Month: November 2024

150 Years Ago: From the Dec. 3, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The Railroad Commissioners in view of the numerously signed petition of citizens in the Minnesota Valley, have determined that the Mankato Express shall run as heretofore, and that the fare be increased to five cents a mile upon the road.

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

The mill warehouse which has stood for years alongside the switchtracks of the Milwaukee road is being cut apart and removed to its site west of the mill and alongside the new sidetrack. Aug. Woehling & Co. are doing the work.

125 Years Ago: From the Dec. 1, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

Master Walter Huth, the 5 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Huth had the misfortune of being kicked in the face by one of their horses last Friday. His upper lip was cut so that the doctor had to put in three stitches and his face was otherwise badly bruised.

100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 5, 1924 Shakopee Argus

New Music Shoppe

A music shoppe that will be a delight to all music lovers is the promise made by August (Skinny) Krueger and Art Pass. These enterprising and progressive young men will open their place of business the first part of next week, the location being the store recently vacated by Fred Berens in the Berens block.

They will handle a complete line of Brunswick phonographs, including Brunswick and Columbia records and sheet music. Later in the season other makes of machines will be added. It is a pleasure to note the energy and vim displayed by these young men and we trust that their success may be complete.

100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 4, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Work on Skating Rink Is Progressing Steadily

The skating rink being constructed on the Marx lots at Lewis Street and Shakopee Avenue is now nearing completion. A warming house has been built on the location and lighting fixtures installed…

75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 1, 1949 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Legionnaires Remodel Club

Armed with hammers, pinch bars and saws, a group of volunteer Legionnaires began the job of remodeling and renovating the Legion club Tuesday night.

According to R. J. Mertz, commander, plans provide for moving a partition between the present bar room and small meeting room and moving the bar from its present location to the north room. The present barroom is to become the lobby and lounge.

Sale of a piece of property 45 feet by 60 feet on the north side of the club to the Northwestern Bell Telephone company is also contemplated, Mertz said.

Other plans call for painting and redecorating, and general improvement of the facilities offered at the club.

75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 1, 1949 Shakopee Valley News

New Heating Plant In Lutheran Church

Work on the installation of a new two burner gas furnace in St. John Lutheran church is nearing completion. The job necessitated the installation of new hot and cold air ducts for an entirely new heating system.

50 Years Ago: From the Dec. 4, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

MCIW will lose POP program in December

On May 1, POP (Property Offender Program) was conceived at the Minnesota Correctional Institution for Women. It was to be a pilot program lasting three to six months; at the expiration of that period of time, program evaluation would take place…

“It is the recommendation of the State Department of Corrections that, as of December, our POP program will be integrated into the program at Lino Lakes,” chief administrator Jackie Fleming said this week.

Shifting of the program has a two-fold purpose, according to Ms. Fleming. First, Lino Lakes will integrate the Shakopee program into an existing program for pre-release residents and, secondly, economic factors were considered.

“By transferring the POP program, we will be able to cut staff, close a cottage and save money,” Ms. Fleming said. Approximately 10 women will be affected by the transfer of the program. Eight staff members, all part-time relief persons, will be dismissed.

Loss of the program will create a change in emphasis at MCIW, where historically the majority of women committed had been sentenced because of property offenses. During a period from July, 1972 to December, 1973, 66 percent of all admissions were property offenders…

25 Years Ago: From the Dec. 2, 1999 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee listed among housing-starts leaders

In October, Shakopee was again among the new-housing growth leaders in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area suburbs, according to the Builders Association of the Twin Cities.

Woodbury continued its role as the housing-starts leader in the Twin Cities for October, with 65 permits issued for 142 units.

Blaine was second for the month with 51 permits for 140 units, followed by Maple Grove with 49 permits and 102 units and Shakopee, with 48 permits for 76 units…

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

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

United States Hotel.—This large and commodious hotel (situated near the Union Depot) is now finished. Mr. August Logefeil, the proprietor, will throw it open to the public on Sunday afternoon next, by giving a Free Lunch.

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

The school officers of the First ward school have purchased one hundred volumes of up-to-date literature as a nucleus for a fine school library. The library is housed in a handsome bookcase made by F. X. Hirscher & Sons, and the whole makes a very useful and ornamental addition to the equipment of the schools.

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

Wm. T. Duffy has bought the grocery stock of James McKown and will from now be weighing sugar and coffee and measure syrup, vinegar etc. William is a popular young man well known throughout the county as well as in the city and will undoubtedly renew life at the old familiar grocery stand on Lewis street.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 28, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Redman Buys Milk Route

A business deal this week of interest to local people was the purchase of Joseph Koeper’s milk route by the Redman Ice Cream Company of this city. Joseph Koeper and his father before him have operated this milk route in Shakopee continuously for nearly half a century and Mr. Koeper’s retirement will remove from the daily business activities of the town an ever jovial and familiar figure…

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 27, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The window of Boyd Bowdish confectionery is always very interesting. With each successive holiday the window is decorated in a manner appropriately representing the specific holiday which is near at hand. It is at present decked with corn stalks, fruit and pumpkins, while two dolls, dressed in Pilgrim style, complete the effective trimming.

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

Night School Courses for Grade Teachers Proposed

At the suggestion of Scott and Carver county elementary grade school teachers who are eager to hasten the completion of their two or four-year college courses, plans have been completed for conducting night school classes in the counties under state teacher college supervision it was learned this week.

Arrangements for the proposed 12-week course have been made by B. A. Herzog, Scott county superintendent of schools, and R. W. Siewert, superintendent of schools of Carver county, in co-operation with Mankato State Teachers college…

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

Friswold Confers With Local School Groups

L. A. Friswold, director of public buildings and business administration of the state department of education, conferred with the special 20 man Shakopee Commercial Club school committee and with members of the board of education here Monday night.

He conferred with two groups upon their invitation as they again considered the urgent school housing crisis in the community. Another meeting of the committee will be held December 3, and the school board is awaiting their report to the Commercial Club December 20 before proceeding further with plans to solve the school situation.

The meeting, informal, developed into a question and answer session, as the members freely questioned Friswold on school matters. Considerable ground was covered as questions ranged through a variety of subjects including new building on the present site, new elementary building on a new site, fixing up the present building for a high school, and consolidation of outlying districts.

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

Toro plant under way

Construction is in full swing at the future site of the Toro Manufacturing Company’s new dye casting plant to be located in Valley Conter for Industry. Unseasonably warm weather has facilitated much of the early work. Pilings, footings and some foundation work has already been completed. Developers expect to complete construction in the summer of ‘75, with plant production beginning in the fall of that year.

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

5% annual gain in enrollment over decade predicted

Enrollment in Shakopee Public Schools is expected to increase an average of 5 percent each year for the next 10 years, climbing from just over 3,600 students today to 5,700 by 2009…

The annual census and enrollment projection is based on a mathematical model which uses historical data from the past five years to predict future trends. The model is recommended by the state Department of Children, Families and Learning, and has been used by the district since the early 1970s…

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

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

The Hotel de Flaherty, better known as the County Jail, is blessed (?) with some boarders who display considerable musical talent, and since the accommodating landlord has given them an opportunity to exhibit their skill, it has so affected our county officials that it is reported they intend to join one of the “Clubs” and attend all the dances of the season.

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

As will be seen from a perusal of the council proceedings of this week, a proposition has been submitted to the city by a Mr. Armstrong to build an electric light plant midway between the cities of Shakopee and Chaska, to supply both cities with light. On the face of it this looks like a favorable proposition, and if, as seems now to be the case, the city is prepared to take up the use of electrical light during the next year, the scheme proposed should meet with careful consideration on the part of the city fathers.

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

A telephone line is now spoken of between here and Marystown. Shall we get the connection or will we idly stand by and let some other town make the connection and get the trade. Marystown wants connection with Shakopee and are waiting to see if we want them.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 21, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Howard Dellwo will begin an engagement tomorrow to play nightly with an eight-piece orchestra in Minneapolis, and plans to continue his work here as usual during the day with Radamacher and Kirkeby.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 20, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Fred Berens Now Occupying New Building

The new store building on First street, which was recently built by Fred Rohlfs and his crew of builders, for Fred C. Berens, is now completed and Mr. Berens is in the process of moving his merchandise from the building that he formerly occupied on Holmes street to his new store building…

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

School Study Committee To Hear Building Expert

Further discussion and study of Shakopee’s public school problem will be undertaken Monday night when I. O. Friswold, director of building and business administration of the state department of education, meets with the 20-man committee of the Shakopee commercial club Monday night.

Mr. Friswold is coming to Shakopee at the invitation of the committee which is seeking a way to provide adequate school facilities for the children of the community. The meeting is to be held in the high school library at 8 o’clock…

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

PTA To Sponsor Open House At Shakopee Public School Monday Evening, November 28

The Shakopee Parent-Teachers association will sponsor an open house at the Shakopee public schools Monday evening, November 28 starting at 7 p.m.

All the teachers will be in their classrooms, and parents and friends of the education system in Shakopee are urged to attend this annual event.

A visit to the Open House will enable a person to obtain a good view of the actual conditions that the children and teachers must work under in the present school structure. A $10 check will be presented to the class having the most parents register…

50 Years Ago: From the Nov. 19, 1974 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee designated a bi-centennial community

The American Revolutionary Bi-Centennial Administration notified Congressman Ancher Nelsen today that Shakopee has been designated as a Bi-Centennial Community.

Nelsen said over 16,050 cities and towns across the country have so far received the distinction.

In order to qualify a community must have subjected an approved plan for celebrating the nation’s 200th birthday on July 4, 1976.

Communities so designated are expected to emphasize their heritage in a special way, and to prepare some lasting reminder of the Bi-Centennial celebration such as construct a new public building or establish a new park…

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

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

At the “pound reception” last evening about 100 of the friends of Rev. S. T. Sterrett were made happy in each leaving their “pound.”

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

The Jacob Ries Bottling works are brilliant with lights every evening of late. Owing to the rush incident to the close of the shipping season in carbonated beverages, the force has been obliged to work from three to four hours overtime to keep up with the order department.

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

The old Wagner black-smith shop in the rear of Lander opera house has this week been changed into a paint shop. Peter Paul proprietor.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 14, 1924 Shakopee Argus

Dr. A. C. Riemer of this city was one of the prize winners in the letter writing contest held recently by the Minnesota Motor Bus Association.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 13, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

Helen Huber, little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Huber of this city, was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, Monday, there to undergo an operation on her ears. We have not learned as yet the doctor’s analysis of the case, but have been informed that the little girl is getting along as well as can be expected.

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

Legion Post to Take Over Club, Commander Says

A decision to incorporate and take over the assets and liability of the Legion club was reached by the Shakopee American Legion post at its monthly meeting Monday night, R. J. Mertz, commander, disclosed.

Since the inception of the Legion club it has been operated and directed by a house committee composed of Legionnaires who were stockholders int eh club, but the place has always been at the disposal of the post and its members.

Details of the new arrangement or the date on which it becomes effective were not announced, but it was disclosed that a concerted drive for funds to carry out the plan will soon get under way.

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

Mail Poll Results In 4 To 1 Vote Against Hiring Third Policeman

With about half the persons polled returning cards, opinion in Shakopee is about four to one against employing a third policeman at this time, Elmer Dahl, of the Police Civil Service Commission, told the city council Tuesday evening.

Appearing before the regular monthly council meeting, Dahl disclosed that preliminary returns in the informal mail poll show 328 persons against hiring another policeman with only 80 voting in the affirmative…

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

Retailers announce association with new Minnesota Valley Mall

Watson Centers, Inc. announced today that the Minnesota Valley Mall Shopping Center is now more than 50 percent leased. In addition to the 50 percent already signed for, another 30,000 sq. ft. is committed to retailers.

The enclosed, air conditioned center contains total retail space of 135,000 square feet and an overall building size of 157,000 square feet.

The focal point of the enclosed mall will be a center court area accented and enhanced by a large skylight and the generous use of laminated wood beams and brick.

Living plants, benches and accent lighting will further add to the warm, inviting atmosphere of the enclosed mall.

With the cold Minnesota winters the enclosed mall is of particular significance to the shopper’s comfort.

Major tenants that have been announced previously includes a 20,000 sq. ft. Juba’s Super Valu store and a 19,000 sq. ft. Promart Home Center…

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

Shakopee region headquarters for the 2000 census

The year 2000 will be all about numbers.

Not because of dreaded computer glitches that may be more hype than reality, but because of people. The U.S. Census Bureau wants to count each and every one of us next year.

On Tuesday, the regional Census Bureau held an open house at its headquarters in downtown Shakopee. The Shakopee office in River City Centre is a regional base for the census in 29 Minnesota counties, spanning from the southwestern corner of the state to the southeastern corner…

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

150 Years Ago: From the Nov. 5, 1874 Shakopee Argus

The Methodist Society of Shakopee will give their Pastor, Rev. S. T. Sterrett, a “Pound Reception” at his residence on Third Street, 5th door East of the M. E. Church, on Wednesday evening, the 11th. All are cordially invited.

[The “Pound Reception” above we understand to be social reception where the guests so disposed bring a pound of whatever they choose as a gift to the minister.]—Ed.

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

The church of St. Mary’s is very much improved with the new windows of stained glass in beautiful patterns. Several of these were gifts from members of the congregation and bear appropriate memorial inscriptions. The last one was put in place last week, and the effect of the whole from within as well as without is to add amazingly to the religious character of the building.

125 Years Ago: From the Nov. 3, 1899 Shakopee Tribune

The new Presbyterian church is rapidly nearing completion, as far as the mason work is concerned.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 7, 1924 Shakopee Argus

For Sale—Pool table in first class condition. Enquire at Matt Huth, Shakopee.

100 Years Ago: From the Nov. 6, 1924 Shakopee Tribune

The State Game and Fish department of St. Paul sent eighteen 10-gallon cans of finger-length young fish to Shakopee this week. The fish arrived here yesterday morning. The shipment included 4 cans of sunfish and 14 cans of crappies. The fish were put into O’Dowd’s and Riley’s lakes for restocking purposes.

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

$17,000 for Phone Cables

The Northwestern Bell company has nearly completed work on cable additions costing more than $17,000, which will provide a major increase in lines for the connection of telephones in Shakopee, it was learned this week.

According to E. G. Leibold, local manager, the portion of additional lines already placed in service has enabled the company to connect telephones for more than 40 new customers in the past month, and cable construction now under way will furnish lines to server about 37 other families whose phone applications have been delayed due to a shortage of facilities.

Largest portion of the line construction work has involved the installation of a main feeder cable containing 303 wires, which has been placed underground along Holmes street southward from the business section. A similar feeder cable has been placed in the alley between First and Second streets, extending east from the station…

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

Legion Considers Remodeling Plans

Regular November meeting of the American Legion, to be held Monday evening, will be very important to every member, Robert J. Mertz, commander, said yesterday. The executive committee has drawn up plans for remodeling and changing the bar room and lounge, and they will be considered at the meeting Monday.

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

CR 17 threatened by Milwaukee Road

The Milwaukee Road, in a tactic one man sitting on the Shakopee common council called “close to blackmail”, threatens the future of the proposed up-grading of County Road 17.

The project, plagued with many sorts of problems almost from the outset, was given the green light by state and federal authorities some weeks ago. Easements had been obtained, land acquired and plans submitted.

According to city engineer Doug Gorieski, federal authorities demand just two days ago that agreements reached with the railroads be submitted in the form of a letter.

“We were all set; everything was ‘go’, we’d reached agreement on every point, but it was all verbal,” Gorieski said, “we can piece the story together through notes and memos from both ends, but it’ll be tough.”

Officials of the Northwestern Railroad have agreed to all construction specifications. They, like the Milwaukee Road, were not eager to put it in writing, but a letter has been obtained.

According to Gorieski, Milwaukee Road officials will not allow water or storm sewers to go under their roadbed unless their assessment is waived. Assessment for the work against the railroad would amount to $1,800…

The letter from the Milwaukee Road is the only thing holding up the start of the County Road 17 project, Gorieski told the council. He stated that the Public Service Commission had been contacted and that they would attempt to resolve the situation before Friday…

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

City voters reject referendum by 52-48%

Community Center plan fails for second time

For the second time in six months, Shakopee voters on Tuesday rejected a bond referendum aimed at improving the city’s Community Center.

By a margin of 1,719 to 1,608 votes – or 52 to 48 precent – voters turned down a $5.5 million bond referendum which would have added an indoor leisure lap pool, a children’s play area, a fitness center, racquetball courts and possibly a public meeting room to the facility…

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