Shakopee Snapshots

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

Mr. Woodward, the party who is to build the new steam mill in Shakopee is about to commence operations. A bonus of $3,000 has been raised. The stone building known as Reis’ Mill will be enlarged, and the new mill located at that point.

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

The work of tearing down and removing the old McMullen store was begun this morning, and from that date the contractors, Aug. Woehling & Co., will push the construction of the new brick block to rapid completion.

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

John Hirscher is improving his residence this week by adding to it another story in height, making it now a two-story building, which will greatly improve its appearance and double the space of its living apartments.

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

Enlarge Pelham Hotel

John J. Cavanaugh, the enterprising proprietor of the Pelham hotel, this week let the contract to Fred Rohlfs for a three floor 24 by 29 addition to be added to the hotel on the west. The new part will contain twelve rooms, eleven of which will be sleeping rooms, and the outside walls will be of cream color brick veneer to conform to the present building.

The new part will be strictly modern, Mr. Cavanaugh informs us, with steam heat and hot and cold water in the bedrooms and a drinking fountain on the second floor.

Tho entrance to the hotel will be remodeled, with a vestibule opening into the present office and a new front door replacing the one now in use. A public telephone booth will be placed on the first floor.

Work on the building will start this week and is to be completed June 10…

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

Stove Co. Offices to Be Moved Here

General Offices of American Range and Foundry Co. to Be Located in Shakopee

The entire management and office forces of the American Range and Foundry Co., which at present are located in Chicago and Minneapolis, will be transferred to this city. This change, which will be in effect by May 1, will make the organization local in every sense…

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

New Siren Under 30-Day Test Here

A new and unfamiliar note penetrated the air hereabouts Thursday noon when for the first time a modern type alarm atop the city hall was given a chance to sound its “siren call.” The unit, under test, was installed on a 30-day trial basis to determine if firemen long distances from the fire station, could better hear the pitched shriek…

The device installed last week is not directional but is so designed as to permit the sounds waves to fan out over a complete circle, and its higher pitch is believed to have greater carrying force.

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

Kreuser Named President Of City Council At First Meeting Tuesday

Alderman Lawrence Kreuser was named president of the Shakopee City Council when that group held their organizational meeting at the city hall Tuesday night.

Roy Schulz, third ward alderman, was named vice-president of the council. Kreuser, who served as vice-president during the past few years, succeeds Ray Siebenaler in the presiding officer’s chair. Voted on both president and vice-president were by split 5-3-1 ballots…

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

Shopping Center names second major tenant; faces annexation

A second major tenant for the Minnesota Valley Mall Shopping Center has been announced by Watson Centers, developers of the project.

George A. Clark and Son, a Minneapolis based wholesale distributor, has agreed to open a Promart Home and Farm Center in the shopping center which is planned to be opened in 1975…

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

City argues case against increase in train speeds

The city of Shakopee is making good on its promise to fight Union Pacific Railroad’s decision to increase the speeds of its trains through town. In a hearing held in St. Paul, the city argued before an administrative law judge that state and federal laws prohibit excess speeds through downtown areas.

In December, when Union Pacific told the Shakopee City Council it planned to increase the length and the speeds of its trains from 10 to 30 mph, Mayor Jon Brekke told railroad officials that the city would fight the move for safety reasons.

The Shakopee case is believed to be the first time the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has been asked to have a ruling made on such an issue. The hearing began last week and was expected to wrap up on Wednesday of this week…

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

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

Last week the Merchants and Mechanics National Bank was defrauded out of $3,600 on a forged certified check.

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

John McMullen began the first of the week the task of removing his stock into the How block, and he is now waiting upon his customers there, pending the erection of his new brick block. The old building has been bought by Nic Annen, who will tear it down and make use of the material in building a machine shop. The passing of the old building naturally rouses old memories, but improvement is the order of the age, and improvement finds little room for sentiment. There is one quite remarkable thing in Mr. McMullen’s business career in the old building, and that is, that for thirty three years he has not failed to be at the store every single day when he was in town; and his days of absence from town have been quite inconsiderable in number.

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

J. J. Ring has this week taken possession of the county poor house.

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

Work on Cottage No. 3 at the Women’s reformatory was begun this week by Contractor Jos. Pavek of New Prague. Lumber for the building is furnished by H. Simons Lumber Co. and other building material by Schroeder Brick & Lime Mfg. Co.

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

Local Postoffice Renovated Recently

Redman and Bierbaum, owners of the postoffice building in this city, completed last week, the renovation and redecorating of the interior of the local postoffice.

According to the suggestion of P. J. Schwartz, local postmaster, the rear of the building was enlarged twelve by twenty feet. This space was added in the interest of the public as it will enable the office clerks and route men to handle the increasing business of the office more efficiently and promptly.

J. H. Stans of this city repapered and painted the walls and woodwork and the office is now one of the finest of its class in the state of Minnesota.

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

River Floods Farms, Parks

Swelled by local melting snows and heavy rains farther up stream, the Minnesota river this week reached its highest flood stage here since 1918, authorities disclosed.

Starting last Friday it rose at the rate of a half inch per hour and soon burst its banks to spread its waters over vast acreages of low lands on the north and south sides of the stream…

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

Czaia, Shakopee’s New Mayor, Is One Of Youngest In State

With the election of Clarence Czaia Tuesday, the City of Shakopee now has one of the youngest municipal chief executives in Minnesota. Czaia or “Kinney” as he was universally known when a first mayor for the Shakopee Indians last year, was 28 years of age February 11…

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

Voters okay new school by 2-1; pool passes too

Shakopee will get its badly needed new Junior High School now because voters approved a $4.45 million bond issue last Thursday by nearly a two to one margin.

The heavy voter turn-out showed 1,411 in favor of the proposal with 769 opposed.

A second question on the ballot proposing construction of a swimming pool to be built along with the school also passed. That vote was 1,230 to 938. Value of the pool was set at $245,000…

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

Shakopee Showcased April 19

New acts to mark 25 years

Riding a wave of popularity which has drawn thousands to Canterbury Park for one evening each April, Shakopee Showcase is celebrating its silver anniversary.

The communitywide open house, sponsored by Shakopee Parks and Recreation, will begin 30 minutes earlier this year to allow area residents more time to visit the many entertaining and educational exhibits. The event will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 19.

What began as a simple registration period for youth activities 25 years ago has evolved into a spirited springtime festival, featuring food, music, dance numbers, even jugglers.

Attendance is expected to exceed 4,000 again this year, with more than 70 non-profit and service organizations signed up to demonstrate programs and present information. This marks the 10th year the event has been held at Canterbury Park…

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

150 Years Ago: From the April 2, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The German Lutheran Church has been enclosed with a new fence. Its grounds are valuable and pleasant, and their beauty would be much improved by a few shade trees.

125 Years Ago: From the March 30, 1899 Scott County Argus

Hubert Marx has disposed of his saloon business, and will in the future devote more time to the enjoyment of a well earned vacation and pursuit of renewed health. Ever since the 29^th day of June, 1865, or, almost 34 years, Mr. Marx has been in the business, in the same building, and he has seldom been absent from his daily work in all that time. He retires from active business life with the respect and friendship of all citizens. The new proprietor, Mr. Anton Ries, is from New Market, and is a brother of Jos. G. Ries, of the city meat market, and George H. Ries, of the Central market. He is a young man of pleasing address with good prospects for success.

125 Years Ago: From the March 31, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Last Saturday a change was made in the drug firm of Deutsch & Zettel of this city by the purchase of the latter’s interests in the business by Mr. Deutsch, who will hereafter conduct the business alone. We have not as yet learned what Mr. Zettel intends to do in the future.

100 Years Ago: From the April 4, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Joseph Hontz has bought the building in East Shakopee formerly known as the soap factory from A. C. Schroeder. The price was $1000. Mr. Hontz will renovate the building and move there later in the spring.

100 Years Ago: From the April 3, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Milwaukee Engine Is Derailed Here Monday

No. 206 east bound passenger train on the Milwaukee due at Shakopee at 7:19 a. m., derailed its engine on the Omaha railroad crossing in front of the St. Paul House last Monday morning, March 31, blocking the tracks from 8 a. m. until 11:15 a. m. All Omaha and Milwaukee trains due at Shakopee during this interval were delayed.

From what we learn the derailment was caused by ice in the frogs of the railroad crossing causing the Milwaukee engine to ride over the rails.

75 Years Ago: From the March 31, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Mammoth Snow Plow Built Here

Believed to be one of the largest of its kind ever constructed, a mammoth V-type twin rotor snow plow, nine feet high and 13 feet wide, has been built by the Roto Plow company of Shakopee.

An experimental unit, the plow was designed and fabricated for Houghton county, Mich., to where it was shipped late last week…

75 Years Ago: From the March 31, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Ask State Help On Holmes St.

Assistance of the state highway department in repairing Holmes street will be asked by the Shakopee City Council, President Ray Siebenaler and Street Committee Chairman Robert Wampach disclosed yesterday.

Pointing out that nearby state highway truck traffic has put heavy burden on both Holmes Street and Sixth Street, Siebenaler said, “it has been the custom of the state highway department to pay their share of street damages caused by highway detours in other communities, and we believe that Shakopee is entitled to the same consideration.”…

50 Years Ago: From the April 3, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

‘Name the park’ contest planned

The Shakopee Jaycees are sponsoring a “Name the Park” contest to help promote community involvement in the development of an athletic complex.

The park is located on Co. Rd. 15 near the swimming pool, and the Jaycees have been spearheading a drive for development of the land.

Several softball fields are now nearing completion and additional work is expected to be done on the park this season.

The Jaycees have put up a $30 savings bond as the prize for the person submitting the winning park name…

25 Years Ago: From the April 1, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

New life for old Ferry Bridge

It’ll connect trails with hikers, bikers, skaters

A new-and-improved version of the bridge that once served as Shakopee’s primary commuter link to north of the Minnesota River will be serving a different type of traveler this fall when the “new-old” Bloomington Ferry Bridge reopens…

Starting in February, dismantling work on the old bridge began. Eventually, it will be replaced by a 12-foot-wide paved bridge with an ornamental chain-link fence on the sides. The new bridge will link a trail from the north side of the river to the south. While the old bridge had a single pier in the center of the river, the new design will have supporting piers on each side of the bridge, just off the banks of the river. Leon Lillie, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) project engineer, said the new bridge will be between three and four feet higher above the water than the old bridge…

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

150 Years Ago: From the March 26, 1874 Shakopee Argus

There are negotiations pending in railroad circles to establish a new through route from St. Paul to St. Louis by way of Shakopee and Sioux City.

125 Years Ago: From the March 23, 1899 Scott County Argus

The lobby of the St. Paul Hotel is being renovated by paint and calcimine laid on by the skilled hand of John Kreuser.

125 Years Ago: From the March 24, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

The Presbyterian church and congregation are requested to meet at the church Wednesday evening March 29, to make arrangements so that we may if possible commence building operations early in spring.

100 Years Ago: From the March 28, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Frank Koelzer, who recently moved to Shakopee from Carver, has bought a half interest in the Shakopee Ice Cream Manufacturing Co. from W. E. Redman and is now associated with the latter as a partner in his prosperous business.

100 Years Ago: From the March 27, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The March number of “Sparks,” a monthly magazine published by the Minnesota State Automobile Association, carried an illustrated story telling of some of the most active members of the association. Among these was a splendid sketch of Miss E. K. Ries of this city. The cut showed Miss Ries in the act of nailing a sign on a guide post. Miss Ries is chairman of the Guide Post Committee of the State Automobile Association.

75 Years Ago: From the March 24, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Senate Bill Asks for New Women’s Reformatory Site

A bill that would provide for the purchase of the buildings and acreage of the Mudbaden Sulphur springs near Jordan as a site for the state reformatory for women had been introduced in the state senate.

The bill, asking an appropriation of $200,000 provides for purchase of land and buildings and alterations of the structures on the site.

It is understood that if the bill is approved the present reformatory at Shakopee would become the center of the Youth Conservation commission which has recently been held unconstitutional by District Judge J. J. Moriarty.

75 Years Ago: From the March 24, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Moriarty Must Take Long Rest

Because of an acute nervous condition caused by overwork District Judge Joseph J. Moriarty has been ordered by his physicians to take a two months’ rest. He is now at his home in Shakopee after having been in the New Prague hospital for the past two weeks.

During his absence, Judge Mark Nolan, Duluth, and Martin Nelson, Austin, will preside on the bench of the 8th judicial district. Judge Nolan will open the spring term of court at Chaska Monday…

50 Years Ago: From the March 27, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Thielen to seek Sheriff’s post

Shakopee police chief R. G. “Pat” Thielen has formally announced his intention to run for Scott County Sheriff in the election next fall.

Thielen, who has headed the Shakopee police department the last years, made the decision public Tuesday morning.

In announcing his candidacy Thielen said he would base his campaign on four items: organized police administration; support for law enforcement at the local municipal level; coordination and cooperation among various law enforcement agencies; creation of a central county crime lab, and professionalism in county law enforcement…

25 Years Ago: From the March 25, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Commercial moratorium idea nixed

Lawsuit threat loomed; Target store planned

Faced with the threat of a lawsuit by the landowner and developer that want to bring a Kmart store to the intersection of Vierling Drive and Marschall Road, the Shakopee City Council Tuesday backed off its plan to enact a moratorium on commercial development in the highway business (B-1) zone.

The council voted 4-0, with Councilor Jane DuBois absent, to table indefinitely the moratorium proposal. The city will proceed with a traffic study it intended to conduct during the moratorium, with the developers of the three undeveloped parcels at the intersection of Marschall Road and Highway 169 paying the cost.

The city had considered a halt to development in the area out of concern over traffic levels that would be generated by so-called big-box retailers that want to build. Along with Kmart’s plans for a 108,152-square-foot Big K store on the northeast corner of Highway 169 and Marschall Road, a developer representing Target has applied to build a 122,000-square-foot store and an unidentified 40,000 square-foot building at that intersection. The developer controlling the southwest corner of 169 and Marschall Road has indicated that Wal-Mart is interested in coming to Shakopee…

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

150 Years Ago: From the March 19, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The East Shakopee School is having a vacation this week on account of the sickness of the teacher, Miss Smedley.

125 Years Ago: From the March 16, 1899 Scott County Argus

At a meeting of the county commissioners last Friday, John J. Ring was awarded the contract for keeping the county poor for the term of three years commencing the first of April. The business of the Ring Hotel will be continued, although arrangements have not been completed yet.

125 Years Ago: From the March 17, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

O. Spielmann has received two dozen new records for his graphophone. They are all the latest up-to-date selections.

100 Years Ago: From the March 21, 1924 Shakopee Argus

A contract has been let for the building of Cottage No. 3 at the state reformatory. Joseph Pavek of New Prague was the successful bidder, Schroeder Brick and Lime Co. will furnish the brick and lime used in construction. Cottage No. 3 will be located north of Cottage No. 2 facing west toward the administration building.

100 Years Ago: From the March 20, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The interior of Miller’s Cafe is being completely renovated. New wall paper is being put on in the hotel, cafe and lunch room. The wood work is also being newly painted and varnished. The work is being done by J. H. Stans.

75 Years Ago: From the March 17, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Child Missing Four Hours Went to School

Unperturbed and unaware of the worry and excitement he had caused, 5-year-old Garry Schesso was found by firemen Monday afternoon four hours after he had wandered away from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Schesso, on E. Third street.

Missing him shortly after noon, Mrs. Schesso started a search of the neighborhood and then widened the hunt as worry and fear mounted within her. Neighbors and the police department joined in the hunt and finally when their efforts proved fruitless, firemen were summoned at 3:30.

Systematically the search expanded to wider circles and it was not until shortly after 4 o’clock that a group of firemen found the lad scarcely four blocks from home.

Children identified him for the firemen and when the lad was questioned he calmly told his “rescuers” that he had been to school. His brother and sister who attend the public school verified the child’s story.

75 Years Ago: From the March 17, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

New Lights Bought For Courthouse

Contract for new fluorescent lights in the Scott County courthouse was awarded to Wes Schneider of Shakopee by the Board of Commissioners Tuesday. His bid of $1137 was the low proposal among other bidders.

50 Years Ago: From the March 20, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

New school building plan unveiled

Shakopee school district residents got a first look at drawings of the proposed new $4.5 million Junior High School building Tuesday night.

An open forum on the new building was held at the Shakopee Senior High auditorium to help acquaint voters with the bond issue proposal to be decided Thursday, April 4.

The new Junior High proposal is being offered as a solution to the district’s critical building shortage. According to school district officials, the new school will satisfy the need for more room but was designed to guard against over-building. Expansion of the facility is possible under the architect’s plans should that be necessary in the future…

According to the architects, the new building will be two stories and will be built to conform to the lay of the land.

The site gives ample room for outdoor recreational areas, and voters will have an option on their ballots to determine whether a pool will be built in connection with the new building.

According to the plans outlined Tuesday, the new structure would follow a traditional pian rather than have an open format…

25 Years Ago: From the March 18, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Sun Path School (not elementary, my dear Watson)

Randy Moss Elementary School. It has a certain ring to it.

While it does pay homage to the popular Vikings wide receiver, it’s not quite what members of a volunteer committee envisioned in their search for a name for Shakopee’s newest grade school.

After receiving 140 suggestions submitted by adults and students throughout the school district, the committee of eight community representatives selected a name with a more tranquil, suburban flair: Sun Path.

Committee chair and Central Elementary principal Libby Bergen joined committee member Shari Lusignan in presenting the group’s recommendation to the Shakopee School Board Monday evening…

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

150 Years Ago: From the March 12, 1874 Shakopee Argus

It is reported that several saloons have received notice from a committee of ladies to close up or they will be visited with prayers and singing. Of course the notice is a bogus one, and no such committee exist here.

125 Years Ago: From the March 9, 1899 Scott County Argus

For sale or rent. 224 acre farm, pasture, hay and tillable land. Will take share of crop for rent. 20 acres seeded to rye, balance plowed. Good buildings. For particulars enquire on premises three miles east of town. Geo. Sencerbox.

125 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

“Bob” Iten left last Monday for Chicago to accept a position as traveling salesman for the large boot and shoe firm of C. M. Henderson & Co. of that city. Mr. Iten is an old knight of the grip, having had twelve years experience before coming to Shakopee. His field of canvass will be in Minnesota.

100 Years Ago: From the March 14, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Elected Principal

At a meeting of the Board of Education of Independent School District No. 1 Monday evening, Miss Myrtle Avelsgaard was elected principal to succeed Miss Birdsall who will not return.

100 Years Ago: From the March 13, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The laying of a new hard wood floor has just been completed this week by carpenter George Dietrick in the Philipp Building on First Street, occupied by the H. G. Swenson Drug Co. The new floor adds greatly to the appearance of the store.

75 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Scott County Drug Sold to Bemidji Druggist

In a transaction completed March 3, Jerry Regan, formerly of Bemidji, became the owner of the Scott County Drug company, formerly operated by the late William Kroonblawd and Dr. Paul F. Nevin.

The new owner, a registered pharmacist, is now in charge of the store and in an advertisement in the Argus-Tribune today announces that Friday and Saturday have been designated as “get acquainted” days.

Mr. Regan’s wife and three children are continuing to make their home in Bemidji, but will move to Shakopee as soon as satisfactory living quarters are available.

75 Years Ago: From the March 10, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Kopp To Handle Low Cost Homes

New Housing Project Offers New Dwellings At Very Low Prices

The Kopp Agency will handle sales for a new low-cost housing project in Shakopee, Roman J. Kopp announced this week. The homes are under construction in Shakopee by the Besco Construction Corporation, managed by Walter C. Kutscher.

Kutscher, in reporting that this city would be one of the first communities to have such a project, said that the first units will be available for occupancy here this spring.

In order to eliminate much of the red-tape usually associated with housing units, the Besco Corporation have worked out their own financing plan and will handle all details. The houses are to be sold on a ten per cent down payment with monthly payments lower than most present daily rents…

50 Years Ago: From the March 13, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Council undecided about shopping center

The proposed Minnesota Valley Mall shopping center to be built at the west edge of Shakopee in Jackson Township is still up in the air after the city council discussed the matter further Tuesday night.

The council had agreed to terminate the sewer and water agreement between the center’s developers and the city at the end of this month because the city had heard of no new progress on the center project.

The developers, Watson Centers of Minneapolis, had appeared at the last two council meetings to say that the center will be going ahead as planned if the council does not cut off city services.

The council asked for still more study on the matter Tuesday night and told Watson Centers representatives that it would make a decision before the end of March…

25 Years Ago: From the March 11, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Commercial moratorium next?

Would affect B-1 zone

The types of land-use clashes that led the Shakopee City Council to enact a nine-month moratorium on residential housing development has spilled over to commercial development. The council is setting the stage to consider calling for a moratorium on commercial development in the city’s highway-business (B-1) zone.

At its March 2 meeting, the council voted 4-1 to have city staff study the options and impacts of a moratorium on B-1 development…

The council scheduled a joint workshop session with the Planning Commission on March 23 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. to discuss the issue.

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

150 Years Ago: From the March 5, 1874 Shakopee Argus

We are surprised by having continued complaints made to us that certain saloon keepers sell liquor to minors and to men that get drunk. The penalty of the law is severe and some of these days some one will pay dearly for its violation. The law allows any licensed dealer to sell liquor to a man until he is made a drunkard, but he has no right to sell him any more until the drunkard becomes a temperate man again.

125 Years Ago: From the March 2, 1899 Scott County Argus

Joseph Fischer has bought out J. H. Ring’s interest in the Shakopee Stone works, and will continue the business. He is still at work manufacturing the stone in the basement of the Ring hotel, but will move to the creamery building as soon as weather permits. As a result of the winter’s work there is quite a large stock of the blocks on hand.

125 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Lauer are now occupying the Frank Buch cottage on First street, recently vacated by Rev. Ferguson, having moved in last Tuesday.

100 Years Ago: From the March 7, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Secretary Ries Resigns

It is with regret that the Argus this week reports the resignation of Wm. Ries as secretary of the Scott County Agricultural Society, a position he has filled for a number of years in a most efficient and satisfactory manner. Mr. Ries has given much valuable service to the society in the interest of better agriculture in this section. He is a man of splendid judgment and is possessed of all the qualifications that go to make up a methodical, conscientious and painstaking official and his place will not be easy to fill.

100 Years Ago: From the March 6, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The party who removed the two bundles of shingles from the Ketterer property is known, and to avoid trouble will kindly return them.

75 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Pastor Moves to New Parsonage. Old Home Sold.

Rev. and Mrs. Norbert Augst and family have moved into the new Lutheran church parsonage at 714 E. First street.

The former parish residence at 731 E. Bluff has been purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Anton Bongart of Cologne. The Bongarts moved into their new home Saturday. Three of their children will attend high school here and the eldest daughter will remain at Cologne to graduate from the Norwood high school in June…

The modern eight-room parsonage include four bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, bath, office and basement recreation room.

75 Years Ago: From the March 3, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

City Seeks More On-Sale Permits

Council Petitions Legislature To Allow Nine Liquor Licenses

Increase of on-sale liquor licenses in Shakopee to a total of nine was asked this week by the common council of the city in a request made to the Minnesota State Legislature.

The request was made by resolution which passed unamously at a regular adjourned session of the council Saturday. Copies of the resolution, published elsewhere in this week’s issue of the Valley News, were sent to Senator Henry Wagener and Rep. Michael R. Moriarty of this district…

50 Years Ago: From the March 6, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Board readies plan for $4.45 million school bond issue

The Shakopee school board and a citizens committee met Tuesday to discuss plans for a $4.45 million bond issue to be decided by voters April 4.

The bond election would be for a new junior high school to be located on district owned land at the south east corner of County Rd. 17 and 11th St.

Architects, Jim Rydeen and Dan Gallagher, were present at the meeting to show the preliminary plans for the proposed building and to answer questions on its design.

The proposed junior high as shown by the architects would be a split level building, 127,000 square feet, facing the south with access off of County Rd. 17…

25 Years Ago: From the March 4, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Growth brings need for a new school, another referendum

Even as a new elementary school takes shape near St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee’s population growth and a projected surge in elementary enrollment has prompted the need for a fourth elementary school by the fall of 2001.

Shakopee School Superintendent Bob Ostlund said Monday a bond issue to fund construction of another elementary should be put to voters by next February…

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

150 Years Ago: From the Feb. 26, 1874 Shakopee Argus

John J. Ring, County Treasurer elect, has moved into town. He will enter upon the discharge of his official duties on Monday next.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 24, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

The old Flaherty & Lies building which had served as a general store and one of the oldest familiar Shakopee landmarks the past 45 years on the corner of First and Lewis streets, was this week razed to the ground as the preliminary action to clearing the grounds for the erection of the large two story brick structure which will be commenced within a very short time…

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

City Attorney Resigns

At the adjourned regular meeting of the common council Wednesday, City Atty. J. J. Moriarty tendered his resignation as counselor for that body, a position which we think he has filled with credit to himself and general satisfaction to the people of Shakopee. Mr. Moriarty’s resignation was accepted, but his successor has not yet been appointed.

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

Postmaster Schwartz had another convenience built in the distributing room of the local post office in the form of the installation of shelves on which to file parcel post packages. These shelves make the handling of parcel post more convenient and efficient as instead of placing packages on the floor, they are now filed on these shelves immediately upon their arrival, where they remain until distributed.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 24, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Conducts Clinic at Dental Meet

Dr. W. A. Pomije, Shakopee dentist, held a clinic on cavity preparation for silicate filling as a part of the program at the annual convention of the Minnesota State Dental association in the Minneapolis auditorium Wednesday.

A further contribution to the program was the showing for the first time of Dr. Pomije’s bur dispenser which e designed and recently patented. The dispenser was demonstrated by Mrs. Jane Rockwell and Miss Honora Pomije.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 24, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Julius A. Coller Gets Exclusive Northwest Franchise For New Jesse James Movie

Julius A. Coller, II, local attorney and owner of North Star Pictures, a film distributing firm has been granted the exclusive Northwest distributing rights for the new screen hit, “I Shot Jesse James”, the Screen Guild News of California announced this week.

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

Kmart plans move to larger store near Cub

Blue-light specials will be moving from Shakopee Town Square on the west side of the city to the intersection of Marschall Road and Vierling Drive now that Kmart has announced plans to relocate later this year.

The city of Shakopee has received construction plans for a larger Kmart store to be located on southeast corner of the busy intersection, now a hotbed for retail activity with a new Cub Foods store and several smaller stores at the CrossRoads Center.

Although rumors of the impending move from the Shakopee mall on County Road 69 have been circulating since store management informed employees several weeks ago, Kmart corporate officials in Troy, Mich., declined to confirm plans until late last week.

Though Kmart officials confirmed plans for the new, larger store, they declined additional comment. However, plans submitted to the city indicate that Kmart will build a 106,162-square-foot store, which compares to its 81,500-square-foot Shakopee store. The site plan for the 18-acre parcel was submitted to the city on Kmart’s behalf by Continental Development…

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

150 Years Ago: From the Feb. 19, 1874 Shakopee Argus

A Bill has passed the Legislature legalizing the acts of the Shakopee Soap Factory. We would like to be informed what illegal acts the Shakopee Soap Factory has been guilty of?

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 23, 1899 Scott County Argus

The new well at Paul Fischer’s is complete and fitted with a force pump of serviceable pattern. The unlimited supply of water will be of benefit in carrying on the extensive gardening operations in dry seasons.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 17, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Bernard Gentrub of Westpoint, Neb., last week purchased the buildings and five lots belonging to John Stratman for $1000. Mr. and Mrs. Stratman will leave for Steinhausen, Westpahlia Germany, next Monday. They have been residents of Shakopee the past 26 years.

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

C. D. McKinnon, who has conducted a billiard hall in the Dawson block the past two years, sold his interests to Fred Stelten the first of the week and has returned to River Falls, Wis., his old home. Mr. Stelten was the former proprietor of the business and is again in possession, pleased to be back at his old stand.

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

P. G. Miller installed in his café during the past week a complete blau-gas cooking equipment.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 17, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Recreation Body to Finance Ball Club This Season

The job of financing the Shakopee baseball club for the coming season was assumed by the Shakopee Recreational association according to a motion passed by the board of directors at their meeting in the city hall Monday night.

It was also agreed that the Shakopee ball park would be made available to teams in the Minnesota Valley league for the playing of “any and all scheduled night league games.”…

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 17, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee Plans Delegation To Bid For 1949 State Baseball Meet

State Board To Pick Tournament City At Meeting Next Monday Night

Shakopee will submit a bid to sponsor the 1949 State Amateur Baseball tournament the Shakopee Commercial Club decided at their meeting Tuesday night.

The Shakopee delegation will meet with members of the state baseball board at a special meeting at the Frederic Hotel Monday evening…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 20, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

HRA considering consultant’s “Action Plan” for downtown revitalization

A seven point “Action Plan” for downtown revitalization was revealed to the Shakopee Housing and Redevelopment Authority last week.

The HRA will be meeting again this week to discuss their reaction to the proposal with city planner John Gravender.

The highlights of the action plan involve an interim truck by-pass, riverfront development, beautification. redevelopment and off-street parking system.

The purpose of this round of downtown revitalization planning was to provide the city with a program which would bring results rather than another set of booklets and models as collected from past attempts at improving downtown Shakopee.

After reviewing past planning attempts and discussing downtown improvement needs with local businessmen and city officials, the new city planner offered a program to deal with redevelopment…

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 18, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

City gets federal grant for downtown

The city of Shakopee has won a federal grant that could help change the face of its downtown area. The $877,800 in funding will help enhance businesses and residential property in the downtown area.

The federal grant money will be funneled through the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development’s Small Cities Development Program. Shakopee was one of 33 applicants to win a grant. The grants ranged from $226,000 for Harris to $1.4 million for Deer River. A total of 78 small cities across the state applied for the grant…

The money is intended for the rehabilitation of owner-occupied residential housing, rental housing and commercial buildings. The city’s application said the money will be used within an area bordered by a portion of Third Avenue on the south, Bluff Street on the north, Naumkeag Street on the east and Clay Street on the west. Paul Snook, Shakopee economic development coordinator, said federal guidelines require that the funds be used to benefit low- and moderate-income residents and also eliminate “slum and blight conditions.”…

The city and its consultant – Community Partners Research – identified properties that may be eligible for the grant money and completed an application last fall.

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

150 Years Ago: From the Feb. 12, 1874 Shakopee Argus

We have been in receipt of valuable public documents from Hon. L. M. Brown and Hon. J. L. MacDonald, for which, gentlemen, please accept our thanks.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 16, 1899 Scott County Argus

John Reichel, of St. Paul, has accepted the position of head baker in the Shakopee bakery.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 10, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Sewing Machines Repaired. For a short time I will do all kinds of repairing and adjusting of sewing or knitting machines. A full line of all kinds of needles, extras or attachments kept on hand. All work guaranteed to give satisfaction. Charges reasonable. New Shuttles fitted to any style machine.

Rob’t Iten, 2nd St. Shakopee.

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

New Filling Station

Rudolph P. Johnson bought from H. Simons Lumber Co. lot 5 in block 30, corner of Lewis and Third streets, and will install a large filling station. The sale was completed Wednesday and Mr. Johnson states that work on the station will begin as soon as possible.

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

Art Bopple has installed a very fine radio receiving set in the Swenson Drug Store to provide entertainment for his customers. That it is appreciated is proven by the crowd which gathers nightly to tune in on stations from coast to coast.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 10, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Dahl Named to Municipal Police Board

On the recommendation of Mayor J. J. Cavanaugh the city council Tuesday night renamed Elmer Dahl to a three-year term on the municipal police commission. Dahl had been appointed for a one-year term when the commission was established last September.

In addition to Dahl the commission is composed of George Burshek and Dr. Paul F. Nevin…

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 10, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

Council Studies Utility Matters

Aldermen Discuss Sewers, Water Improvements, Purchase New Truck

Public utilities details occupied the attention of the aldermen at the regular meeting of the common council in the city hall Tuesday evening.

After some discussion, the council started action that will result in the purchase of about one block of private water main by the city from the residents of Second Street between Apgar and Scott. The same residents will donate the sewer line to the city.

The city will pay the original cost of the water improvement plus half of the excavation cost of the project. The water and sewer mains are in the same trench in that locality. The water main extension is one of the few private watermains left in the city.

The aldermen discussed some proposed variations in routing of the new “Naumkeag” intercepting sewer and will probably order a hearing at the adjourned session of the council which will convene at the call of the mayor sometime later in the month…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 13, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Bridge bill gets approval at House panel

A bill for a toll bridge across the Minnesota River near Shakopee was revived and approved by the House committee on governmental operations this week…

The bill was passed out of committee after the removal of a controversial amendment which would have required approval of all communities affected by the bridge and its connecting roadways…

The new amendment would give the go-ahead to the project on the approval of four of the six communities and units of government involved. Those are Shakopee, Savage, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, the State Highway Department and the Metro Council…

The new amendment was added in committee session and the bill was passed out with no dissenting votes.

Next move for the bridge bill is the Senate committee on governmental operations. It has already passed transportation committees in both houses, and is not expected to meet much opposition in the next committee.

Proponents of the bill hope to have their proposal for a toll bridge authority, the first of its kind in the state, in front of the full House and Senate before this session of the legislature ends.

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 11, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee eyed for juvenile facility

Girls will reside in correctional center near women’s prison

The land that once was the site of the women’s prison in Shakopee could once again hold a correctional facility. But this time, the inmates would be juvenile girls instead of women.

The site being considered for an Adolescent Female Resource Center is a 10-acre parcel on the north side of Sixth Avenue. When the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) left the old prison site in favor of a new building on the south side of Sixth Avenue in the northwest corner of the city in 1986, the state retained the land. Now, the DOC is proposing a joint project with Hennepin County for a secured facility which would house approximately 50 girls convicted of felonies when completed in summer 2001…

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