Shakopee Snapshots

150 Years Ago: From the July 20, 1876 Shakopee Argus

United States Hotel, Shakopee

This new hotel is located near the Depot, contains spacious rooms which are furnished in a style becoming a first-class house; first-class board at reasonable prices; good well water on the premises. A large barn has recently been completed. Farmers and travelers will be furnished with as good accommodations as can be offered by any hotel in the State. Aug. Logefeil, Proprietor.

125 Years Ago: From the July 18, 1901 Scott County Argus

A deal was consummated this week by which Herman Schroeder became the owner of E. J. Gellenbeck’s hardware store and stock. The store opened up today under the new management and will be in charge of Henry C. Schroeder.

125 Years Ago: From the July 19, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

This week Frank Buch and a crew of workingmen commenced tearing down the Strait block on First and Holmes streets, one of the old landmarks of Shakopee. The building was erected in 1857, and has weathered storms without and vicissitudes within, with a long line of tenants crossing its thresholds with the passing years, until its era of history making has been declared and over, it goes the way of all earth, just as have many of its early proprietors and occupants. The corner lot on which the building stands is a valuable one, and its purchase and a new modern structure built upon it are among the possibilities of the near future.

100 Years Ago: From the July 22, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Math Scherer’s team caused considerable excitement Saturday morning by a wild dash down Lewis street and across the bridge toward Chaska. Several automobiles gave chase and the team was stopped before any harm resulted from the runaway.

75 Years Ago: From the July 19, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

NPA Puts OK On $21,000 Service Station Job Here

Authority to build a service station at Atwood and West 1st street here has been granted to the Socony-Vacuum Oil Co., Inc., the U.S. Department of Commerce announced in a bulletin released this week…

75 Years Ago: From the July 19, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Church Coin Box Rifled Monday

Thieves rifled the coin box on a vigil light stand at St. Mark’s church sometime during the day Monday. An estimated $8.00 to $10,00 in coins were pilfered. Both the sheriff’s office and the local police department are keeping a close watch on the churches in the chance that the thieves may return.

50 Years Ago: From the July 21, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Population is adjusted

Population estimates supplied by the Metropolitan Council have been revised for Shakopee, according to acting city administrator Fred Christiansen. The announcement was made Monday.

Estimated population for Shakopee, according to the Metropolitan Council, was 9666 in 1975 and 9738 for 1976. Both figures represent the population of the community as of April 1.

Shakopee’s revised population figure is 10,065, an adjustment of 327 persons. The figures will now be sent to the State Department of Revenue.

25 Years Ago: From the July 19, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

City park near O’Dowd?

It sounds appealing but it could come at a cost

Should the city of Shakopee purchase the last available large tract of lakeshore property for possible use as parkland even if it means delaying some significant park projects elsewhere in the city? That’s a question the council faces as it ponders the purchase of land on Lake O’Dowd.

Last week, the council voted unanimously in favor of an appraisal on 43.45 acres immediately south of Weinandt Acres with road access off County Road 17…

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150 Years Ago: From the July 13, 1876 Shakopee Argus

Mrs. Anton Koerner died on Saturday night last after a short illness.

125 Years Ago: From the July 11, 1901 Scott County Argus

A handsome new center altar was dedicated at St. Mary’s church this morning at nine o’clock, when a Solemn high mass was said, Father O’Connor being assisted by Rev. Fr. Rhatigan of Hamilton and Rev. Fr. Kane of Rush City. The altar, which was built by F. X. Hirscher & Sons, is beautiful in design and appearance. It is finished in cream and gold and the architecture is of the Roman style. It contains four foot statues of St. Patrick and St. Anthony. In the front of the altar is a picture of the Last Supper painted in colors. The work reflects much credit on the builders, and the altar adds greatly to the interior appearance of the church. It is the gift of Mrs. John Murray of Staples in honor of her deceased parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Baldwin.

125 Years Ago: From the July 12, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

A construction crew started out Wednesday morning stringing another circuit from Shakopee to Mankato on the Greene and Western telephone line. The rapidly increasing toll business of the independent lines made the additional wire necessary, and it is the purpose of the company to keep stringing wires just as fast as the needs of the business require.

100 Years Ago: From the July 15, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Kopisca Oil Co. Installs New Pump at Rosen Store

The Kopisca Oil company’s business from all indications, is expanding in this community. The company has just completed the installation of a new pump at the M. Rosen hardware store. The Fyre-Drop and Metee or gasolines are the products handled by it and according to reports as to their merits, they bid fair to become strong competitors with other gasolines distributed in this city. The company, according to its ad appearing in this issue, also handles Hyvis motor oil.

75 Years Ago: From the July 12, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Federal Aid For Local Hospital Project Assured

Allocation of federal funds to assist with the construction of an $827,433 hospital in Shakopee was disclosed the past week in a report made by the state public health department…

75 Years Ago: From the July 12, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Mrs. Fischer Named To County Welfare Board

The appointment of Mrs. Mary Fischer of Shakopee, as a lay member of the Scott County Welfare Board was announced today by R. T. Schumacher, executive secretary of the welfare board…

50 Years Ago: From the July 14, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

County will oppose wildlife refuge without bridge provision

City and county officials testified last week in support and opposition to the proposed Minnesota River National Wildlife Refuge at a field hearing of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation and the Environment in Minneapolis.

The Wildlife Refuge would consist of approximately 6,600 acres in the areas around the Louisville Swamp, Long Meadow Lake, Chaska Lake, and a large area around the Rice and Grass Lakes near Shakopee…

Some of these questions include the need for a bridge in the areas, loss of tax revenue for local units of government, and added responsibility on the part of local law enforcement agencies in supervising the area…

To the officials in Scott County, however, the high‑priority issue is the need for a bridge in the area…

25 Years Ago: From the July 12, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

Sam’s Club added to Co. 18 retail site

A second big‑box retailer, a cousin to the Wal‑Mart store already planned, will be added to the commercial mix in Southbridge Crossings, the large commercial development planned near the intersection of Highway 169 and County Road 18 in northeast Shakopee.

Sam’s Club, a members‑only warehouse retailer and a division of Wal‑Mart Stores Inc., is planned for the development…

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150 Years Ago: From the July 6, 1876 Shakopee Argus

A large and appreciative audience listened to Rev. Mr. McGowan’s Centennial discourse last Sabbath morning. The floral display and flag decorations were exceedingly attractive and appropriate. At the conclusion of the services a liberal collection was taken up in aid of the building fund of the Presbyterian Historical Society. This denomination proposes to erect a magnificent fire proof building this centennial year at Philadelphia in which to preserve the immense invaluable matter pertaining to the history of the Presbyterian church.

125 Years Ago: From the July 4, 1901 Scott County Argus

An important change in the business circles of town took place yesterday when Jos. Ries sold out to his brother Geo. H. Ries. Jos. Ries has been in the butcher business here for six years, while Geo. Ries has been connected with the Central meat market for two years as a partner with his brother-in-law Charles Hartmann and later as proprietor. Jos. Ries has two business ventures in view which he is not ready to announce, but either one of which will keep him here as a resident of the city.

125 Years Ago: From the July 5, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

The street committee under the leadership of Ald. John P. Ring is keeping pace with the park committee in fitting things as they should to accommodate the excursion traffic which Shakopee is enjoying this summer. Last week a flight of steps, broad and easy of ascent, were built on the railway embankment, making a convenient approach from Lewis street to the levee below the mill. The seats and benches and tables in the park are being painted a bright red, and a settee now surrounds the famous big tree on the river bank.

100 Years Ago: From the July 8, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

L. E. Dawson is again the owner of the Gem theater having repurchased it from R. O. Brockway. Mr. Dawson will continue the business as usual.

75 Years Ago: From the July 5, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Local Firemen Win Water Fight

Shakopee’s firemen won the water fight at the Waconia Dairy Days celebration Sunday, downing Norwood and Carver. Sixteen men and 14 ladies represented the local department at the parade held in that city…

75 Years Ago: From the July 5, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Hospital Papers Are Forwarded

Final papers and affidavits necessary to receive federal and state funds for the construction of the new St. Francis hospital were completed and forwarded Saturday, officials of the Tri-County Hospital Association, fund raising organization, reported. The main emphasis now is the required collection of pledges.

50 Years Ago: From the July 7, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

O’Dowd Lake acquisition plan studied

An invitation has been extended to area residents for a July 13 meeting of the city council by Nancy Engman, Shakopee HRA director.

Mrs. Engman said last week city staff would bring a recommendation to the city council regarding preliminary plans for land acquisition around O’Dowds Lake.

25 Years Ago: From the July 5, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

Changing county, a change in logos

Board approves first update in 26 years

At a time when Scott County is synonymous with change, the County Board last week unanimously approved a new logo that recognizes a rich agricultural history, a growing urbanization and the county’s various entertainment venues.

The new logo was unveiled to commissioners last week. It will make its first general public appearance at the Scott County Fair July 25-29.

The new design features a graphic display symbolic of a growing community, a mix of residential and commercial buildings resting atop a stalk of grain. The stalk represents roadways that have transformed Scott County from a sleepy farm community to developing suburbia. On the stalk are eight seeds representing the county’s eight cities. Above the buildings is a star representing the many entertainment venues that attract tens of thousands of visitors to the county each day.

At the bottom of the design is the name of the county. The old-fashioned font symbolizes the tradition of the county. But the font is in italics, leaning in a forward direction. The colors selected – brown and blue – symbolize the abundant rural environment and warmth of the county’s residents…

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150 Years Ago: From the June 29, 1876 Shakopee Argus

Every church in town was badly damaged by the hail storm on Saturday except the Presbyterian. The east windows in this church were protected by blinds.

125 Years Ago: From the June 27, 1901 Scott County Argus

Last Tuesday evening the Cadet band went over to Riverside park and gave a concert of overtures and dance numbers in the pavilion which was listened to and enjoyed by a large crowd. They promise another concert for tonight, when the pavilion will be lighted with fifty Japanese lanterns.

125 Years Ago: From the June 28, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

A new thing in the merry-go-round line has located at the park, to remain till after the Fourth. It is called the Ocean Wave, and has the motion of a see-saw rotating.

100 Years Ago: From the July 1, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

W. F. Davy Co. Is Offering Fine Gob Hats Free

The W. F. Davy Co. is giving everybody an opportunity to get a fine gob hat free. This is a special order of gobs of the very latest design and they will be given away free the rest of this week so that each may have one to wear on July 4 and 5.

75 Years Ago: From the June 28, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Lightning Hits Marchand Home

The Shakopee fire department was called out about 12:30 Tuesday morning, when lightning struck a fuse box at the Ed Marchand home. Much of the wiring was burned out and there was some smoke damage to household furnishings…

75 Years Ago: From the June 28, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee Tips Edison, Enters State Tourney

For the first time in the history of local high school athletics the Shakopee high school has a team in a state tournament. By copping the region five championship at Chaska last week over St. Cloud and Minneapolis Edison the local nine won the coveted right to represent this region in the state tournament at Owatonna which started yesterday.

Alvarado, region eight winners, and Shakopee will be the only two undefeated clubs in the tourney.

50 Years Ago: From the June 30, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee’s population is up 2022

Shakopee’s 1976 population is estimated at 9,738, an increase of 2,022 since 1970, according to estimates released Wednesday by the Metropolitan Council.

The estimates indicate that Scott County’s population is 40,563, an increase of 8,140 since 1970. The entire Metropolitan Area’s population is 1,987,651, an increase of 113,039 over the same period…

25 Years Ago: From the June 28, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

City approves Murphy’s pact with parks system

With provisions that gives the property back to the city if Hennepin Parks does not utilize it as a 19th century living‑history museum, the Shakopee City Council last week approved its portion of a contract that will transfer operational control of Murphy’s Landing to the park system.

The council voted 3–0 to approve the contract with Hennepin Parks. Mayor Jon Brekke was absent, and Councilor Deb Amundson abstained because she works at Marquette Bank, which carries a loan for Murphy’s Landing.

Murphy’s board must still approve the pact and future funding questions with Scott County remain to be determined. The city must also provide a complete legal description of the property before the agreement can be finalized, said City Administrator Mark McNeill…

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150 Years Ago: From the June 22, 1876 Shakopee Argus

Mill Running.—Pond’s Mill is now running

125 Years Ago: From the June 20, 1901 Scott County Argus

The committee on parks of the city council has been allowed $200 to be used in the improvement of the park. The grounds will be leveled, the old seats painted, new rustic seats added, and the main improvement will be a landing for steamboats. The committee has in mind to make Riverside park one of the beauty spots of the state. A pleasant feature would be a series of concerts to be given in the park during the coming summer. Any money paid by the city for concerts would afford the general public much pleasure, besides aid to maintain the band.

125 Years Ago: From the June 21, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

At the last meeting of the common council the committee on electric lighting was instructed to advertise for bids for putting in the plant. Before we know it, work may be begun and the lights be in operation in time for the street fair. “It is a consummation devoutly to be wished.”

100 Years Ago: From the June 24, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Co. Treasurer Frank Huber Sells Farm in Eagle Creek

An interesting real estate deal of the week was the sale of the old Huber homestead in Eagle Creek by County Treasurer Frank Huber to John Notermann. The farm consists of 180 acres, including 80 acres better known, perhaps, as the Nick Kircher place. The price was $100 per acre.

John Huber, who operates the farm, will remain there until fall when Mr. Notermann will take it over for his own use but will continue to live at his present home.

75 Years Ago: From the June 21, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

New Classrooms

One of the St. Mark’s clubrooms on the west side of the building, is being converted into a school room. Fr. Henry Scherer, pastor of St. Mark’s, said the room would be ready for pupils when the fall term opens.

75 Years Ago: From the June 21, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Openings Available In New Beginner’s Band

Band lessons for 22 beginners will start next week, according to Ronald Rochat, band director. During the past week, the new group was organized and each pupils was tested for the instrument which he wishes to play. Any child in the fifth grade or above who is interested in learning to play a band instrument and be a member of the beginners’ band is urged to call Mr. Rochat at once.

50 Years Ago: From the June 23, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Jaycees ask for donation of time

Shakopee Jaycees announced this week that further work will begin on the Tahpah Park athletic complex Monday.

Donated heavy equipment will be at the site to finish earth moving for more playing fields.

Jaycees appealed to local heavy equipment operators to donate their time for the operation of the equipment…

25 Years Ago: From the June 21, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

Additional flooding of roads is concern to county officials

The flood waters that damaged property, closed roads and inconvenienced thousands of motorists for weeks earlier this spring could be headed back this way.

Last Thursday, the National Weather Service in Chanhassen told Scott County and other counties in the Minnesota River watershed to be prepared for possible reflooding of area roadways in Shakopee, Savage and the western sections of the county by the end of this week. Gary McDevitt, a hydrologist with the Weather Service, said heavy rains—over 5 inches in the Blue Earth area in recent days—coupled with already‑high river levels and saturated soils is adding up to a potential revisiting of spring flooding…

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150 Years Ago: From the June 15, 1876 Shakopee Argus

Ice cream this evening and Saturday evening at Brown’s.

125 Years Ago: From the June 13, 1901 Scott County Argus

A new cement stone sidewalk has been laid along the east side of the St. Paul hotel. A new walk is also being laid on Holmes street between First and Second streets, in front of the property of Mrs. Paulina Heidenreich, Mrs. Mergens and Jacob Gillen. Fischer & Peterson’s crew is doing the work.

125 Years Ago: From the June 14, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

The process of firing a kiln of 350,000 brick is now under way at the City brick-yard, and the brick will be ready for the market in about ten days. Meanwhile another big kiln is being built up by the busy workmen, and the sheds will gradually be filled from one end of the big yard to the other.

100 Years Ago: From the June 17, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Law Partnership Formed

Jos. J. Moriarty, long a legal practitioner in Shakopee, has taken a law partner. In a casual conversation with Attorney Moriarty he informed an Argus-Tribune reporter that the volume of his legal business has grown to such proportions he felt the need of assistance to properly care for it. A partnership was formed and on June 14, Attorney Geo. E. O’Connell became the junior member of the law firm to be known as Moriarty & O’Connell. Mr. O’Connell is a graduate of the 1924 class of the Minnesota College of Law and formerly a resident of Faribault, Minnesota. The new firm name of attorneys, Moriarty & O’Connell, is one to conjure with and the Argus-Tribune wishes it the fullest measure of success.

75 Years Ago: From the June 14, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Special Election Set For June 25

A special election to fill the unexpired term of Elmer J. Dellwo, Third Ward alderman who died May 29, has been set for June 25 according to a resolution adopted by the city council at its session Tuesday night.

Setting of the election followed adoption of a resolution declaring a vacancy in the aldermanic post. The City charter provides that a special election must be held within 30 days after declaration of vacancy…

75 Years Ago: From the June 14, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Washout Filled In At Fairgrounds

A deep gorge on the Scott county fairgrounds which was washed out by the recent floods was filled in and completed yesterday by the Fox and Weiler firm of Shakopee.

The hole, which measured approximately 60 by 150 feet and 20 feet deep between the Riviera club and the barns took five days and six trucks hauling gravel from the local gravel pits to complete the job.

50 Years Ago: From the June 16, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

LaTour opens new facility

LaTour’s Shoe, Saddle and Western Wear announced the opening of a budget price self-service shoe department.

LaTour’s is located on the southeast corner of First and Holmes Avenues in Shakopee.

An introductory sale will be held today (Wednesday), through Saturday…

25 Years Ago: From the June 14, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

City gives business park green light

Council OKs Valley Green Corporate Center preliminary plat

After months of sometimes heated debate over the proposal to build a corporate business park on the northeast corner of county road 16 and 83, the Shakopee City Council gave its unanimous blessing to a condition‑laden preliminary plat for the Valley Green Corporate Center last week.

The approval essentially brings to an end significant debate as to whether the corporate business park, owned by Valley Green Business Park, should be permitted. Jon Albinson, Valley Green’s project manager, said the awarding of bids for the realignment of County Road 16 is still needed before work on the project can commence and before Valley Green can complete its sale of the approximately 300 acres to Ryan Contracting. That bid award is expected to come later this year…

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150 Years Ago: From the June 8, 1876 Shakopee Argus

It is rumored that Mayor MacDonald has appointed George Lyons as Night Watchman. The Mayor creates the office and then fills it with his appointee. The chief duties of the night watchman is to guard those free ferries to prevent the man in the union from stealing them.

125 Years Ago: From the June 6, 1901 Scott County Argus

The alumni association of the Shakopee high school held its second annual reunion at Busse’s hall last evening. The hall was decorated in orange and blue, the colors of ’01. A musical and literary program was rendered, after which ice cream and cake was served. The jollity was kept up until the midnight hour, and all went home with pleasant recollections of the second annual reunion of the Shakopee alumni association. Among those present were Miss Ida Busse, ’98, S. Wm. Pond, ’99, Miss Josephine Brown, ’00, and Misses Frances McHale, Jennette Pond and Roy Smith, 01, together with their parents, the school board and instructors.

125 Years Ago: From the June 7, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

The cyclists to the number of fifteen braved the cold weather in a run to the Duffy farm last night, and had a delightful time. Refreshments were served at Davis’ Restaurant on the return. Another run will be made to the same place next Wednesday night.

100 Years Ago: From the June 10, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

The Shakopee fire department went to Excelsior Monday evening to inspect the fire apparatus of that city.

75 Years Ago: From the June 7, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Butz Pass Resigns

Butz Pass, manager of the Legion club for the past four years, tendered his resignation Monday night to become effective June 10. A special committee will operate the club until a new manager has been named, it was learned. Pass said he had no plans for the immediate future.

75 Years Ago: From the June 7, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Northrup King Promotes Davies

Walter Davies, manager of the Northrup King & Co. hybrid seed plant in Shakopee for the past seven years, has been promoted to the position of corn equipment engineer.

He will be succeeded at the Shakopee plant of the huge seed concern by Ed Thorne, formerly manager of the company’s Howard Lake, Minn. seed corn plant. Mr. and Mrs. Thorne expect to move to Shakopee next week.

Mr. and Mrs. Davies will continue to make their home in Shakopee. They have lived here during the ten years that Davis has been with Northurup, King and have recently completed a new home on Fourth street…

50 Years Ago: From the June 9, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Wolfe ‘fulfills’ ambition

Ervin “Red” Wolfe, Shakopee, realized a lifelong ambition recently when he took part in a recording session of dixieland jazz music.

The album, entitled “Showcase”, features the performance of The Port of Dixie Ragtime Band, a six‑piece jazz band that has appeared in concert in Shakopee…

25 Years Ago: From the June 7, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

District starts strategic planning process

To accommodate the many changes that accompany growth in the student population, Shakopee School Board members have launched a process that will result in a strategic plan to guide them through the next three to five years. Among the primary objectives identified in a recent report: Maintain fiscal stability, work to improve curriculum, and increase student academic accountability.

At the May 29 board meeting, educational consultant Roger Worner outlined the details of a study which examines the district’s enrollment, finances and other factors and highlights a handful of priorities and objectives. As part of the strategic‑planning project, Worner sat down with Superintendent Jon McBroom, board members and school principals, and worked with a community-based task force to identify organizational needs and develop strategies to help district officials attain their goals. The report does not address facility needs, but focuses more on financial and academic concerns, McBroom said…

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150 Years Ago: From the June 1, 1876 Shakopee Argus

It will be noticed that Mr. Humphrey offers the Eagle Creek Grist Mill for sale. This mill is situated in Eagle Creek, about 6 miles East of Shakopee; has been in operation for many years, and has an established reputation for custom and merchant work. The water power is a never failing spring which remains of the same capacity the year round.

125 Years Ago: From the May 30, 1901 Scott County Argus

An unknown party left an infant on the doorstep of Frank Buch’s residence last Friday evening. The family had retired, when at about ten o’clock the door bell rang. Mr. Buch went to the door and found no one there, but noticed two bundles on the step. Thinking the party had gone to the rear door, he placed the bundles in the house and went around the house, but found no one. By the time he returned the little one became restless and was crying. An examination of the one bundle revealed the child, a $20 bill and a note saying the child was born April 29, and was baptized Elizabeth. The other package contained enough clothing to last the child almost a year. Mr. and Mrs. Buch will keep the infant and rear it.

125 Years Ago: From the May 31, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

The public schools of the city will close the year’s work tomorrow. State examinations have been taken during the past week, the results of which will not be announced for a month or more, pending the marking by the State High School board. Commencement exercises will be held at the opera house on Tuesday evening, June 4th, when diplomas will be awarded the three graduates of the high school, Miss Jeanette Clarissa Pond, Miss Frances McHale, and Mr. Roy Howard Smith. The address to the graduates will be delivered by W. W. Pendergast, formerly state superintendent of public schools, of Hutchinson. The commencement exercises are free, and the public is invited to attend.

100 Years Ago: From the June 3, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

The usual refreshing neatness in St. Mark’s church is being greatly enhanced by the tasty decoration of fresh flowers, whose delicate perfumes invite the worshippers to come frequently and stay longer at their devotions inside of this really artistic house of God. Rev. M. Savs extends thanks to generous donors and thanks the Sisters for their care of the altars.

75 Years Ago: From the May 31, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Play Program Discussed At Council Meet

Discussion of a municipal recreation program for youth of the city, granting of four off-sale liquor licenses, and awarding of garbage collection contract were the chief items of business before the city council at its meeting Tuesday night…

A plan for supervised swimming and baseball was discussed but councilmen expressed the view the plan was too limited and made no provision for those who did not care to swim or play baseball. An appropriation of $300 was made to help defray transportation costs in connection with the swimming plan.

Alderman Davies moved that Holmes park in West Shakopee be reconditioned and put to use as a recreation spot. The council concurred in the suggestion and the streets and parks committee was instructed to present an estimate of costs at the next meeting…

75 Years Ago: From the May 31, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Architect’s Drawing Of New St. Francis Hospital Here

Plans for the new St. Francis hospital here are virtually completed, Hubert Swanson, architect, told the Valley News Tuesday. It is hoped that construction can start later this summer or by early fall…

50 Years Ago: From the June 2, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

County agreement sets advisory board

Scott County Board of Commissioners yesterday approved an agreement creating a Scott–Hennepin Park Advisory Board following five months of discussion between the two counties.

The purpose of the agreement, according to the resolution executing the agreement, is to develop recommendations concerning various policy, development, funding and operational and governmental structural issues of parks in the two counties…

25 Years Ago: From the May 31, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

St. Francis sees minimal strike impact

Pediatrics unit could close

While a strike by nearly 8,000 unionized nurses in the Twin Cities could have a significant impact on about a dozen Twin Cities hospitals, only one small unit within St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee would feel the sting of a work stoppage…

St. Francis Regional Medical Center’s alliance with Children’s Hospital means the eight-bed in-patient pediatric unit could be closed if nurses trade in stethoscopes for picket signs. The strike could come as early as Friday, said Venetia Kudrle, president of St. Francis. The nurses who work in that unit are members of MNA and are employed by Children’s Hospital, not St. Francis or its co-owners, the Benedictine Health System and Allina Health System…

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150 Years Ago: From the May 25, 1876 Shakopee Argus

The Soda Fountain at the Old Drug Store is again in full operation.

125 Years Ago: From the May 23, 1901 Scott County Argus

The gravel train crew has begun work this week in the pit at Merriam Junction, and Shakopee will be the headquarters for the workman for some time.

125 Years Ago: From the May 24, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

John Mertz discontinued his saloon business with the expiration of his license last Monday, and went to Milwaukee for a short visit with his parents, who reside at Port Washington, a village near the lake city. He will return tomorrow. Whether he will again engage in the saloon business here he has not yet decided; for he may conclude that he is entitled to a rest from business cares and the enjoyment of the goodly share of this world’s goods he has accumulated.

100 Years Ago: From the May 27, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

F. L. Vitense will formally open his new undertaking establishment in the Masonic block Saturday. He extends an invitation to the public to call and inspect his new quarters which have been newly renovated and furnished to provide up-to-date funeral parlors for Shakopee and vicinity.

75 Years Ago: From the May 24, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Traffic Violators Get Last Warning

Shakopee police are going to crack down – and hard – on people who double park, park overtime or jay-walk.

This warning was issued by Chief Pat Thielen, who said the drive would be on starting tomorrow. Thielen said the department was through with courtesy-tickets and the ones to be handed out from now on would be the real McCoys, guaranteed to carry a fine or jail sentence for the above violations.

75 Years Ago: From the May 24, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Work Planned On Spring Lake Road

The Spring Lake road, county highway No. 7, is slated for improvement this summer as a federal aid project, the Scott county board of commissioners decided at a special meeting last week.

Survey work on the road, from Shakopee to Spring Lake, will be completed this week, Donald Childs, county highway engineer reported. After the survey is finished, crews will move to County Highway No. 8 to New Market township for survey work there as that road is also slated for improvement.

When the survey is completed, plans will be drawn at the highway engineers office and submitted to the state highway department for their approval and then to the federal Public Road Administrator for his final stamp. The road project then is eligible for federal funds…

50 Years Ago: From the May 26, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Harbeck election ‘official’

Shakopee Mayor Walter C. Harbeck presided over his first council meeting Tuesday evening, the first time he has been able to do so since his election in November, 1975.

25 Years Ago: From the May 24, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

Comp plan gets approval of county board

After nearly 15 months of discussion, review, study and debate, the Scott County Board Tuesday finally approved the county’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan.

The board approved the plan on a 5–0 vote, effectively ending a moratorium in county townships on the subdivision of land under 40 acres that was originally intended to end in late March, but was extended until May 23…

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150 Years Ago: From the May 18, 1876 Shakopee Argus

The last objection to the establishment of a free ferry has been removed. The Mayor agrees to take the responsibility upon himself—and of course if the free ferry does not make everybody rich he will pay back to the tax payers the $1200 a year that a free ferry is going to cost. With this understanding there is no reason why every member of the City Council should not vote for the free ferry.

125 Years Ago: From the May 16, 1901 Scott County Argus

Among the changes in the salaries of presidential postmasters in the northwest, becoming effective July 1, is a decrease of $100 in the salary of the Shakopee postmaster. The amount paid is now $1400 a year.

125 Years Ago: From the May 17, 1901 Shakopee Tribune

Mrs. Sarah Dailey has given Jos. Fischer, of the Shakopee Cement Stone works, a contract for the construction of curbing and a three-foot walk around her lot in the Valley cemetery. The work will be completed before Decoration day.

100 Years Ago: From the May 20, 1926 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

C. J. Hartmann has installed a new electric meat slicer in his meat market this week that is a marvel of mechanical efficiency.

75 Years Ago: From the May 17, 1951 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

New Hospital Plans Shown At Meeting Thursday Night

Floor plans for the new St. Francis hospital to be built in Shakopee were viewed Thursday night at a meeting held in St. Mark’s school.

Hubert Swanson, architect, who is preparing structural plans for the $600,000 project, outlined the progress made to date and expressed the belief that construction would get under way by late summer or early fall.

State Department of Health authorities have approved the plans thus far and likewise have given approval to the site for the new structure…

75 Years Ago: From the May 17, 1951 Shakopee Valley News

Local Lumber Firm Erecting Warehouse

A large modern new lumber warehouse to supplement present buildings is under construction by Builders Supply of Shakopee. The new building is needed because of the rapid growth and expansion of the business, and also to enable the lumber firm to carry a more complete line of building materials, Loren Nord, manager, announced this week.

The structure is being built by contractor William Dellwo, local contractor, and the plans were drawn by H. B. Morrison, architect. It is a two story double deck type, and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

50 Years Ago: From the May 19, 1976 Shakopee Valley News

Valleyfair! opened Monday to visitors and will welcome Shakopee at its VIP Day Friday. The family entertainment center will open its season officially on Tuesday.

25 Years Ago: From the May 17, 2001 Shakopee Valley News

ADC backs out

Plant that would employ 1,000 shelved

It was billed as a promise to bring up to 1,000 new jobs to Shakopee and Scott County, a jewel of an addition to the city’s already-impressive commercial‑industrial segment. City and county officials were pleased to announce they had helped with tax abatements.

But now, thanks to a downturn in the economy, ADC Telecommunications has announced it is suspending construction on a 490,000‑square‑foot production facility being built on Broadband Boulevard. Monday’s announcement followed word several weeks ago that the company was laying off workers. Work on the gargantuan building will cease after completion of its roof…

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