Author: Wes Reinke

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

Now is the time for planting shade trees. Some of our citizens are improving the opportunity. We are told that a large number of shade trees are to be set out in the court-house block.

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

At the adjourned meeting of the common council Tuesday evening a report was heard from the special committee on the park matter, but no action was taken. The council will meet as a committee of the whole in a few days to inspect the proposed site and consider the matter of its purchase. We understand that the members have already determined to buy no more than three acres of the grove at the end of the bridge for the present. The price asked for this much by the owners is $600.

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

After Monday next Berens & Grafenstatt will sell goods recently damaged by fire, at any price regardless of cost. As most of the goods were damaged slightly this gives an excellent opportunity to procure goods at your own price.

100 Years Ago: From the May 2, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Work on the Pelham hotel was started last week and the foundation and first floor are now well under way.

100 Years Ago: From the May 1, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The King Midas Milling Co. of this city purchased a considerable quantity of new shrubs and flowers which will be planted on its already beautiful premises. The mill has always had the reputation of keeping its grounds in a well-kept condition and we have been told by E. G. Darsow, manager, that the grounds will be one of the most beautiful in the vicinity after the shrubs and flowers have been added.

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

Old Landmark Torn Down Here

Razing of an old landmark that for more than half a century had served as a home for several Shakopee families was completed last week when workmen leveled the frame house east of the Metcalf garage on First street.

The land thus vacated is to be utilized as a used car lot. At the north end of the lot a 20 by 40 foot fireproof warehouse is now under construction to provide needed storage space, Mr. Metcalf said.

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

Council Appoints Street, Park Men

Mayor Clarence Czaia recommended an augmented summer recreation program and increased efforts to attract new industries to the city in a program presented to the Shakopee city council at their adjourned meeting Friday night.

At the same meeting the council appointed Edgar H. Bolz as Superintendent of Streets and named James Rein as Superintendent of Parks…

50 Years Ago: From the May 1, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

New look at LaTour Shoe and Saddle

Willie LaTour, owner of LaTour Shoe & Saddle, has completed the “new look” at the downtown Shakopee store at the corner of First & Holmes.

LaTour called attention early this week that son Ron has joined the store in a full-time sales position that climaxes a remodeling and expansion project started last fall…

In today’s era of “doing your thing”, it isn’t often that son follows in the footsteps of father, or more so, tries to fill dad’s shoes. Ron isn’t exactly planning on filling dad’s shoes but rather take over the sales department and give Willie more time for shoe repair which despite today’s modern technology is still much in demand.

The demand for diversification at LaTour Shoe & Saddle has prompted the LaTours to expand their greeting card department, add extra lines of apparel which will compliment their western wear and generally offer area shoppers more.

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

$6 million question

A pool and expanded Community Center, and improvements to a dozen parks are in May 11 referendum

Supporters of $6 million in improvements to Shakopee’s Parks and Recreation Department believe a proposal worthy of community approval is on the table.

Some voters may still hold resentment over the city’s going ahead with the building of the Community Center in 1995 using tax-increment financing (TIF) revenue even after voters rejected the idea in a June 1993 referendum.

Some residents may simply feel the proposed improvements are too expensive or superfluous.

Whatever the case, voters will have their say May 11 when they are asked to decide on a $5 million bond referendum, which would pay the lion’s share of $6 million worth of improvements to 12 city parks and an addition to the Community Center.

Anchoring the proposal is $5,015,000 worth of improvements to the Community Center, including a recreation and lap pool similar to that at Chaska’s community center, a fitness center with an aerobic area/multipurpose room and racquetball courts. It would also mean $985,000 in improvement to community parks and trails…

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

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