Shakopee Snapshots

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 30, 1897 Scott County Argus

Jacob Gillen, the tailor recently removed here from St. Paul, narrowly missed being burned out last Monday noon, when some gasoline used for cleaning purposes was set too near a hot stove in the kitchen. The fluid exploded and made a lively blaze, but was pluckily thrown out of the house by Mr. Gillen before it had done much damage. A little son was badly burned on the face and hands, and the walls were scorched.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 28, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

The students of the high school department of St. Mark’s school were very pleasantly entertained last Friday at the home of Miss Antoinette Drucke. Music and games furnished entertainment for the guests and dainty refreshments were served. A most enjoyable evening was spent by the members of the class.

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 25, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Mobile Phone Service Now Offered Here

Telephone service from an automobile in Shakopee to any other telephone anywhere in the world may seem fantastic even in this day of marvels but an actual demonstration of the service was made by E. G. Leibold, manager of the local Northwestern Bell system here Tuesday afternoon.

Now available to business and professional people, who because of the nature of their work are obliged to spend much of their time away from their offices and homes, mobile telephone service is expected to become popular in the months ahead.

With a twin power unit for incoming and outgoing calls installed in the trunk of the car, a French telephone mounted conveniently below the dash and a mere whisp of an antenna on the car top a motorist can call his home, his office or client while driving. Likewise he can be reached on his car phone…

Mobile telephone service in the Shakopee area is provided by a contact with a receiving and broadcasting station in Minneapolis. The user places a call just as he would at home or in his office but from the car to Minneapolis the transmission is by radio…

To date 25 mobile units are in use by subscribers in the twin city area, it was learned. These are on a “party line” inasmuch as the broadcast is outlined to a specific low frequency radio channel. Each unit has its own number—the one demonstrated here Tuesday was WJ-4-2278. The service was inaugurated in Minnesota June 4 of this year.

50 Years Ago: From the Sept. 27, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Assembly of God Church to Open

Members of the Assembly of God Church, Shakopee, will hold services in their new church Sunday, Oct. 1.

25 Years Ago: From the Sept. 25, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

1998 school levy to drop even with excess-levy OK

Even if Shakopee School District voters approve the renewal of an excess operating levy in November, there will be a drop of 6 to 7 percent in the total school levy for 1998, said school officials…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 23, 1897 Scott County Argus

The stand for judges and band has been erected in the middle of First and Lewis streets, hence the items in next week’s issue of the Argus will be written to music.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 21, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Gem Joins Large Theater Circuit

There’s good news for movie fans and theater-goers in the announcement that Mr. Dawson, manager of the Gem Theater, has just completed arrangements for the showing of F. & R. Road Show Attractions at his theater.

Under the arrangements with the F. & R. Company, Mr. Dawson will play one of the F. & R. road shows every two weeks, the first one was shown here last night…

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 18, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Plans New Shakopee Industry

How large and elaborate will be a new industry about to be launched in Shakopee depends upon the demand for its services as indicated by the results of a survey being undertaken this week by the men interested in the enterprise.

The industry—a food processing and locker plant, to be known as the Refrig-a-Loc Centre, has been planned by Dr. D. L. Halver who with his son Willard, will operate the industry on a site on East Second street.

Present plans call for the installation of 600 six cubic foot capacity lockers some of which will be drawer type and others door style units, Dr. Halver said…

50 Years Ago: From the Sept. 20, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Corridor Group Elects Harbeck

Election of permanent officers to the “18-169 Corridor Committee” was held September 15 at the Minnesota Valley Country Club. The committee is an area-wide group advocating a higher priority for a new route for Hwy. 169 and new bridge across the river.

Elected Chairman was Walter Harbeck, Shakopee, Vice Chairman, Pat Colbert, Jr., Bloomington and Secretary, Joe Rimnac, Burnsville…

25 Years Ago: From the Sept. 18, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Motel grand-opening ceremonies held

Central Group Companies of St. Cloud celebrated the grand opening of its Shakopee motel, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, last Thursday.

The 63-room motel, which opened in June on Marschall Road and Vierling Drive, is the company’s first metropolitan area Carlson property. The firm is a partner in the ownership group, Shakopee Valley LLC, and developed the property through the affiliate Central Group Development Co. Another affiliate, Hospitality Central Purchasing Inc., supplied furniture, fixtures and equipment. Central Group Management Co. will operate the business.

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 16, 1897 Scott County Argus

The main building of the Jacob Ries Bottling Works now bears upon its two street walls, big white-lettered signs so conspicuous that not only he who runs may read, but even those who travel upon the roads and railways may see and know where the Jacob Ries Bottling Works are “at.” Mr. Ries believes in nothing quite so much as in advertising, and he is reaping the benefits from liberal advertising of many sorts.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 14, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

New Bank May Be Started Here Soon

A charter has been granted the Marquette Co. of Minneapolis by the State Securities Commission for a State Bank charter to operate a State Bank in Shakopee.

It is probable that this company will start a bank in our city within the next thirty or sixty days. They have made a bid on the present Security Bank site and in all probability if their bid is approved by the court, it will be accepted.

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 11, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

853 Pupils Now in Schools Here

Swelling to 853 the total number of pupils now enrolled in the city’s three schools five more students entered high school and six began their studies in the public grades school during the past week, Al N. Wurst, superintendent, disclosed…

Total enrollment in the public school is now 410, Mr. Wurst said.

50 Years Ago: From the Sept. 13, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Century-Old Church Returns to Shakopee

A tiny church, built over 100 years ago in Shakopee and moved three-quarters of a century ago to Bloomington, came back to Shakopee Tuesday.

The move was made on the Minnesota River, the same route in reverse that the church followed on its original travels.

The church was built in 1867 at 3^rd and Sommerville in Shakopee by a Shakopee Methodist Congregation. When the congregation disbanded, the church was offered to the Bloomington Ferry Methodist Congregation as a gift and moved in 1899 to a site on Old Shakopee Road…

The building, re-dedicated in 1900, was used continuously until June of 1970, when the Bloomington Ferry congregation merged with the Normandale Highland Methodist congregation. The congregation gave the church to the Scott County Historical Society…

25 Years Ago: From the Sept. 11, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

November referendums get green light

It’s both or neither for school bond issue, renewal of excess levy

The ballots are printed. The state Department of Children, Families and Learning has given the OK. And on Monday night, the Shakopee School Board voted unanimously to put two referendum questions on November ballots that almost certainly will increase district taxes…

If Shakopee School District residents want new buildings to accommodate a rapidly growing resident population, they have to be willing to renew an excess or operating levy which will expire this year.

As it will appear on November ballots, the first part of the question asks voter approval for a $675 per pupil unit levy. The excess levy would be in place for five years, and would replace the current excess levy that expires this year…

The building referendum seeks permission for the district to issue up to $29,652,000 million in bonds to build an elementary school that will serve 800 students, and make improvements and expansions at the senior and junior high school to serve 1,000 students each…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 9, 1897 Scott County Argus

Shakopee has long been noted for the beauty of its quota of the fair sex, but it is also entitled to fame for mighty men, it seems. Some local statistician has figured out the fact that there are at least 33 big fellows that tip the beam at 200 pounds and over.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 7, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Jacob Menden is the owner of a new Ford, purchased of Walter Schoch.

75 Years Ago: From the Sept. 4, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Collection of Garbage Under Way

After many months of discussion and … on the part of the Shakopee Commercial club and city council, and several attempts at voluntary methods, the newly inaugurated municipal garbage collection system got under way this week.

Fred Becker, replacing John Farrell who resigned the collection job, has taken on the duties and made the first round of the city Tuesday…

Effective immediately Becker will make his collection trip through the residential sections every Monday and Friday. Schedule for the restaurants and business places has not yet been established.

All garbage and refuse as defined in the ordinance covering the system, is disposed of in a ditch opened on the east end of the former NYA property east of the city. The ditch will then be back-filled and the waste completely covered…

50 Years Ago: From the Sept. 6, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Brambilla Auto Dealership Now Has New Owners

Brambilla Motors in downtown Shakopee, which had been operated for some 15 years by Art Brambilla, assisted by his son Jack, is now under new management.

As of September 1 the new and used car enterprise was taken over by Calvin and Harold Johnson. Calvin Johnson has assumed the management duties of the business.

He said that he plans no major changes in the operation of the dealership, which will continue to sell Chrysler-Plymouth and American Motors products…

25 Years Ago: From the Sept. 4, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

As population grows, first Scott County senior expo planned

As the population ages, and the number of people in the county grow, the need for a way to provide information about services for the elderly has become more apparent.

At least that’s what Debra Schroeder, director of resident services at St. Gertrude’s Health Care in Shakopee and Joan Lynch, food and nutrition service director at the CAP Agency, thought. Schroeder, influenced by a Carver County senior exhibition, brought the idea of staging an all-day event for seniors and their families to the CAP Agency, Shakopee Community Education and the University of Minnesota Extension Agency, and all agreed a Scott County Senior Exposition was a good idea.

As a result, the first Scott County Senior Exposition will be held Friday, Sept. 26 at the Shakopee Community Center.

The event, which features workshops, exhibits, food and seminars, will give seniors and their families an opportunity to discover just what’s out there and what they can get… In addition, the CAP Agency Thrift Store will put on a special fashion show, blood pressure checks will be provided and hand massages by local therapists will be demonstrated to participants. Lunch and coffee and pastries will be provided. And Julie Miller, president of Prosperity Dynamics, will give the keynote address.

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Sept. 2, 1897 Scott County Argus

Wm. Willson of the Union School Board, requests us to announce that, owing to a slight delay in the work of the new steam heating plant, the fall term will not begin until Monday, the 13^th. This gives the festive urchin another week of vacation which he will not be loth to accept and enjoy.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 31, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

The King Midas Milling Co. have improved their residence property in this city occupied by H. F. Betow by an addition of a new bedroom, a first floor bathroom and a back porch. A new furnace will be installed later this season. The painters are just finishing putting on a new coat of paint on the entire building which will greatly add to the appearance of the residence.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 28, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Authorities Hunt Escaped Inmate

Authorities are still on the lookout for Mae Johnson, 23, who escaped from the state reformatory for women here at 10:30 last Tuesday morning.

Because her absence was discovered shortly after her departure it was at first thought she would be apprehended in the vicinity of the institution, but search of corn fields and river bottoms had failed to produce results.

The escapee was committed to the reformatory May 12, 1947 from St. Paul on a charge of forgery. At the time of her escape she was on a painting assignment to Shaw cottage and left the premises while her supervisor had returned to the main building for more paint.

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 30, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Housing, Shopping Area Development

Development Timetable Depends on Demand…

Shakopee’s City Council is considering a rezoning for a Planned Unit Development proposed by the Shakopee Sand and Gravel Co., for a residential and commercial complex comprising 122 acres.

The development would be located southeast of the Shakopee Senior High School, and north of the corridor established for the rerouting of State Highway 169. County Road 79 would be the westerly boundary of the development.

According to a site plan developed by architects Plagens-McGee, Inc., St. Paul, the site would have single family residences on the most northerly portion of the development. Townhouses would buffer the single family residences from apartment buildings. Between the apartment buildings and a shopping center area would be a park area.

The land is now zoned residential, and the rezoning would be to multiple and commercial. The concept and the rezoning request has been checked by the City Planning Commission and it has recommended approval to the council…

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 28, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Concert draws 30,000, traffic snarls

Law enforcement personnel had a traffic headache last week on Wednesday afternoon as an estimated 30,000 people made their way to Canterbury Park for the Lilith Fair.

The traffic buildup began a couple of hours before the 3:30 p.m. start of the concert. Shakopee police, Scott County sheriff’s deputies and state troopers worked to keep traffic flowing and responded to minor property-damage incidents. Traffic was congested on Highways 169 near County Road 83, where traffic exited for Canterbury, as well as Highway 13 and County Road 101.

Lilith Fair, part of a nationwide tour of top female musicians, stopped in Shakopee on the last leg of its U.S. tour before heading to Canada. The Shakopee crowd was the largest for the women’s rock and folk music tour.

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 26, 1897 Scott County Argus

The contract for putting in a new steam heating plant at the Union School was awarded to the Moore Heating company of Minneapolis, competing against five other firms. The amount of their bid was $1305. Work is progressing rapidly on the new plant, and there is every reason to believe, from the plans, that the building will at last be comfortably heated. The partition separating the library from the main room upstairs has been removed and the library removed to the spacious room on the southwest. The laboratory and recitation room remains unchanged. Upstairs there are 15 direct radiators and below are three in each room, giving 2,800 feet of radiation. In addition to this there are for ventilation 1,000 feet of indirect radiators. It will make a valuable and long-needed improvement.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 24, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

John F. Keohen, State Deputy weighmaster, who has been employed as state weigher at the local mill here for the past year and a half, has been transferred to Red Wing and left last Thursday to begin his duties at that place. Mr. Keohen made many friends during his residence in this city who greatly regret his leaving. He is succeeded by T. T. Morken of Minneapolis.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 21, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Open House at New Home

            Open house, at which interested residents of the community will be afforded the opportunity to visit and examine a two-bedroom prefabricated Gamble house manufactured by the Page and Hill company of Shakopee, is announced in an advertisement in the Argus-Tribune today.

      The house, erected for Robert Ryan at Spencer and Seventh streets in the southeast section of the city, will be open for public inspection from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24.

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 23, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Councilmen Ponder Rock Concert Proposal

Discussion of music and dancing occupied much of Shakopee City Councilmen’s time at their meeting Tuesday night, as they heard a proposal for a rock concert in Shakopee followed by complaints of citizens regarding operation of a dance studio in a residential area.

Ed Dressen, youth activities director for the Shakopee Knights of Columbus, told councilmen of a plan for a young people’s concert in Pat Theilen Rodeo Arena sometime in September, and requested council permission for use of the area.

Councilmen deferred the matter to their scheduled August 29 meeting to allow time to confer with Police Chief R. G. Pat Theilen regarding possible law enforcement problems…

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 21, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Seven-building complex planned here

First Industrial Realty Trust has begun construction on the first phase of a seven-building business complex on 53 acres in the Valley Green Industrial Park in Shakopee.

The complex, which will be called Park 2000 Southwest, will have a total of 749,000 square feet available for tenant lease.

The first phase will include a 126,000-square-foot office warehouse, which is scheduled for completion in October. The second phase of construction, scheduled to start this fall, will make available approximately 132,000 square feet of space for lease. Arne Cook, regional development director for First Industrial Realty Trust, said that six of the seven buildings are being designed as single-level office/warehouse complexes. One of the buildings will be a two-level structure with 100 percent office finish.

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 19, 1897 Scott County Argus

Judge Meyer moved into his remodelled and practically new home last Tuesday. It has been stated before in these columns, and it will bear repeating, that the work of enlarging and remodelling has transformed the neat little cottage, which had been the Meyer home for so many years, into a handsome residence, imposing in appearance ad an ornament to that part of the city.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 17, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

J. W. Black and A. H. Neiter of the Marquette Security Co., Minneapolis were business callers in Shakopee last Thursday. They interviewed the local people as to whether they wanted a third bank in Shakopee.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 14, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Garbage Ordinance Adopted

Effective Sept. 1 Shakopee will have a municipal garbage collection system instituted by an ordinance adopted by unanimous vote of the city council at its meeting Tuesday night.

Following adoption of the ordinance Ralph Weckman was appointed garbage collector and will begin his duties in the date the systems become operative.

Under the plan, according to the ordinance, City-wide collection of garbage, ashes, rubbish and refuse will be performed at least once weekly for dwellings and at least three times weekly for business districts by the City of Shakopee when the wastes are deposited in proper containers not “exceeding 35 gallons capacity, nor weighing more than 100 pounds when filled.”…

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 16, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Board Mulls Separate Office Building

Two Citizen’s Committees Formed…

Shifts at the Shakopee Senior High School for both junior and senior high students this fall will result in serious space problems for administration as well as for home economics and industrial arts classes, according to reports given to the Shakopee Board of Education Monday night.

In an effort to solve the administration area space problem, Board building chairman Russell Nolting proposed a modular type of pre-fabricated building which would house the Superintendent and the Business offices of the school system.

The proposal was taken under advisement by the board, and the building committee instructed to obtain more details for a presentation before a special meeting next Monday night…

Nolting said the building would cost approximately $39,000, and would probably have to be placed on the southwest corner of Sweeney because of sewer and water availability there.

Representatives of junior and senior high home economics programs told the board they have a critical shortage of storage space, as did a faculty representative for industrial arts.

The board instructed administrators to see what measures could be taken to provide additional space somewhere in the building.

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 14, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Cub Foods to open Shakopee store in spring

Do you yearn to power shop at one of those humongous grocery stores? Well, your wait is almost over because Cub Foods is coming to Shakopee next spring.

Scott L. Erickson, president of Midwest Commercial Development Inc., said a contract has been signed with Cub Foods to be the main anchor in the 25-acre crossroads Center retail development at Vierling Drive and Marschall Road. In addition to Cub Foods, the center will include a 70,000 square-foot commercial strip of retail outlets, including a Subway Sandwich Shop, and six free-standing outlets, such as a SuperAmerica, Norwest Bank, and a Wendy’s Hamburger restaurant…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 12, 1897 Scott County Argus

Street overseer Sarasen has carried out the instructions of the city council and erected sign-boards on all principal divisions of the roads leading out of town. They will prove to the traveling public a convenience far greater than will ever be known.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 10, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

John Vierling, while bathing with some friends, left his goggles lying on the beach. Later, when he wished to see some scenery on the opposite shore, he went to seek them, but they were not to be found. When he finally did locate them, the scenery was gone.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 7, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Full Time Navy Recruiting Post Opened in City

Shakopee now has a full time navy recruiting station in operation in the city hall and the recruiting officer in charge disclosed this week that the navy is now issuing millions of medals to ex-navy men who gallantly earned them.

The local recruiting station will begin distribution of the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Defense Medal to those ex-navy men and who can present honorable discharge certificates, it was learned.

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 9, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

County Board Considers Bids on Two Road Projects in Shakopee

Scott County Commissioners received bids from three construction firms for two proposed road projects in Shakopee Tuesday, but tabled awarding of the contract for the projects, pending the determination of placements of rights of way on the roads.

The projects involve the application of aggregate base and bituminous surfacing to a 1.45 mile stretch of County Road 83 running north and south, located west of Midland Glass Company, between County Road 16 and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad tracks.

The other project involves the grading and application of aggregate and bituminous surfacing on a 1.90 mile stretch of County Road 89 between County Road 18 and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific tracks, located to the west of the Stagecoach Inn…

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 7, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

County Board votes to fill three offices by appointment

The Scott County Board on Tuesday voted to fil the offices of county auditor, recorder and treasurer by appointment, as allowed under a new state granting the board the authority.

The three elected office holders – Treasurer Tom Muelken, Auditor Tom Hennen and Recorder Pat Boeckman – will finish out their terms, which end Dec. 31, 1998.

The law states that the resolution must be published once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official publication of the county, which this year is the Savage Pacer. A provision of the law allows county residents an opportunity to submit a petition, within 21 days after the second public notice, to request a referendum. The petition must be signed by at least 10 percent of the county’s registered voters in the last election.

The board also voted unanimously to fill the office of county surveyor by appointment. The office has been an elected position…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 5, 1897 Scott County Argus

At a special school meeting held last Saturday evening it was voted to issue $1,500 bonds to be used in putting in a steam heating plant at the Union School.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 3, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

The Public Tennis Court at Holmes Park will be in readiness for public use after this week. Miss Bowdish, supervisor of the playground work, will give instructions about playing the game to any who desire, any afternoon next week and also on Monday and Thursday evenings.

75 Years Ago: From the July 31, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Law Arm Strengthened

Shakopee’s arms of the law were materially strengthened Saturday afternoon when the new Ford De Luxe police car was delivered to the city. … Chief Scherer said Monday night that traffic law violators no longer have any reason to believe they can get away with infractions that were common when the police department was not adequately equipped to give chase. Pat Thielen, night watchman, will man the police car during the night and early morning hours touring the city while the populace sleeps. The new vehicle is equipped with a heater, and a siren and police light removed from the outmoded car. What disposition is to be made of the discarded machine has not yet been determined.

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 2, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Contract Agreement Reached with County Employees

40 Hour Work Week Included…

Scott County Commissioners, at their regular meeting Tuesday, August 1, voted unanimously to accept a proposed contract with the American Federation of State and County Municipal Employees (AFSCME) which will increase the number of working hours per week of Scott County union members from 35 to 40 hours.

The new contract was settled upon after six negotiation sessions between union representatives and County Administrator Joseph F. Ries.

Under the contract’s provisions, union members will work from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be allowed one half hour for lunch. As a result of the contract, county offices will now be open throughout the noon hour…

As a result of a suggestion by County Attorney Robert O. O’Neill, heads of all of the county offices were called in at a special afternoon session to voice their opinions on the value of the proposed 40-hour week for their staff members, and to obtain their assurance that the extra hours will be fully utilized by employees.

None of the department heads attending the afternoon session raised any serious objections to the increase in working hours, with some of those present saying that employees in their offices often work more than 40 hours per week currently. The new contract will provide for the payment of time and a half wages to any employee working more than eight hours in any single day…

25 Years Ago: From the July 31, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

County office combination to streamline service

Treasurer, auditor, recorder posts to be merged with others

In an effort to further a “one-stop shopping” concept at the Scott County Courthouse, the County Board successfully lobbied the 1997 state Legislature to allow it to make three county positions appointive rather than elective. Now the board will be making the county treasurer, auditor and recorder appointive positions unless county residents petition against the move. Commissioners can also eliminate the positions, which is planned, and combine their functions into one or more departments…

A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.

125 Years Ago: From the July 29, 1897 Scott County Argus

Railway mail clerk John P. Ring informs us that next week the Omaha road will add a mail car to the “stub” or Mankato local, thus giving Shakopee six mail trains a day on the Omaha alone. With from twelve to fourteen mails a day, and in addition a stage mail three times a week, Shakopee is bound to keep in touch with the outside world.

100 Years Ago: From the July 27, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

Leo Hartmann Winner in Orange Crush Contest

The Jacob Ries Bottling Works, Inc., put on a Crown Saving Prize Contest beginning June 15. This contest ended last Saturday, July 22. Leo Hartmann of this city, won the first prize in this contest and Alex Miller of Jordan won the second prize. The names of these boys as well as twelve other winners, appear in the Jacob Ries Bottling Works, Inc., advertisement on page 5 of this issue.

The object of the contest was to make the public better acquainted with the deliciousness of Orange Crush, Lemon-Crush and Lime-Crush. These Crush drinks are now rated as the largest selling fruit flavored beverages in the world.

75 Years Ago: From the July 24, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Cafe To Become Dress Shop, New Owner Discloses

Sale of the Libert Cafe on West First street to E. J. Wynn was completed this week and the new owner took possession Tuesday. The business was immediately closed and when the place reopens it will house a new centerpiece to be known as Edna Marie Frock Shoppe, Wynn disclosed.

Mr. and Mrs. Math Libert, who had operated the café for two years and who with their family, occupied the apartment over the cafe, have taken a lake cottage for several weeks. They have no plans for the immediate future, Libert said.

According to Wynn the cafe equipment will be disposed of and the entire interior of the building renovated and altered to suit the needs of the new business, which will specialize in women’s and children’s apparel. Mrs. Wynn will be in charge.

A definite opening date has not yet been set.

50 Years Ago: From the July 26, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Commission Gives Nelson Permit Nod

Edward Pink retired recently after 45 years as a mailman in Shakopee. In a ceremony held at the Post Office in Shakopee, Postmaster Cormac Suel presents Pink with a certificate of appreciation for his many years of service to the people of the community. Pink was the first mailman assigned to the area when the first U.S. Post Office was opened here in 1927.

25 Years Ago: From the July 24, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Soccer, boys’ tennis, one-act plays added to school activities

It’s been coming for a long time, said Shakopee school Superintendent Bob Ostlund, but budget constraints made it difficult to add the four of the most requested student activities to the roster.

However, due to an increase of $88,000 in the district’s annual budget following the Legislature’s approval of the K-through-12 financial package, the district can now offer girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer, boys’ tennis and one-act plays, it was announced in Monday’s School Board meeting…