Shakopee Snapshots

125 Years Ago: From the Nov. 24, 1898 Scott County Argus

Wm. Lempke has been making some substantial improvements upon the dwelling house he recently purchased from James Simmons. The main part has been built up to two stories in height and surmounted by a gabled roof quite ornate with shingled gables and fancy ridge. The house is located south of the M. E. church, in the same block, and its changed appearance adds greatly to the look of prosperity in that part of the city.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 22, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

The display of fancy lamps in the Scherkenbach Electric Shop is a beautiful sight at night, demonstrating correct lighting for every room. The old proverb, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever” is very true in this case.

50 Years Ago: From the Nov. 21, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Possibility of Valley Area Chamber of Commerce viewed

The possibility of a Valley Area Chamber of Commerce was brought up at the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce this week.

A meeting with representatives of several communities south of the Minnesota River was held recently to explore that possibility, and the idea was presented to the Shakopee Chamber at its regular meeting Monday.

Communities of Shakopee Savage, Prior Lake, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville and Eagan Township were represented at the first meeting, and a second is scheduled in January.

Virgil Mears reported to Shakopee Chamber members that a group representing the valley area would have more clout with such things as legislative matters, and suggested that Shakopee’s Chamber of Commerce could retain its individuality while supporting some kind of area effort.

Chamber members agreed to consider the matter further.

25 Years Ago: From the Nov. 19, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Land purchase for future school OK’d

Even as Shakopee School Board members chart the progress of three major school building projects in the district, they are looking ahead to expansion opportunities beyond the year 2000.

The board agreed Monday night to purchase 1.4 acres of land located at the intersection of County Roads 78 and 79 in Jackson Township to complete a 40-acre parcel of district-owned property in the area…

As it stands, the property is not large enough to accommodate a senior high school and is “borderline” for a junior high site, explained Superintendent Bob Ostlund.

However, the size of the lot exceeds the minimum acreage required for the construction of an elementary school. The state recommendation on area is no less than 15 acres for this type of building.

Ostlund indicated Monday that the addition of an elementary school to accommodate a growing local population is being considered, but would not be needed for several years.

125 Years Ago: From the Nov. 17, 1898 Scott County Argus

Notices are posted advertising for bids for carrying the mails, bids to be received up to the 30^th day of the present month. Subcontracting has been done away with, and all contracts, big or little, are to be let direct to the carrier.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 15, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Miss Anna Mergens has resigned her position with the Shakopee Tribune and will leave Shakopee for the winter.

75 Years Ago: From the Nov. 11, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Service Station Has New Owner

M. L. Regan has become the owner of the Standard Service station formerly operated by Harold Huss, in the Schesso garage building on Lewis street, it is announced this week.

The new owner took possession Monday. Mr. Huss, who bought the business from Francis Quinn several months ago, is to become associated with the Micklethun Motors which operates a car sales and service establishment on E. First street here.

50 Years Ago: From the Nov. 14, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Co. Rd. 17 project opens can of worms; city seeks county aid

The city seems to have opened a can of worms with its plan to realign Co. Rd. 17.

That project and the problems surrounding it drew considerable attention at Tuesday night’s meeting of the city council.

Several months ago the council decided to move toward straightening the county road from its junction at Co. Rd. 16 to Highway 101. They are still in the process of acquiring rights-of-way for that stretch of road.

Tuesday night, a number of other problems growing out of that road project were discussed by council men, the city administrator and the city’s consulting engineer.

The central issue was the planning which will have to be done on the segment of Co. Rd. 17 under consideration so that other segments of that road, plus other connecting roads and local storm sewers can be added with the minimum difficulty…

The city would eventually like to upgrade Co. Rd. 17 from Highway 101 to south beyond Tenth Ave., but it seems likely that the job will have to be done in sections. Also under consideration is the upgrading of Co. Rd. 16, which will also have to be completed eventually…

The council has been attempting to assure that roads and sewers will be developed on a coordinated approach, but that coordination is expected to take additional time and money…

25 Years Ago: From the Nov. 12, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

In a surprise, city was host to the new governor

Early Tuesday evening last week, Canterbury Park in Shakopee was the election night headquarters for a third-party gubernatorial candidate.

A few hours later, it was where Jesse Ventura learned he had been elected governor of Minnesota.

The crowd was small early in the evening as election results trickled in. Later, more and more Ventura supporters began to pack the horse track clubroom. And they saw what the rest of the state saw: Ventura’s early lead was standing up in returns from throughout Minnesota.

By midnight, Canterbury Park and nearby Canterbury Inn became the focal point for state, national and international media. Gov.-elect Jesse and wife Terry Ventura admitted to being in shock at what had occurred. He had been elected governor in a sensational upset over two well-known major party candidates…

125 Years Ago: From the Nov. 10, 1898 Scott County Argus

One of the big regulators which has graced the walls of H. P. Marx’s jewelry store for many years past was this week sold and shipped to a jeweler at Morton, this state. It was considerably smaller than a big barn door, but it made quite a good sized package for a clock, never-the-less.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 8, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

City Purchases Athletic Field

The City Council at an adjourned regular meeting held Monday evening, November 5, purchased 9.24 acres of land from William Ryan of St. Paul. The total purchase price was $1500.

The property purchased is located North of the Fair grounds and the present city park. The Council designated the property to be used as an athletic field.

The purchase of this property by the City Council is a very commendable and progressive step. It is our understanding that the next improvement in this connection will be the erection of a new grandstand. This grandstand will be used to accomodate the attendance at baseball games, football games and other athletic contests. It will also serve as a means of seating visitors who attend the annual Scott County Fair held here.

75 Years Ago: From the Nov. 4, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

British Fords Due in Shakopee Soon

Arrival of several models of the British Ford sometime within the next seven days was announced this week by the Jim Covington Motor Sales.

The 1,700-pound midgets, made in England, have a 93-inch wheel base and are reported to travel up to 45 miles on a gallon of gas.

They will be offered locally in three models…

50 Years Ago: From the Nov. 7, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Softball diamonds grow in former corn fields

A collection of softball diamonds is being developed in what has become known as Adams Street Park.

The prime movers in this venture have been the Shakopee Jaycees, but they have been joined in this venture by a host of local organizations, businesses and individuals.

The first of the fields was seeded last week and work continued over the weekend for the grading and surveys needed for a second diamond.

The city of Shakopee purchased the 40 acre site from the state some time ago, but until recently it had still been used as a corn field…

25 Years Ago: From the Nov. 5, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Family Bank now called Voyager Bank

As of Monday, the Family Bank is no more.

Family Banks, including the branch in Shakopee, are now called Voyager Banks. The banks are owned and operated by Voyager Financial Services Corp. The name change also affects the corporation’s mortgage and title companies, which are now called Voyager Mortgage Corp. and Voyager Title Inc.

With the name change, the banks have changed from a thrift to a state-chartered bank…

125 Years Ago: From the Nov. 3, 1898 Scott County Argus

Owing to failing health Mrs. C. M. Nachtsheim has decided to retire from the millinery business, and she is offering her entire new stock for sale at a bargain either at wholesale or retail. The best stock of millinery goods in the city is thus thrown upon the market at greatly reduced prices. Ladies should take note of this at once, as it will be first come, first served. Bend her advertisement in this issue.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 1, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Old Landmark is Razed During Week

The old building, which was originally built and used as a blacksmith shop by Nick Heger on the present Chas. Schultz property across the street from the stock fair grounds, has been torn down during the past week. The building was one of Shakopee’s old landmarks.

75 Years Ago: From the Oct. 28, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Girl Scout Troop Will Be Organized

Plans are gradually taking shape to organize a Girl Scout troop in Shakopee under sponsorship of the PTA.

Four Shakopee ladies have volunteered their services as leaders and will go to Minneapolis in the near future to take a three-day leader’s training course. They are Mrs. Norman Kue, Mrs. Jos. Kelery, Mrs. Frank Strunk and Mrs. John A. Thole.

Each leader will have an assistant who will meet weekly with the young girls at the high school. These meetings will start as soon as the leaders have completed the training…

As far as known, three divisions will take care of the girls: the Brownies from 7 to 10, and two groups of 11 to 14 year olds.

Miss Mary Sampson has also volunteered her services and will be Mrs. Kelery’s assistant.

50 Years Ago: From the Oct. 31, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Kawasaki begins building in Valley Industrial Park

Commissioner James R. Heitser has announced that a Japanese company has advised the state department of economic development that it has begun construction on a $1.3 million research and development center for small internal combustion engines in Shakopee this fall.

Heitser said Sergi Yamada, General Manager of the Engine Division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., has informed him that the plant is being constructed on a 55-acre site in the Valley Industrial Park.

The center will develop and test engines for exclusive distribution to Arctic Enterprises, Inc., a Thief River Falls snowmobile and leisure products manufacturer, as well as other Kawasaki products for the recreational field…

125 Years Ago: From the Oct. 27, 1898 Scott County Argus

The work of laying a new cement walk along the north side of Second street, from Lewis to Holmes, is progressing, and the walk will probably be thrown open to the public by the end of the present week. Smoothly laid, of uniform width, and exact as to grade, the two continuous blocks of cement stone pavement laid by Ring & Fischer present a most substantial and pleasing appearance, and appeal to the eye at once as one of the marked improvements of the season. Another year should see cement sidewalks so popular with the Shakopee populace that there will never be any question, when a new sidewalk is needed, as to the material to be used.

100 Years Ago: From the Oct. 25, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Sewing Classes Organized Here

About twenty ladies of Shakopee and vicinity were present at a meeting held at the City Hall yesterday afternoon to organize classes for the free course in sewing and making clothing, offered by the Agricultural Extension Service of the University of Minnesota, through the co-operation of the Scott County Farm Bureau…

75 Years Ago: From the Oct. 21, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Retirement of Ball Lights Stock Seen

That the Shakopee Recreational Association Inc. is in a position to retire all of the $12,680 worth of stock authorized for the lighting of Riverside baseball park was disclosed Tuesday night in reports made to the Shakopee Commercial club by J. A. Metcalf, state amateur baseball tourney chairman, and Judge F. J. Connolly, president of the Recreational association.

Exceeding the “wildest dreams” of even the most enthusiastic supporters of the lighting project, the detailed reports showed a net balance of $14,832.67 on hand at the end of the baseball season—more than enough to cover the outstanding stock certificates…

50 Years Ago: From the Oct. 24, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Council finally sells buildings on MVRP land

The Shakopee city council met Tuesday night and finally settle the matter of the metal buildings on the Minnesota Valley Restoration Project land.

The city owned the buildings and had promised to remove them, although the Historical Society had hoped they would be gone last summer.

A single bid on the buildings was received Tuesday from James Hauer of Shakopee who offered $250 for the three buildings and agreed to remove them by March 1 of next year. The council accepted his bid.

25 Years Ago: From the Oct. 22, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Scout Barn comes down

After using it for training during the week, Shakopee firefighters Saturday morning burned the old Boy Scout Barn, which sat on land owned by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), and was next to the women’s prison. The barn, which dates back to the 1920s, formerly housed dairy cows and was used by Shakopee Boy Scout Troop 218 for meetings and storage space since 1965. When the DOC asked that the barn be moved off state property so the prison could expand, Scouts unsuccessfully tried to raise the money needed to relocate it.

125 Years Ago: From the Oct. 20, 1898 Scott County Argus

Jos. Roth, who has been employed as a cooper in the shop at this point for ten or twelve years past, has given up that line of work, for the present, at least, and will try “railroading.” He went to St. James, Tuesday, to accept a position as brakeman on a freight train. All who know Mr. Roth personally are well aware that his diligences and capacity for work merit success, and his many friends wish him well in his new field.

100 Years Ago: From the Oct. 18, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Miss Helen Theis has been transferred from the local Telephone office to the new toll office. Miss Theis has been chief operator in the local office for a number of years, and during this time the service has been unsurpassed. The best wishes of the local public accompany Miss Theis to her new position.

75 Years Ago: From the Oct. 14, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

See Reformatory Adapted to Use of Youth Program

Conversion of the state reformatory for women here into a screening center for juveniles under the Youth Conservation commission will depend upon action that might be taken by the state legislature when it meets next January, it was learned this week.

It has been known for several months that the reformatory has been under consideration for use in connection with the youth program, but no definite action or decisions have been reached.

Carl Jackson, director of the state public institution was quoted as saying that there had been considerable talk about the reformatory being put at the disposal of the YCC and moving the woman inmates to another location. The present population of the reformatory is reported to be 43 women.

If the proposal is approved by the legislature that body will have to provide facilities for the women, it was explained.

50 Years Ago: From the Oct. 17, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

School Board plans land purchase vote

Shakopee school district voters will decide on the purchase of 20 acres of land as a potential site for a new junior high school Nov. 20.

The Board of Education plans to put a $150,000 bond issue to the voters on that date.

Final arrangements for the bond issue were decided at the board meeting Monday night.

The bond issue covers only purchase of the land and related costs, and the board has no specific details on the future plans for a school to be built on the site if the bond issue passes. School Board president Bob Mertz noted, however, that if the vote is successful the board would immediately begin planning for a bond issue for a new junior high.

25 Years Ago: From the Oct. 15, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Monument move was ‘making amends’

Correcting a wrong that dates back nearly 45 years, the city of Shakopee moved the granite monument honoring military veterans from atop a Native American burial mound in Veterans Memorial Park last Thursday afternoon.

The ceremony was a time for the current city officials to make amends for the errant placement of a flagpole and granite memorial in Shakopee’s war dead back in 1954…

The ceremony included the Sisseton Wahpeton Color Guard from Sisseton, S.D., comments from state Archaeologist Mark Dundalk, remarks by Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community Vice Chairman Glynn Crooks and a blessing by Gary Cavender, the tribe’s spiritual leader. A large crane then lifted the granite monument and flagpole base off the cement slab, loaded it onto a truck for the short drive to a new cement base slightly west of the burial mound. Shakopee City Administrator Mark McNeill said the old concrete slab will be covered in dirt and maintained. Breaking up the slab and removing it would further disturb the burial mound, he said…

125 Years Ago: From the Oct. 13, 1898 Scott County Argus

The best bit of news of the week comes to us just as we go to press. Flaherty & Lies will erect a big two-story business block upon the site of their store, the work to be begun at once. The firm has rented the Condon store, next to Segelbaum’s, and will commence moving to their temporary quarters the first of next week.

100 Years Ago: From the Oct. 11, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Rademacher and Kirkeby New Business Partnership

Peter Rademacher and Victor Kirkeby, two well known young men of this city, have formed a partnership in the plumbing, heating and sheet metal business, which the former recently purchased from M. L. Neubeiser. The new firm will continue to do business at the old stand in the Henry Mergens building on First street.

Both young men are able and reliable workmen and are deserving of the support and patronage of the community. The new firm will be welcomed into the business circles of the city.

75 Years Ago: From the Oct. 7, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Drop Plans for Electric Power Plant

Terminating for the present at least, the consideration of a municipally owned electric power generating plant, the city council Thursday night entered into a new energy contract with Northern States Power company.

The new contract, abrogating the one in force for the past seven years, is to run for 10 years from date of signature and according to authorities will effect a substantial annual saving in the cost of energy purchased by the city.

Although a lower rate clause goes into operation under the new agreement, the contract imposes a higher demand charge, provides for adjustment to meet increased costs of fuel used in generating electricity and calls for a 5% penalty for late payment of monthly bills. Previously a discount was allowed for prompt payment.

50 Years Ago: From the Oct. 10, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

School Board will try to purchase county land

Negotiations for the sale of 20 acres of land owned by Scott County to the Shakopee School Board continued this week.

The school intends to build a school on the land, located south of Tenth St. near Co. Rd. 17, if bond issues are successfully passed. Formal plans for a new school first hinge on the district’s purchase of the county land, which is likely to go before local voters around the end of November…

Proceeds from the land sale have already been earmarked for use in construction of the new county courthouse.

25 Years Ago: From the Oct. 8, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Justice Center to open for court on Oct. 19

Court will be in session in the new Scott County Justice Center on Oct. 19 as the new $12.2 million facility is opened for daily activity…

125 Years Ago: From the Oct. 6, 1898 Scott County Argus

Results of the work of the two long gravel trains which have been running through town a dozen times a day since the steam shovel was put in place at the nearby purchased gravel pit on the old Gifford farm, are quite apparent, now, even in the outskirts of town. The track has been built up on a fine bed of gravel, and the grades have been evened up for long distance. The change in the grade has spoiled many road crossings, some of them being quite impossible. But these will no doubt soon be fixed by the pathmasters of the different towns. Another improvement in the railroad is the straightening of the track. The slight curves have been taken out, at the expense in some cases of a complete change in cut or embankment. At a point near Blakely a new track has been laid for a comfortable distance, thus cutting out two bad curves in the old rack. All this will add to the comfort and safety of the patrons of the road, and enable the trains to run on faster schedules.

100 Years Ago: From the Oct. 4, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

J. J. Schaefer Received Mail Route Assignment

J. J. Schaefer received notice from the Post Office Department at Washington, D. C., last Thursday that he was the successful aspirant for the position of rural mail carrier out of the Shakopee post office which has been open for the past year or more. This vacancy was originally brought about through the illness of Herman Logenfeil, who had been carrying on Rural Route No. 1 for many years.

Since Mr. Logenfeil’s retirement the position of rural carrier on Route Number 1 has been filled by R. L. Brown. Mr. Schaefer will take up his duties as carrier on this route October 15.

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 30, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Lutherans Begin New Parish House

Construction of a new parish house for St. John’s Lutheran church got under way this week with the excavation of the basement area.

The 1 ½ story frame structure will include a full basement and seven rooms. It is being erected on block 8, block 7, on East First street across the street from the church.

50 Years Ago: From the Oct. 3, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

The first day of Metropolitan Transit service to Shakopee went okay, according to Glenn Peterson of the MTC. The red express bus designated 35-J picked up eight local riders Monday morning and returned with three that night. Peterson, an MTC supervisor, said the numbers were satisfactory for the buses first run and added that he expected more commuters to Minneapolis would soon be taking advantage of the service.

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 29, 1898 Scott County Argus

G. S. Lander is planning to put a fine cement pavement, similar in construction to the one now surrounding the Argus block, in front of the opera house block. The work will begin in the early spring. At that time he will also have laid along the front of his residence property a walk of cement stone, similar to the one now being laid in the residence district by Ring & Fischer.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 27, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Shakopee to Have New Business Enterprise

A new business enterprise is being established in this city and will go into effect Monday, October 1, when Scherkenbach’s Hardware and Electric Supply will open its doors for business to succeed the Scherkenbach Electric Shop.

The new enterprise will be located in the same stand in the Post Office building as was the Electric Shop, and will be conducted by George M. Scherkenbach as formerly. However, the store has undergone complete renovation and has been greatly enlarged. The work of installing new shelving and show cases is progressing rapidly and is nearing completion.

The new store will carry in addition to the splendid line of electrical appliances always on hand, a large and complete stock of hardware, also a fine line of radio sets and accessories. The new stock arrived here this week and is being arranged at the store, where all will be ready for the opening next Monday, October Market Day…

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 23, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

State Baseball Tourney Crowd Record Shattered

All previous State Amateur Baseball tournament attendance records were shattered when 34,263 paid admissions passed through the gates during the nine-day event staged in Shakopee Sept. 13-19. The total topped by 5,927 the mark set at Mankato last season, association officers disclosed.

50 Years Ago: From the Sept. 26, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

New sign officially designates Lions Park

Lions Park came one step closer to completion when a four by twelve foot mahogany sign was erected at the entrance to the park with the following inscription: LIONS PARK – WE SERVE. The sign was placed on the site following a council resolution passed August 28, designating an area east and south of the swimming pool as Lions Park.

The Shakopee Lions Club started developing the park area two years ago when an agreement was reached with the city that the area could be developed into a park and named Lions Park if the club members were willing to take over the project. At that time the Lions hired a contractor to landscape the area, and planted approximately 200 trees and shrubs.

When the park is completed, it will provide picnic area for Shakopee residents and visitors. The park is designed to provide semi-secluded picnic areas for individual picnickers as small hills have been landscaped in along a shelter and restrooms.

A large sliding hill is also part of the park area which will provide an off-the-street area for the youngsters to enjoy this recreation in the winter months.

Money for development of the park has come from the proceeds of several Lions Club projects…

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 22, 1898 Scott County Argus

Of the 88 papers written by Shakopee High school pupils last spring, in the State examinations, all but 13 passed. Nine of the 13 were written by pupils of the 7^th grade, and the other four were from the class in English composition. The examination in this branch, Prof. McBee informs us, was so difficult that failures were the rule all over the state. In any event the result of the work done in the school as evidenced by the returns from the state examining board is highly creditable to both teachers and pupils.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 20, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Telephone Office to Open Sunday

The new Tri-State Toll Office will open for business next Sunday, September 23, at 7 A. M. at their office on the second floor of the M. J. Berens store building.

The work of arranging the rooms and installing boards and other fixtures has been under way for several months and at present the office is completely equipped and will be ready for operation Sunday morning. The toll work for the southern part of the state will be taken care of at this office instead of being handled in the offices of the twin cities.

Miss Rutherford of St. Paul is in charge of the office and is engaged this week in giving instructions to eight local ladies who will be employed there. However these ladies will not have charge of the boards until thoroughly competent. Eight experienced operators will arrive from the twin cities and will begin work Sunday morning.

About thirty or forty men will be at work Saturday in cutting and connecting wires to have everything in readiness for the opening of the new office.

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 16, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Shakopee Park Setting for NCA Pictographs

National Coaches association, nationwide organization of college and high school athletic coaches, began work here Saturday morning on a series of baseball photographs.

Dica Siebert, University of Minnesota baseball coach and Shakopee first baseman, is directing the work for the coaches association. In addition to the Shakopee picture, Siebert said that more pictures for the series will be made at the University. From the photographs slides will be made, sets of which will be available to all coaches of colleges and high schools in the United States for use in demonstrating the fundamentals of the national game.

Local players in Shakopee uniforms backgrounded against the Riverside playing field were photographed here, and Siebert said the set of slides to be made would be known as Shakopee, U.S.A., representative of baseball-minded towns the nation over.

Siebert was delegated by the national body to compile the series, an appointment which indicates the respect with which the popular first basemen is regarded in the athletic world.

50 Years Ago: From the Sept. 19, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Courthouse construction should start in February

A representative of Fasch, Erickson, Madson, Inc., architects of a new courthouse recently approved by county voters, appeared at Tuesday’s County Board of Commissioners and indicated that construction of the building is scheduled to begin in early February and conclude in early April, 1975.

Donald M. Erickson told the County Board that his firm is now ready to begin work on the interior designs for the new building. All plans for the structure should be drawn up by the end of December, he said, with bids for construction to be taken during the month of January.

Erickson told the County Board that the 14-month projected completion date is a rough estimate, and that it is possible that the building could be completed in 12 months or less.