on a three-year lease arrangement with expectations for lease renewals thereafter…

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 19, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Church workers get a surprise

A surprise from the past greeted workers refurbishing the roof and exterior of St. Mark’s Catholic Church last month when a time capsule was discovered inside the church’s exterior walls.

Digging inside the outer walls on the south side of the church’s main entrance, workers discovered a small cavity about a foot high and a foot wide. In it was a blue-tinted bottle filled with artifacts from the church’s earliest days in Shakopee. The discovery was made as workers dug into the walls to create space for the addition of another time capsule.

What workers found is a bottle about 10 inches tall. Sealed with a large cork and wax, the blue-tinted bottle contained two coins and what is believed to be a page from a local newspaper printed in German. The coins are an 1865 Indian-head penny and a threepence – a 3-cent coin…

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

150 Years Ago: From the Aug. 13, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The Shakopee Grist Mill will soon be ready for business. Steam was raised yesterday, and we were apprised of the fact by the “toot” of their whistle.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 10, 1899 Scott County Argus

John J. Simmer, who has been living in St. Paul the past year, has moved back to Shakopee and will open a blacksmith and wagon shop in the old Koeper place on First street.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 11, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

All benches, tables and the pavilion in the city park have this week been treated with a red coat of paint.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 15, 1924 Shakopee Argus

W. F. Schoch Goes Out of Business

A deal was closed last Thursday evening in which E. C. Scott, proprieter of the Shakopee Motor Sales, leased of W. F. Schoch his garage building and purchased the stock in the building. Mr. Scott to remodel the building, put in a show room, and have a complete Ford, Fordson and Lincoln Service Station. He will take possession August 20th.

W F. Schoch will go out of the garage business for some time and give all his time to his threshing outfit. He has recently purchased a now large size model Nichols Shepard Tractor and Separator and with the fine equipment will be able to do much of the threshing in this section of the country.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 14, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The Scherkenbach Hardware and Electric Supply Co., have improved the appearance of their store building 100% by painting the front, a clear white enamel. The improvement is decided and is fully in keeping with the general progressive spirit of the firm.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 11, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

State Eases City Problem

Removal of all the filling from the sewer and water trench on East First will not be necessary, it was learned following a meeting of state highway department authorities and city officials Thursday.

It was feared for a time that the city would be obliged to remove the backfill from several blocks of sewer and water trench to conform to the provisions of a permit issued by the highway department. The permit applying of state highway 101, provided that no rocks be replaced in the trench. Following inspection the state contended the terms of the permit had not been met by the city.

Donald Childs, city engineer, and Aldermen Fox and Huber, conferred with state highway officials Thursday morning and reached an agreement whereby the city will remove the top 18 inches of back fill and replace it with gravel, and slush all the backfilling with water to assure complete settling…

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 11, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Rock Excavation Work Raises Cost Of New Utility Improvement

Because of large quantities of limerock, unexpectedly encountered during excavation work, cost of five blocks of sewer and water in East Shakopee area will run considerable over preliminary estimates, the Shakopee city council learned at their meeting Tuesday night.

Final estimates on the project, presented to the council and approved by Donald Childs, city engineer, totaled $7877.35. Low bidder, given the contract several weeks ago, was John L. Ries, Shakopee, who bid approximately $4200.

However, the bid was submitted on a unit cost basis, with each operation broken down at a set figure per unit. Specifications furnished the bidders by the city engineer’s office estimated only 30 yards of rock removal to be required. Actually, however, it was discovered during the period of excavation that the removal of about 600 cubic yards of rock was required. The rock was moved by blasting and airhammer operations. It was the large amount of rock, underlying some of the streets, that skyrocketed the cost of the project…

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 14, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Council hears concerns voiced by residents

Adoption of the assessments for the VIP Shakopee watermain connection improvement project 72-2 was granted by the Shakopee city council at their regular meeting Tuesday evening.

Adoption of the pian followed a lengthy public hearing on the matter which was held at 8 p.m.

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 12, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

New parks referendum has support at forum

A parks bond referendum that voters rejected in May had a bit of life breathed back into it Monday night as a group of Shakopee residents urged that there be another try.

Members of the Shakopee Parks and Recreation Board seemed favorable to that, but whether voters will see it on a ballot is still up to the City Council.

Of the 15 people who attended a public forum at the Community Center, those who favor some form of a $6 million referendum far outnumbered those who oppose revisiting the issue. Supporters want to see it on the ballot with City Council candidates in the general election on Nov. 2…

The Parks Board will need to make a recommendation to the City Council on whether to hold a referendum and in what form the question should be asked. The next regularly-scheduled council meeting is next Tuesday.

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

150 Years Ago: From the Aug. 6, 1874 Shakopee Argus

H. H. Strunk & Son have placed some fine labels on the drawers in their drug store. They have now one of the finest stores in the Minnesota Valley.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 5, 1899 Scott County Argus

Work on the construction of the new switch track to the mill has been begun, and the rails are already laid as far as First street one block west of the Milwaukee station. Agent Schaefer states that a work train is expected here in a day or two, when work on the trestles at the lime kiln and at the foot of Holmes street will be begun. About thirty men will be at work by the first of the week.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 4, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

At a meeting of the members of the Presbyterian church the site for the new church was changed to the NW corner of the block in which Henry Hinds’ residence is located on First street.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 8, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Construction Work on Pelham Hotel Completed

The construction work of remodeling and enlarging the Pelham Hotel was completed this week. The work was begun early this spring with Fred Rohlfs as contractor, but was not completed as early as had been expected due to an unavoidable delay of about six weeks in which the masons were unable to work. The outside walls of the new addition are of cream color brick veneer to conform with the rest of the building. It has three floors containing twelve rooms in all, eleven of which are sleeping quarters. It is strictly modern through out having steam heat, and hot and cold running water in each room. Some time soon a drinking fountain will be put on the second floor.

The entrance of the hotel has been completely remodeled. A large glassed in vestibule leads to the main office. An ornamental canopy of steel and lumber will be hung over this entrance, and will add a great deal to the appearance of the building. A public telephone booth has been installed on the first floor…

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 7, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

State Meeting Held at Reformatory Here

The quarterly conference of the superintendents of state institutions, with the State Board of Control, was held, Tuesday at the State Reformatory for Women in this city.

About one hundred and thirty-five men and women from various parts of the state and representing the different institutions, were present with the Board of Control, at this meeting…

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 4, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

State Not Satisfied With Job

The possibility that several blocks of water and sewer trench on highway 101 in East Shakopee may have to be reopened and back filled with material which does not include limestone taken from the trench loomed Tuesday night as the City Council studied a communication from the state highway department.

According to the letter the highway department, which apparently has domain over the street in which the water and sewer lines were laid, had issued a permit to the city to open the street. Under the terms of the permit, no rock was to be replaced in the trench. The state contends that highway department inspections disclosed this provision was violated and that strict compliance is expected.

The letter also pointed out that the work was to be completed by July 1 and that the city is liable for a charge of $15 per day for every day the state must maintain a detour after July 1. It was further pointed out that the city had made a $3,000 deposit with the state as assurance of compliance with the terms of the permit…

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 4, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Dellwo Elected New Alderman

Elmer J. Dellwo was named alderman of the third at a special election here Monday as he narrowly edged out Ray Siebenaler in a hotly contested battle.

Dellwo polled 102 votes while Siebenaler in second place had 99. Just a step behind was Paul Prellwitz with 94 votes while Clarence Vierling had 13. A total of 309 ballots were cast.

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 7, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Work at mill pond

Workmen were busy last week at the mill pond adjacent to the Shakopee House. Rocks were piled along the shoreline to prohibit erosion of the banks. Beautification of the entire area has been underway and this stage of the project is nearing completion.

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

150 Years Ago: From the July 30, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The farmers in this vicinity are busily engaged in harvesting their wheat. Harvest wages are from $2 to $3 a day. If the weather continues favorable the greater portion will be cut this week, and we may then expect more stir upon our streets. The crop is said to be very good, both in quality and quantity. If the crop can be secured in good order we may hope for flush times next winter.

125 Years Ago: From the July 27, 1899 Scott County Argus

The merry-go-round closed its Shakopee “engagement” on Tuesday evening, and departed for other pastures. The outfit is a good one of its kind, and it is under good management, which may explain the very liberal patronage it enjoyed while here. The street fair managers have arranged with the proprietor of the carrousselle to be here during the three days of the fair, hence the cheery music of merry-go-round will add its mite to the merry din on that great big occasion.

125 Years Ago: From the July 28, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

John Nachtsheim will move his household effects into the Schott building on Holmes street next week.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 1, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Night Operator Held Up

Last evening, Thursday, about 9:00 o’clock two strange men at the point of guns held up Harry Philipp, night operator at the depot, removed his glasses, broke them to pieces, took $50 from the till, and then marched him through the residence part of town, gagged him and tied his hands and feet, and laid him in the grass in the lot west of Judge Weiland’s residence…

100 Years Ago: From the July 31, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

A jolly party comprising Mr. and Mrs. James Smith and children and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Ries, all of this city, motored to Wisconsin Friday and were visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Miller and family. They returned on Saturday evening, bringing with them 50 quarts of raspberries which they picked in Wisconsin on Saturday.

75 Years Ago: From the July 28, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

State Legion Tourney Opens Here Friday Night

For four days starting Friday, Shakopee’s Riverside park will be the mecca for followers of Junior American Legion baseball—it is there that the 10 top teams in the state will be matched for the state crown.

Nearly 200 youths from throughout the state will figure in the show and will be guests at a breakfast to be served in St. Mark’s parish hall at 10 a.m. Saturday. Dick Siebert, member of the Shakopee baseball club, a former major league star and now University of Minnesota baseball coach, will be the speaker at the morning brunch. The breakfast is sponsored by the Minnesota Ford Dealers association.

Committeemen of the Shakopee Legion Post, sponsor of the event, said this week that nearly 15,000 fans are expected to witness the classic, which this year, for the first time in 30 years has been moved outstate…

75 Years Ago: From the July 28, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

New Principal

Mrs. Grace Sweeney was named last week as the new principal of the Shakopee high school replacing Carlos Luis who recently resigned. A member of the high school faculty for many years, Mrs. Sweeney is a veteran educator and was recently selected by the University of Minnesota as one of the 75 educators from the Northwest to attend a special summer workshop.

50 Years Ago: From the July 31, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Dr. J. E. Ponterio to leave Shakopee after 33 yrs

Dr. J. E. Ponterio, a general practitioner for 33 years in Shakopee and co-founder of the Shakopee Medical Center, has announced his retirement from medicine…

25 Years Ago: From the July 29, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Local school district establishes website

Shakopee schools have a new global identity.

Up and running this week is the district’s web site, accessible at www.shakopee.k12.mn.us. The site was developed through a team effort by human resources technical support assistant Cathy TenEyck, communications coordinator Jackie Colby, and technology guru Leon McNellis.

Those logging on to the fledgling site will find some areas still “under construction.”…

The site offers basic information on School Board members, Community Education and Special Services. It also features a staff directory, school calendar, and nuts and bolts about each of the six buildings, including locations, phone numbers, grade levels and principals’ names…

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

150 Years Ago: From the July 23, 1874 Shakopee Argus

A large addition is being added to the Episcopal Parsonage to meet the wants of the Minnesota Valley Academy, which has become very popular throughout the State as a well educated institution. The Third year begins Wednesday, September 9th. Rev. Wm. R. Powell, Rector.

125 Years Ago: From the July 20, 1899 Scott County Argus

The City Brick-yard, owned by Herman Schroeder, has taken two large orders for brick this week. The Minnesota Sugar company, at St. Louis Park, buys 200,000 to be used in building a reservoir, and 50,000 will go to Granite Falls to be used in the construction of a new brick business block. The Shakopee red brick are growing in popularity every day, and it now looks as though the season’s output of this yard, amounting to some three million brick, will be marketed as fast as manufactured. The second kiln, of 800,000, will be ready for burning in about two weeks. To fire such a kiln will require 250 cords of wood.

125 Years Ago: From the July 21, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

A merry-go-round is at present amusing young and old in the vacant lot opposite the Crystal.

100 Years Ago: From the July 25, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Vandalism at Its Height

Certain personages, regular vandals have been making it a practice to break into the caretakers house at the Valley Cemetery and help themselves to what ever articles they chose.

Albert Boldt reports to us that Monday night they again gained entrance by battering down the door and getting away with some of his tools. Last fall the same thing occurred and Mr. Boldt was the loser of about $15 worth of material and tools…

100 Years Ago: From the July 24, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Silver Loving Cup on Display at Deutsch Drug Store

The silver loving cup which will be awarded to the owner of the best dairy herd exhibited at the Scott County Agricultural Fair at Shakopee, August 28, 29 and 30 was received by W. F. Harris, secretary of the Agricultural Society, yesterday morning.

The cup was presented to the society by the Minnesota Dairy Association and is on display at present at the M. A. Deutsch Drug Store in this city.

75 Years Ago: From the July 21, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Bond Plan Downed by 107 Votes

In one of the heaviest votes ever cast in a school election here voters of Independent School District No. 1 Friday turned down by a margin of 107 ballots the proposition of a supplemental bond issue of $140,000 for the construction and equipping of new public school facilities.

A total of 867 votes were cast in the election of which 487 opposed and 380 favored issuance of the additional bonds to finance the project.

In a previous election on the same proposition held June 30 the electorate cast 295 votes against, and 263 votes for the bond issue, defeating the proposal by 32 ballots…

75 Years Ago: From the July 21, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Milwaukee Road Siding At Rahr Malt Plant Blocked When Two Boxcars Are Overturned

A Milwaukee Road wrecking crew worked five bours Tuesday afternoon to put two boxcars back on a siding near the Rahr Malt plant.

The two cars, empty, were parked on a side spur near a switch Monday when a Omaha freight crew, pushing a train through the switch, bumped into them with a boxcar and overturned them, blocking the siding into the plant…

50 Years Ago: From the July 24, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Police to crack down on cyclists

Police Chief R. G. “Pat” Thielen announced today that effective August 1, 1974 the Shakopee Department will be taking a hard line approach to the problem of youths and adults violating traffic laws on bicycles in the City of Shakopee.

Chief Thielen said the crackdown on bicyclists is due to the increasing amount of bicycle and automobile accidents. In most cases the accident has been caused by the bicyclist violating a traffic law…

25 Years Ago: From the July 22, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Parks referendum in fall?

At least two councilors favor asking voters again

The parks referendum that Shakopee voters rejected this spring could be back before the voters later this year.

Councilors Deb Amundson and Jane DuBois are interested in putting together a package which meets city park needs. Councilor Bob Sweeney said he would support people’s right to vote on the issue, but would not be willing to make a motion to send a referendum back to the voting public.

The issue could be on a ballot as early as Nov. 11…

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

150 Years Ago: From the July 16, 1874 Shakopee Argus

Mr. Orrin F. Hall, General Agent for the Grand Consolidation Circus, Menagerie and Museum, is now in town making arrangements for an exhibition of its wonders and feats of horsemanship and dexterity. The performers are represented as first-class and let those who desire to have a little recreation and enjoy a hearty laugh, be on hand to attend the show on Friday, the 24^th. Look out for the grand Street Parade at 10 o’clock a. m.

125 Years Ago: From the July 13, 1899 Scott County Argus

The carpenters are getting the timbers and first floor of the new Hinds block into place, and all will be ready for the bricklayers to commence work there as soon as they finish that part of the construction of the Flaherty & Lies block.

125 Years Ago: From the July 14, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. John Strattman have returned from Germany and will again make their abode in our midst. John says America is good enough for him.

100 Years Ago: From the July 18, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Last week B. J. Jansen purchased of W. F. Schoch a four passenger Hubmobile coupe which he presented to Mrs. Jansen for a birthday gift.

100 Years Ago: From the July 17, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Local People Fly in Dispatch Aeroplane

A five-passenger aeroplane, the largest in the Northwest, belonging to the Dispatch Flying Circus of St. Paul, arrived in this city Sunday morning and alighted on the Jaenicke farm, a short distance from Shakopee.

Several people of this vicinity went to the scene and some took ten-minute rides in the aeroplane. They were taken above the city and given a few minutes ride which was a continuation of thrills.

75 Years Ago: From the July 14, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Jail, Sheriff’s Residence Topic

Another step toward the eventual construction of a new Scott county jail and sheriff’s residence is expected to be taken Monday when the Board of County Commissioners meets with architects and A. X. Schall, state inspector of jails and lockups.

The Monday session, it was learned, may result in employing an architect to draft construction plans in conformity with recommendations to be provided by the state inspector.

State agents on several occasions in the past, have urged modernizing of the jail facilities and declared the present institutions inadequate. Early this year the Board took cognizance of the situation and adopted a resolution setting up the machinery to make a thorough study of the problem.

Following the drawing of plans and their approval, cost estimates will be made and then will come the calling of bids for construction, it was explained.

75 Years Ago: From the July 14, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Firemen Called

Firemen were called to the rear of the Standard Service station on Holmes street shortly after noon Tuesday to extinguish a smoldering dump fire on the river bank.

50 Years Ago: From the July 17, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Reserve unit working at local radio station

Five army reservists, members of the Psychological Operations Battalion, A Company, out of Fort Snelling, spent their two weeks of training at Radio Station KSMM in Shakopee.

The five reservists were at the station for a two week period seven days a week, working in the music library, news room, filing and taking part in some commercial activity. Two of the men were occasionally on the air.

25 Years Ago: From the July 15, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Renovation of stadium OK’d

Baseball fans attending ballgames at Joe Schleper Stadium in Tahpah Park will see a full slate of improvements next summer now that the Shakopee City Council has approved spending more than $400,000 to refurbish the facility.

At its July 6 meeting, the City Council accepted Greystone Construction’s bid of $477,413 to construct a concession stand and bathrooms, a press box, a hard canopy over the grandstand and to enclose the space beneath the grandstand for equipment storage. The money to pay for the improvements will come from tax increment-financing (TIF) revenue ($380,000) and the city’s Park Reserve Fund ($97,413)…

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

150 Years Ago: From the July 9, 1874 Shakopee Argus

Thomas A. Holmes has sold his residence to Koerner the butcher. Mr. Holmes is now building a new house on the corner of Spencer and Fifth street.

125 Years Ago: From the July 6, 1899 Scott County Argus

The walls of the Flaherty & Lies block are now up to the second floor, and the carpenters will have finished the timber work and flooring within another day. Meantime the brick masons are putting in the lintels, two of which are forty feet in length, and the pillars. The ceiling will be fourteen feet high in the first story.

125 Years Ago: From the July 7, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

The steamboat Flora Clark made her first appearance on the Minnesota as far up as Shakopee last Sunday. Quite a large number of excursionists were on board, but owing to the lateness of their arrival they were given only about an hour to view our city and surroundings. Come again.

100 Years Ago: From the July 11, 1924 Shakopee Argus

The Shakopee American Legion Auxiliary No. 2 have received a handsome new unit banner, similar to the one owned by the Legion Post. The banner is a beautiful piece of workmanship, four and one third by five and one half feet in size of royal purple taffeta, lettered in gold and edges with silk fringe of gold color. A heavy gold cord and tassel form an elaborate decoration and the American Eagle in gold surmounts the standard. It is a beautiful specimen and the Auxiliary is justly proud of its new ensign. They are also exhilarated over the fact that they have increased their membership to one hundred members.

100 Years Ago: From the July 10, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Miss Elizabeth K. and J. H. Ries were July 4^th evening guests of Mr. and Mrs. Alois Schaefer of Jordan at their summer home on the shore of Prior Lake. About fifty guests were present from the Twin Cities and Jordan. A feature of the evening’s entertainment was the burning and sinking of Mr. Schaefer’s gasoline launch “Pirate” which had finished its days of usefulness. The launch had been loaded with fireworks of all kinds and as the blaze ignited each fuse, the resulting fireworks presented a spectacular scene.

75 Years Ago: From the July 7, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Second Election on School Bond Set

Because there will yet be time to take advantage of the construction bids submitted June 13 in the event voters agree with the School Board and conclude that building of new public school facilities is necessary right now, the Board of Education of Independent School District No. 1 has called another special election on a $140,000 supplement bond issue for July 15…

75 Years Ago: From the July 7, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Swim Program Now Underway

Assistance of local women to serve as chaperones for the daily swimming classes was asked this week by Al Wurst, superintendent of schools.

Over 300 local youngsters are receiving swimming lessons each day at Spring Lake through a recreational program sponsored by the Board of Education, the city of Shakopee, and the Red Cross…

Instructors conducting the program are two local men, Art Hoen and Robert Gray. Both are qualified Red Cross instructors. The program continues each day, Monday through Friday.

50 Years Ago: From the July 10, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

St. Francis home to close as of Sept. 1

The 34 bed, board and care facility, St. Francis Home, will be phased out as of September 1, 1974, according to Sister Agnes, Administrator of St. Francis Hospital and Home in Shakopee…

The facility which housed the board and care residents is 110 years old.

The home built by the Benedictine Sisters, became the property of St. Mark’s parish and then was turned over to Scott County who operated it as the “poor house.”

Not satisfied with the care these people received, concerned people in Shakopee asked the Sisters of St. Francis to care for these people with the dignity and respect each and every person deserves according to Sister Agnes. In 1938 the first Sisters began serving the community. Soon the building became the cradle of St. Francis Hospital.

25 Years Ago: From the July 8, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Scott County jail needs resurface

The deficiencies of the Scott County Jail is a topic most county commissioners are well aware of but don’t want to talk about, a political hot potato with a fiscal and political price tag that could affect a re-election bid more than a year away.

Last week, during a County Board workshop on the county’s 2000 budget, Commissioner Ed Mackie of Savage said he believes the time has come for commissioners to begin “talking seriously about we’re going to do about the jail.” Because it has budget implications, Mackie offered the topic as one of the board’s possible goals for 2000…

Since 1987, the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) – the licensing authority for all public and private jails in the state – has been pushing the county to make improvements to keep the jail, built in 1957, at or above state standards…

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