Shakopee Snapshots

150 Years Ago: From the June 17, 1875 Shakopee Argus

Grand opening of the Soda Water season on Saturday next, at the New Drug Store.

125 Years Ago: From the June 14, 1900 Scott County Argus

The office of the Northwestern Telephone company, at Strunk’s drug store, has been much improved by replacing the old single wall office with a neat, modern booth, with double walls and double doors of plate glass. The booth is almost absolutely sound proof. The walls and furnishings are of solid oak.

125 Years Ago: From the June 15, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

The Jacob Ries Bottling Works are working their large force of men ‘till 10 o’clock each evening in order to be able to fill all orders.

100 Years Ago: From the June 19, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Masons Buy Busse Block

An interesting real estate deal took place last week when King Solomon Lodge No. 44, A. F. & A. M., formed a stock company and bought from Emil H. Busse of Minneapolis, the Busse block which the Masonic lodge has rented for several years past. The deed was transferred Friday. There will be no exchanges made in the property, the Masons buying it merely to assure themselves of a permanent hall. The lodge will incorporate later, to handle the property as an incorporation. The price paid was $4,000.

100 Years Ago: From the June 18, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Firemen Elected New Chief Tuesday Evening

At a meeting of the local firemen which was held last Tuesday evening in the firemen’s rooms at the city hall, the resignation of A. F. Huth as fire chief was accepted and V. C. Stein was elected to fill the vacancy caused by his resignation. At this meeting Nick Vierling was also appointed as first assistant fire chief…

75 Years Ago: From the June 15, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Six Rail Crossings Closed to Traffic

Echoes of the objections that arose two years ago when the Railroad and Warehouse Commission ordered the installation of automatic block signals and subsequent closing of grade crossings on the Omaha railroad here, were heard again the past week when citizens discovered they could no longer drive across the track on several streets in East and West Shakopee.

Complying with the Railroad and Warehouse Commission order the rail company has removed the planking and erected barricades on both sides of the track where it is crossed by Pierce and Shumway streets in West Shakopee; and Spencer, Fillmore, Main, Market, Dakota and Prairie streets in East Shakopee.

The system of blockades has eliminated the use of eight crossings that have been in use since the coming of the rail line in 1865 and has the effect of creating 16 dead-end streets, protestors pointed out…

75 Years Ago: From the June 15, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Sheriff To Quit After This Term

John P. Wermerskirchen, sheriff of Scott county since 1941, yesterday announced his retirement from that office at the completion of his present term. W. B. Schroeder, chief deputy, immediately filed for the office with the “full support and backing” of Wermerskirchen…

50 Years Ago: From the June 18, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Crewmen worked Saturday in order to get storm sewer lines under the Milwaukee Railroad tracks. Installation of the storm sewer is nearly completed and construction of the actual road bed is expected to begin later this month.

25 Years Ago: From the June 15, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

City campus to be studied

Building purchase nixed, but space need a concern

Putting aside the potentially controversial purchase of a renovated apartment and pizza shop across the street from City Hall as a temporary answer to a space crunch, the Shakopee City Council unanimously agreed last week to study the possible purchase of land for a campus on which several municipal buildings could be housed…

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150 Years Ago: From the June 10, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The Committee appointed by the State Medical Society to investigate the alleged violation of the Code, by Dr. C. Lord of Shakopee, in having presented a bill against the estate of the late Dr. Wakefield for professional services, have decided that, under the circumstances, it was no violation of said Code, and therefore remove the bar to its collection.

125 Years Ago: From the June 7, 1900 Scott County Argus

Mrs. Katherine Yost has made a valuable improvement upon her residence property on First street. A neat front porch has been erected, and the ground enclosed with a new fence.

125 Years Ago: From the June 8, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

A strange case is baffling our physicians at the poor house. One of the inmates named Thomas Dunn, a young man of about 28 years, has subsisted on clear water exclusively for 4 weeks, without eating a morsel of anything, his nature being so constituted that even stimulating drinks are nauseating.

100 Years Ago: From the June 12, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Colonel John C. Coolidge Given Sanico Range

Especially Manufactured Product Of American Range Corporation Shipped To President’s Father In Plymouth, Vermont

Noting from a recent interview with Colonel John C. Coolidge, father of President Coolidge, which appeared in a recent issue of the Literary Digest, in which he expressed a liking for a stove in preference to other methods of heating, the American Range Corporation of Shakopee was prompted to present him with a specially made Sanico wood and coal range.

The presentation was made at the State Fair grounds in front of the grand stand last Monday afternoon before a vast concourse of people assembled to celebrate the huge Norse-American Centennial in the Twin Cities. The nation’s Chief Executive Calvin H. Coolidge, and the presidential party were on the platform when the presentation was made by Miss Elizabeth K. Ries, mayor of Shakopee, to the President, through his secretary, for his father, Col. John C. Coolidge…

100 Years Ago: From the June 11, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Semi-Pro Team to Play Sunday

Belle Plaine To Oppose Local Semi-Pro’s at Riverside Park June 14.

The 1925 baseball season will be officially opened at Riverside Athletic park in Shakopee next Sunday, June 14, when the local semi-pro team will oppose the strong Belle Plaine semi-pro aggregation. Wm. Ries, president of the Shakopee Baseball association and manager of the team, has informed us that the semi-pro team that will represent Shakopee this year will consist of many players who will be new to the local fans and that all of these players come to Shakopee highly recommended as being able to display a good article of the national games—baseball.

Mayor Elizabeth K. Ries will throw the first ball which will officially open the season at Riverside Athletic park next Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock sharp…

75 Years Ago: From the June 8, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Fire Hits Old School House

Razing of the old public school structure here got a “near assist” Friday afternoon when fire broke out in the athletic equipment room in the basement of the old structure.

The blaze was discovered by M. L. Regan who that day began his duties as night watchman on the project. Regan had been on the premises only a short time when, at 5:45, he noticed smoke pouring through the gaping widow holes of the old building…

75 Years Ago: From the June 8, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Historical Group Makes Fall Plans

Plans for the fall meetings of the Scott County Historical Society were formulated at their regular monthly meeting Monday evening in the courthouse. Mrs. Robert Ferru, chairman of the fall tour, announced the names of the speakers and historic sites to be visited on the tour. Mrs. Donald Ries, president of the society, will open the meeting with a historic summary. Mrs. Roman T. Schumacher will speak on the old Pond mill, William Duffy will relate the history of the Faribault house and Julius Coller will sketch the colorful past of the old Murphy house.

50 Years Ago: From the June 11, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Lack of law library at MCIW draws legal action from MCLU

Minnesota Civil Liberties Union (MCLU) today announced that it has filed suit in United States District Court in Minneapolis, challenging the fact that women prisoners at the Minnesota Correctional Institution for Women in Shakopee do not have access in law library facilities at the institution…

25 Years Ago: From the June 8, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

County census count a success

With apparent ease, the counting of Scott County residents is expected to be completed this week. But appearances can be slightly deceiving.

The ahead-of-schedule completion of field work for the 2000 U.S. census in the county is the result of the job done by a group of “enumerators” – paid employees who go out into the field and collect census forms that were not mailed back. They have logged long hours and are staunchly determined to make sure every address they have is included in the decennial census.

This week, local census officials said the count of county addresses is 95 to 98 percent complete, with just information from a relatively few to be gathered.

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150 Years Ago: From the June 3, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The Supreme Court has affirmed the judgment of the District Court in favor of Mrs. Spencer against the St. P. and S. C. R. R. for damages to her house and lot by the location of the railroad in Second street.

Also a similar suit by Mrs. Wampach for like damages was determined the same way.

125 Years Ago: From the May 31, 1900 Scott County Argus

Somerville street, from First to Second, has been undergoing repairs at the hands of the street force, and the sand which has characterized that particular piece of road for years is now a thing of the past. Even bicycles can make free with it from now on.

125 Years Ago: From the June 1, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

For Rent—A house of 8 rooms, barn and large garden near St. Mark’s church. Inquire of Hilarius Schlink or Jos. Grafenstatt.

100 Years Ago: From the June 5, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Terrific Gale Sweeps Surrounding Community

A most terrific storm swept across Minnesota from the southwest Tuesday night. It was perhaps the most severe windstorm that ever visited this immediate section. Shakopee, Chaska, Carver, Cologne, Excelsior, Eden Prairie and Hopkins were all in the path of the storm that left dead, dying and many injured people and much destruction of property in its wake. Power, telephone and telegraph lines and poles are down and communication is badly disrupted: buildings and trees twisted and wrecked. All of these towns and communities have been busy digging themselves out of the debris…

Aside from damage to telephone and power lines, the uprooting of trees and overturning of small out buildings, some damage to St. Mark’s church and some of the buildings at the Reformatory farm, not much other damage was done. Wm. Havican is reported as the only injured person in Shakopee. He being busy milking cows when the storm hit the west end of the barn and buried him under the wreckage, fracturing several ribs on his right side and crushing his chest. Mudcura Sanitarium was hard hit and sustains considerable property loss. Dr. H. P. Fischer had one of his arms broken in two places. The large garage was lifted and blown away and cars smashed…

100 Years Ago: From the June 4, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

E. L. Eldred Buys Gem
Has Moved Family Here

E. L. Eldred of Ortonville, Minn., whose purchase of the Gem theater was recently announced in this paper, took possession of the local picture house on June 1. Mr. and Mrs. Eldred have leased the second floor apartment of the John Dean home on East First street where they will reside with their daughters, Winnifred and Evelyn. The family’s furniture has already arrived and they are now getting settled in their new home…

75 Years Ago: From the June 1, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Liberty Bell Replica Due

Shakopee will be included in the itinerary of the U. S. Savings Bonds Independence Drive symbol, the Liberty Bell, it was announced by M. R. Moriarty, county chairman.

The bell is to be here from 3 to 4:45 p.m. Friday, June 2, according to James B. Covington who assisted Moriarty in arranging the schedule…

75 Years Ago: From the June 1, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Razing Of Old School Addition Underway

Razing of the old 1890 wing of the Shakopee public school was started this week by crews of the Kratochvil Construction Company, general contractors erecting the new school addition.

According to Harvey Michaud, construction superintendent, the first work on the razing will be salvaging the interior material such as doors, windows, flooring, and trim. After that is removed, the building will be wrecked by bulldozers or other methods…

50 Years Ago: From the June 4, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Assistant administrator named at Shakopee prison

Dennis Avery has been named the new assistant administrator of the Minnesota Correctional Institute for Women in Shakopee…

25 Years Ago: From the June 1, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

County OKs financing for ADC

Second company plant will cost $78 million, employ about 1,100

Upbeat about the jobs that will be created and the potential benefit to the local economy, the Scott County Board last week unanimously approved the county’s share of a tax-abatement plan that will lead to the expansion of ADC Telecommunications in Shakopee.

The county joined the city of Shakopee in approving the $2.03 million tax abatement, for which ADC has agreed to build a $78 million, 490-square-foot facility that will employ approximately 1,000 and pay an average wage of $18 an hour…

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150 Years Ago: From the May 27, 1875 Shakopee Argus

Moses S. Titus has purchased of McCutcheon that part of his Faribault farm which adjoins Mr. Titus on the east and lies north of First Street, produced eastward. A new street will be laid out and opened along the south line of this purchase, thus extending First street eastward nearly to Pettijohn’s Mill. This will be a great improvement to First street, and add largely to the value of the premises through which the new street runs.

125 Years Ago: From the May 24, 1900 Scott County Argus

The first kiln of brick of the season is now being burned at the City Brick-yard, and will be ready for shipment within a fortnight. There are 300,000 brick in the kiln, including the common, repressed, and ornamental styles. By the way, the yard presents a very busy scene at this season of the year. Thirty three men are employed by Mr. Schroeder, and these, with the up-to-date machinery and appliances of a first-class brickyard, “make the dirt fly” in fine style.

125 Years Ago: From the May 25, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

We are now assured of a local telephone exchange, work has been commenced setting poles, and by next week we expect to be able to report on the patrons as well as the connections to be made, in detail.

100 Years Ago: From the May 29, 1925 Shakopee Argus

B. P. Brandanger of St. Paul, the new ice-cream maker at the Redman Creamery, has rented the Jake Clemens house on West First street. He expects to move his family here as soon as the house has been repapered and his household effects arrive.

100 Years Ago: From the May 28, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Jos. Topic, who was employed at the B. A. Mertz barber shop for some time previous to his being taken ill about nine months ago, returned to Shakopee last week and purchased a half interest in the Mertz barber shop. The new firm anticipates rearranging the shop and making it a three-chair tonsorial parlor.

75 Years Ago: From the May 25, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Set Opening for Monday, May 29

Mr. and Mrs. Art Tuggle, new owners of the Silver Dollar Bar on Lewis street have set Monday, May 29, as the date for the grand opening of their new business.

Former residents of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Tuggle purchased the place from Harold Erickson several weeks ago.

75 Years Ago: From the May 25, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Local Store Windows Show Memorial Theme

The display windows of two business places are carrying out the Poppy Day theme this week.

The Valley Bakery’s window is decorated with several white crosses with poppies, placed in front of the crosses on a green background. There are also pictures of Shakopee men who lost their lives during World War II.

R. C. Kline’s grocery store window has a large white cross standing with a wreath of poppies over it. Then on a green background are the many poppies which spell out “Lest We Forget.”

50 Years Ago: From the May 28, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

St. Francis hospital to enter construction phase

St. Francis Hospital will be in a construction phase for the next several months in order to install the new systems for ventilating and air conditioning of the areas built in 1952 and 1962.

25 Years Ago: From the May 25, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

City feels space crunch

It may purchase building to house engineering

Hoping to delay a seemingly inevitable need for a larger City Hall, the Shakopee City Council has directed staff to negotiate a lease with the option to purchase a former pizza business and upstairs apartment on the west side of Holmes Street…

Plans call for the building to serve as home to the city’s Engineering Department, McNeill said. The department currently has just under 1,500 square feet in City Hall. But as the city grows, that space need is expected to double in the next 10 years, McNeill said…

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150 Years Ago: From the May 20, 1875 Shakopee Argus

Our Justices’ Courts are still full of business. We have not known so much petty litigation in this county since 1857 and 1858 as is prevailing at this time. Hard times and scarcity of money may have something to do with this state of things, but the winding up of some business matters produces most of the litigation.

125 Years Ago: From the May 17, 1900 Scott County Argus

The brick has been removed from the east side of L. Mayer’s residence, on Second and Sommerville streets, and a large addition will be made to the present structure to be used as a first-class boarding house.

125 Years Ago: From the May 18, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Kohls & Berens are building a one-story addition 35 feet long and one 18 feet which will even the building recently vacated by John Mertz and the one occupied by H. P. Marx with the corner store building.

100 Years Ago: From the May 22, 1925 Shakopee Argus

R. O. Brockway had his airplane here Sunday and spent a large part of the day in learning to pilot it. As soon as he becomes proficient and gains full confidence in his ability as a pilot, Mr. Brockway intends to use his machine to carry passengers. What with an airplane, automobiles, hourly busses and two railway lines at the command of the local public Shakopee is strictly up-to-date and takes pride in its very modern facilities for transportation.

100 Years Ago: From the May 21, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

The Presbyterian church property has been beautified by the setting out of one-half dozen elm trees on the boulevard. The men of the congregation had a tree planting party. They also made some splendid new improvements in the church parlors, adding to the conveniences of serving large numbers of their dinners. The Ladies’ Aid Society furnished lunch to show their appreciation of the good work.

75 Years Ago: From the May 18, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Modernizing and Enlarging Store

More than 1,700 square feet of additional floor space, a new and modernly designed front will result from remodeling and construction operations now under way at the House of Bargains building on West First street.

Plans call for a 40 by 32 foot addition on the north, and a 15 by 19 foot addition on the east side. Concrete block, glass block, Kasota stone and plate glass are being combined to produce a novel structure, Pat O’Connor, owner, said.

75 Years Ago: From the May 18, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

CC Hears Report On New Hospital

Possibilities of new industries locating here and the erection of a new 70 to 100 bed hospital were the chief topics discussed at the regular monthly meeting of the Shakopee Commercial Club Tuesday night at the Legion club.

After Dr. B. F. Pearson presented a preliminary report on the hospital situation, the club voted to appoint a committee to assist the Sisters of St. Francis if such assistance is needed. Club president R. D. Johnson will name the committee at a later date…

50 Years Ago: From the May 21, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Tax question may be returned to court

A petition has been filed by the City of Shakopee from Minnesota Valley Mall, Inc. for annexation of the 140 acre site west of Shakopee on Highway 169. The matter of annexation has been a question of controversy between the city and Jackson Township.

Minnesota Valley Mall has requested annexation in order to obtain city services, specifically water, sewer and liquor license privileges.

25 Years Ago: From the May 18, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Clinton visit shakes Shakopee

Crowds get chance to meet president

President Clinton wowed ‘em in Shakopee Friday.

Clinton spoke to a crowd of about 500 at the Hauer farm … pushing for the permanent normalization of trade relations with China, and afterward seemed to shake every hand offered to him…

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150 Years Ago: From the May 13, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The City Justices want permission to hold their courts in the City Hall—that is the question.

125 Years Ago: From the May 10, 1900 Scott County Argus

The grounds on which stands the new Presbyterian church are being graded and sodded. The fence surrounding the parsonage adjacent has been removed, and the whole effect is very gratifying to the eye.

125 Years Ago: From the May 11, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Quite a large stock of telephone material is being restored in the old Tribune building awaiting the completion of the local telephone exchange.

100 Years Ago: From the May 15, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Graduation

Shakopee High school will graduate a class of thirteen young people at commencement exercises to be held at Dawson’s hall, Friday evening, May 29^th. There will be no address this year, the program including only school talent…

100 Years Ago: From the May 14, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

M. J. Berens & Sons recently installed a display refrigerator counter in their grocery department which adds materially to the appearance and service facilities of this department as the refrigerator counter is equipped with an ice compartment in connection with the glass covered counter display space.

75 Years Ago: From the May 11, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Sells Interest in Argus-Tribune to Associate

In a transaction effective May 1, James B. Hall, former co-owner of the Argus-Tribune, disposed of his interests to his partner, Frank Strunk who is now the sole owner of the publishing, printing and office supply business.

Mr. Strunk and Mr. Hall had been associated in the operation of the business since 1945 when they purchased the plant from its former owner, W. F. Duffy.

Mr. Hall, recuperating from a recent illness, has made no plans for the immediate future.

75 Years Ago: From the May 11, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Plan Revamping Of Council Room

Possibility of remodeling the city council chambers and the firemen’s meeting room was discussed by the council at their regular meeting Tuesday. In addition, much routine business was transacted.

The city building committee is investigating plans to remove parts of the raised platform upon which the aldermen sit and to replace individual chairs with large tables.

The tables would be large enough for 16 people to sit around. That would provide places for the mayor, nine aldermen, city attorney, recorder and assistant, and visitors.

Melvin Lebens, head of Lebenscraft, cabinet makers, talked to the council and explained the various tables and arrangements that might be made. The committee is to get cost estimates of remodeling the chambers and also redecorating the firemen’s quarters…

50 Years Ago: From the May 14, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

School board reaffirms stand on proposed 11th Ave. construction

Shakopee school board members passed a resolution Monday evening reaffirming a previously stated opinion concerning support of proposed 11^th Avenue that is planned for the northern edge of the new Junior High school site along the Scenic Heights addition and ordered copies be sent to Shakopee city officials.

That same resolution, however, called for all possible attempts to control the flow of traffic on 11^th Avenue and hence through the residential area of Scenic Heights…

25 Years Ago: From the May 11, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Clinton may visit city Friday

President Clinton is expected to visit a farm near Shakopee Friday to promote what he believes are benefits to farmers if trade is normalized with China.

Details had not been released late Wednesday morning, but U.S. Rep. David Minge confirmed plans for the visit. The president had been expected to visit a farm near New Ulm, but the White House determined that Scott County would be more suitable because it’s closer to the Twin Cities where Clinton’s plane would land.

Minge’s press secretary, Jason Kelly, said the congressman got a warm reception earlier this week when he approached the White House about a visit by the president.

Sites were being scouted by the Secret Service and Minge’s office on Wednesday…

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150 Years Ago: From the May 6, 1875 Shakopee Argus

On Saturday John Holloran was arrested for peddling or selling tea by sample within the city limits without a license. His defense appears to be that there is no legal ordinance against so doing. The jury failed to agree, and a new jury was called and the case is on trial again to-day.

125 Years Ago: From the May 3, 1900 Scott County Argus

The fine lawn at Jacob Ries’ residence is being made more beautiful by sodding the entire plot. Cement walks were laid last fall, and the sodding is being laid several inches higher than the walks, except in the space from the street sidewalk to the curbing, which is level. The large shade trees in the grounds, and along the street inside the curb, combined with the sod and the cement walks, make the whole effect very pleasing to the eye, and a credit to the city and the progressive owner.

125 Years Ago: From the May 4, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

The remains of Mrs. Wm. Germond were exhumed last Monday, and transferred to a new lot in the Catholic cemetery, which will be beatified and adorned with a large, handsome monument.

100 Years Ago: From the May 8, 1925 Shakopee Argus

The M. J. Berens family are remodeling the interior of their home, Fred Rohlfs being the architect and having the work in charge.

100 Years Ago: From the May 7, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Prison Conference to Be Held Here May 28, 29, 30

The sixth annual conference of the committee on the care and training of delinquent women and girls of the national committee on prisons and prison labor, will be held at the Reformatory for Women in Shakopee, on May 28, 29 and 30.

An educational program will be presented each day during the conference. These programs will include discussions, lectures and talks by some of the ablest speakers obtainable. Everyone in the city of Shakopee and vicinity is invited to the Reformatory on the above dates to enjoy the program offered…

75 Years Ago: From the May 4, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Buys Grocery

Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Trost who for several years operated a 3.2 beer place on Lewis street here, have purchased a grocery in Northeast Minneapolis, it was learned. They sold their business here to Charles Suffridge, formerly of Robbinsdale.

75 Years Ago: From the May 4, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Commissioners Study Plans For New Jail

Preliminary plans for a new jail and sheriff’s residence were presented to the county board for their approval at the regular May meeting Tuesday.

Some minor changes in the plans and specifications were decided and the architect, Hubert Swanson, will incorporate the suggestions into the final plans. The voters of the county will be presented the proposition at the general election in the fall…

50 Years Ago: From the May 7, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Tree planting

Shakopee’s American Legion and VFW Post joined in Arbor Day “tree planting” beautification project Saturday morning at the St. Mark’s Catholic cemetery along County Road 16 and at St. Mark’s church in Shakopee…

25 Years Ago: From the May 4, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Church to add wing

Faith Lutheran Church held a groundbreaking event for a new educational wing on April 16. The additional space will be used for classrooms for the church’s growing Sunday school and other educational programs. Plans call for the wing to open by next fall. The church is located south of Shakopee High School at the intersection of county roads 78 and 79.

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125 Years Ago: From the April 26, 1900 Scott County Argus

The M. E. church structure is almost level with the ground. The contractors are taking it entirely to pieces rather than saw it into sections for removal. The corner stone was digged out and the box within it removed, but moisture had got into it, the box was almost ready to fall in pieces, and the contents were mere molds of clay, amongst which could be discerned by breaking the lumps one way, the words of a hymnal and a Bible. The stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies 32 years ago.

125 Years Ago: From the April 27, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Last Sunday morning shortly after 12 o’clock fire was discovered in the frame building at the alley on Holmes street opposite the old skating rink. The building being an old one and filled with highly combustible material the fire spread so rapidly that in a few minutes the building was enveloped in flames towering high into the air, the heat was so intense that there was danger for nearby buildings and the firemen were kept on the watch, but as the air was very clam, the fire was easily kept from spreading. The building was owned by Frank Buch and occupied by Doctor Fischer as a straw shed and store room for his sleigh, cutter and stoves. The loss to Doctor Fischer is about $300 with no insurance. The general supposition is that the fire was incendiary but there is no trace as to the miscreant.

100 Years Ago: From the May 1, 1925 Shakopee Argus

New Pipe Organ

The pipe organ at St. Mark’s church has been taken out to make room for a handsome new one which will be installed as speedily as possible. While St. Mark’s is without an organ no high masses will be celebrated and no afternoon services will be held on Sundays. The new organ will be dedicated as soon as it is in readiness, probably early in June.

100 Years Ago: From the April 30, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

A group of local men have conceived the idea of starting a gun club in Shakopee and for the purpose of organizing the club, have decided to hold a meeting in the Leo Huss blacksmith shop, Friday evening, May 1, commencing at 7 o’clock. Local hunters and all who are interested in this movement are invited to be present at this meeting.

75 Years Ago: From the April 27, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Rev. H. J. Byrne Named Pastor of St. Mary’s

Rev. Henry J. Byrne, for the past eight years pastor of St. Anastasia church of Hutchinson has been named pastor of St. Mary’s church of Shakopee, it was disclosed this week. Father Byrne succeeds the late Rev. Michael A. McRaith…

75 Years Ago: From the April 27, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Red Owl Store To Have Glass Front

Construction of a new plate glass front at the Red Owl Store is underway this week. According to Leo Robeck, owner, the front will have three large plate glass pane while the lower portion will be of brick and stucco. With the exception of the front, the entire store has been completely remodeled in the past two years.

50 Years Ago: From the April 30, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Stockers announce Gambles grand opening

Ron and Dotty Stocker announced this week their grand opening of the Shakopee Gambles hardware store on Lewis between First and Second Avenues.

25 Years Ago: From the April 27, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Book recounts early days of river valley

As a boy living along the Minnesota River, E.J. Pond watched in awe as Indian braves from the Sioux and Chippewa bands clashed in May 1858.

Interviewed by a feature writer in 1925, a 77-year-old Pond recalled the days before Shakopee became a city, when Native American families camped on the banks of the mighty river and warmed themselves by the fire in the Pond home.

His and other pioneer tales are included in a book published last month by the Shakopee Heritage Society, “Recollections of Early Pioneers, 1925” was released as a fund-raiser for the fledgling club.

Formed in April 1999, the Shakopee Heritage Society boasts 21 members and meets about four times a year…

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150 Years Ago: From the April 22, 1875 Shakopee Argus

John Ley has opened a new Tailor shop on First street.

125 Years Ago: From the April 19, 1900 Scott County Argus

The brick layers are at work on an addition to the Kopp & Kopp blacksmith shop which, when it is finished, and the whole is thrown into one workroom will make a model smith and one so commodious that 25 or 30 horses may be in the shop at one time, and still leave room for the shoers to work. The new portion is at the rear, and is 20 by 28 feet in size, constructed of brick laid by Aug. Woehling & Co. The forgo will be moved back and to the north side of the shop, and a small office will also be built on the same side at the front. The business of the firm has long been too large for the present size of the shop, and the larger quarters will remove all these inconveniences. The new shop will be 20 by 60 feet in dimensions.

125 Years Ago: From the April 20, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Joseph Fischer has commenced laying a cement sidewalk on the south and west side of the city hall which will be a very neat as well as a necessary improvement. He also has several contracts laying sidewalks in the resident portions of the city, some of them extending a whole block. This is evident that his work of last year has given general satisfaction, and that his new enterprise promises to develop into an extensive business, for the benefit of the city in general.

100 Years Ago: From the April 24, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Strehlow, who sold their residence property recently and left Friday for St. Paul intending to make their home in that city, returned the first of the week, Mrs. Strehlow being so homesick that it was deemed best by her husband to bring her back to Shakopee. The aged couple will remain here, and their many friends are glad to learn of their decision.

100 Years Ago: From the April 23, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Books for Public Library Are Requested

A roll of honor will be printed in this paper next week of those who are good enough to donate a book or books to the Public Library…

75 Years Ago: From the April 20, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Buys Ice Business

Leonard Brick became the owner of the Sanitary Ice Co. this past month, having purchased the business from Buddy Siebenaler. Mr. Brick’s announcement is in the classified column this week.

75 Years Ago: From the April 20, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee Birds Gain Wide Fame

That Shakopee pigeons are achieving international fame was shown this week with the arrival of two newspapers from Germany. The papers, the “Kleinter Fucha” and “Der Geflugel Zucher” of Frankfurt, contained pictures and write-ups about King pigeons raised and shown by W. B. Schroeder. The Shakopee pigeon fancier has attained a wide reputation for the excellence of his birds and is presently the secretary of the American King Club.

50 Years Ago: From the April 23, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

City crews were busy at Memorial Park this week, preparing for the opening of the park. Workers are shown drilling holes for guard rails around the entrance to the park. Users of the park are reminded that the asphalt trails are for pedestrian travel only and no motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed.

25 Years Ago: From the April 20, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Murphy’s gets $750,000 grant

The reconstruction of historic Murphy’s Inn and Landing got a big boost this week with the news of a $700,000 grant from federal transportation funds through the Metropolitan Council.

The grant will help fund the reconstruction of the historic inn, landing and trail in Shakopee from the inn down to the riverfront within the historic park. The grant includes some funds for research on the inn.

The trail is planned to eventually link to a trail the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to build. The DNR now has an undeveloped trail from the site of the old Bloomington Ferry Bridge to Memorial Park in Shakopee.

Murphy’s Landing Executive Director Dennis Kelly said the total project is expected to cost approximately $1.2 million. He said the federal award boosts the amount Murphy’s has dedicated to the project to approximately $925,000…

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150 Years Ago: From the April 15, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The Minnesota River is on a bender. The bottom lands are all overflowed and the highest banks have nearly disappeared beneath the water. The river is to-day on the rise.

125 Years Ago: From the April 12, 1900 Scott County Argus

J. A. Wilder is making a decided improvement in his lumberyard. The office has been moved to a site on the corner of Lewis and Second streets, and a new shed 18 x 72 feet in size extends from it to the old shed. The new arrangement will allow a much larger stock to be carried under cover than heretofore.

125 Years Ago: From the April 13, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

John Dean is erecting a substantial sheet iron faced shed on the north side of his blacksmith shop.

100 Years Ago: From the April 17, 1925 Shakopee Argus

The new electric fire siren was tried out at eight o’clock Saturday morning and left no doubt as to the alarm it can sound. The fireman who can sleep through it will have no excuse but to resign. The siren is guaranteed to be heard eleven miles and Saturday’s test was only a partial demonstration of what it is capable in the matter of bloodcurdling noise.

100 Years Ago: From the April 16, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

FOR SALE—6-room house on East First street. Inquire of A. F. Huth, Shakopee.

75 Years Ago: From the April 13, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

To Expand Ball Stand Service

Expansion of the services of the concession stand at Riverside park for the baseball season that will soon get under way was outlined at a meeting of the offices and directors of the Shakopee Recreational Association, Inc., Monday night.

The directors engaged Lee Wagner to manage the stand for the season and to secure vendors who will be paid for their services, it was learned.

Plans for improving the stand and service to fans include the addition of a vendors’ service area at the east end of the present stand space. The addition will be used serving vendors only and will eliminate interference with customers at the counter, it was pointed out.

Installation of a popcorn machine and a lunch counter for “hot dogs” and coffee are also contemplated.

Painting of the light towers and fence are likewise on the list of things to be done before the ball season gets well along.

75 Years Ago: From the April 13, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Council Changes Electric Rates

Electric rates for Shakopee consumers were revamped by action of the city council at the regular meeting Tuesday evening. The new rates will abolish some discriminations prevalent in the existing rate structure, it was reported.

Essentially, the old residential structure is abolished and the former residential range rate will be in effect for both urban and rural consumers…

50 Years Ago: From the April 16, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Lauer’s grand opening

A two-day grand opening sale, highlighted by an array of free merchandise prize drawings and free coffee and cookies, will be held Friday and Saturday at Lauer’s Our-Own Hardware (formerly Burshek’s) in downtown Shakopee.

New owner Don Lauer, who purchased Burshek’s from previous owner Ed Hopps, invites past patrons and potential new customers to come in, look around, have a cup of coffee, a cookie and register for the more than fifty door prize drawings that will be given away…

25 Years Ago: From the April 13, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Some school start, end times changing

Addressing concerns over the timing of bus runs this school year, the Shakopee School Board Monday approved a five-minute change in start and end of day times for the senior high, junior high, Sun Path Elementary, and Shakopee Area Catholic Schools (SACS).

The change to earlier times becomes effective next fall.

Shakopee Services, the district’s student transportation provider, has reported difficulties completing the three bus runs in the time provided, explained Superintendent Bob Ostlund…

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