Month: August 2025

150 Years Ago: From the Sept. 2, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The deluge of rain that fell in an hour’s time on Monday evening did some damage to our streets. Some culverts were washed out; new grading on some of the north and south streets was washed away, and the paving in the gutters washed out. A more permanent manner of building culverts and paving open gutters will in the end be more economical than the cheap ones heretofore built.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 30, 1900 Scott County Argus

Prof. A. L. McBee requests us to state to the pupils of the high school and those of eighth grade who expect to enter the high school this Fall, that he will meet with them at the high school building next Monday to arrange for classification for the ensuing year’s work and to distribute the state certificates awarded on the June examinations.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 31, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Leonard Mayer has now formally opened his hotel for business and has already quite a number of boarders. The new building itself presents a homelike appearance and no doubt ere long Hotel Mayer will have acquired quite a fame.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 4, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Challenge Issued

B. A. Mertz, manager of ye “Old Timers” has challenged the Ben’s Boys for another clash and has posted his check in the amount of $100 with the Peoples National Bank, the Ben’s Boys to put up a like sum and the game to be played at Athletic Park, Sunday, Sept. 13.

100 Years Ago: From the Sept. 3, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Shakopee School to Open Tuesday, Sept. 8

The school bell will summon the youth of Shakopee and community to their desks next Tuesday, September eighth. Detailed arrangements have been completed in both the Shakopee high school and St. Mark’s parochial school and large enrollments are anticipated.

“Thoroughly cleaned buildings will greet the teachers and pupils when the new term starts at the Shakopee high school,” stated Henry Mergens, clerk of school district No. 1. The exterior woodwork of the building was given a coat of paint during the summer vacation, and a modern up-to-date electric lighting system was installed with new electric chandeliers throughout the rooms…

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 31, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

$50,000 Gift Assured if Locality Gives $100,000

Leaders in the campaign to raise $150,000 as the community’s share of the cost of building and equipping a new hospital here were encouraged this week by the announcement that the Rahr Foundation would contribute $50,000 to the fund if the community was successful in raising $100,000 from other contributors…

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 31, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Lindbergh Plane Builder In Town

T. Claude Ryan, president of the Ryan Aeronautical Co., Lindbergh Field, San Diego, Cal., stopped in Shakopee last week enroute to his home from a visit to the East. He stopped at the First National Bank to transact some personal business with F. A. Weiland, assistant cashier. Weiland reported a very friendly visit with the man who, a quarter of a century ago, gained worldwide fame as the man “who built the Spirit of St. Louis”, the plane used by Col. Charles A. Lindbergh on his epoch flight from New York to Paris in 1927.

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 31, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

‘Your jail is terrible,’ say consultants

New facility recommended

Local officials seemed more impressed with the directness of the message than the actual words from the two men from the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) who had reviewed Scott County’s Jail and its operations. The recommendation was not a shock…

“Your jail is terrible,” said Arnette Gaston, one of the inspectors and a former warden of Rikers Island, a New York City penitentiary. “It’s overcrowded. It’s understaffed. It’s a miracle you’ve kept it alive as long as you have…”

Scott County played host to the inspectors from the NCI’s Planning and Opening of New Institutions (PONI) program last week on Monday and Tuesday. They looked at all facets of the aging jail, from its plumbing, heating, cooling and air-circulation units, to the systems the jailers use for processing and handling incoming prisoners as well as those serving sentences…

Gaston and Bob Gibson are contracted consultants for NCI and its PONI Program. Their exhaustive visit was part of the work of the county’s Jail Study Committee. They poured over reams of data and finished their visit with a public meeting on Wednesday last week. During that meeting, they presented a short version of their findings and recommendation…

Although Gaston and Gibson strongly recommended the county build a new facility on a different site than the jail, they stopped short of identifying the number of beds or the size of the investment…

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150 Years Ago: From the Aug. 26, 1875 Shakopee Argus

One bushel of wheat will now buy more goods at the “Argus” Store than ever before could be bought for two bushels. Sell your wheat for cash and take your cash to the Cash store and get anything you want at cash prices.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 23, 1900 Scott County Argus

The pyrotechnical exhibition on the river on Wednesday evening, the second day of the fair, is bound to be the greatest thing of its kind ever attempted outside the larger cities. Two representatives from a fireworks concern have been here the past two days, and the association telephones us this noon that it has completed arrangements with them by which they are to take charge of the spectacle and make it as imposing as can be done with brilliant fireworks, bombs, boats, a fort on the park side of the river, and all the effects that can be woven out of a model spot for such a spectacular production. It is bound to be the greatest feature of the fair.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 24, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Kohls & Berens are having a neat new front put in the room adjoining their store on the east. Messrs. Niedenfuhr and Schneider are doing the work.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 28, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Foundations for a newly constructed sixroom frame bungalow that Lawrence Anderson will build on his First street property are complete, and carpenters are busy wrecking his home, the former Wm. Markus residence, for lumber to be used in the bungalow. The old house will be removed entirely and the modern home supplant it. James O’Keefe of Prior Lake has the contract and the work will be pushed to completion as rapidly as possible.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 27, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

No. 5 to Turn on Holmes St.

Permanent Designation Places Bridge Across River at Holmes Street.

Mayor E. K. Ries, Jos. J. Moriarty and H. C. Schroeder made a final trip to the offices of the highway department in St. Paul last Monday and met with Highway Commissioner C. M. Babcock at 3:00 p. m. The highway commissioner was scheduled to determine the permanent route of Highway No. 5 through Shakopee on that day and he stated to this committee that he was so impressed with the determined and united expressions of the people of Shakopee in favoring the routing of No. 5 to cross the river at Holmes street and with the efforts displayed by this committee, that he would decide at that time to designate the permanent location of No. 5 east on First street to Holmes street and across the river at Holmes street…

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 24, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Dinette Open

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Marchand announced this week the opening of their new and modern meal service, the Dinette, on East First street here. An advertisement in the Argus-Tribune discloses that the Dinette specializes in short orders.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 24, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Hospital Staff Organized Here

Physicians and surgeons of this area organized a staff for St. Francis hospital at a meeting held at the hospital Friday evening.

In addition, the doctors went on record as “heartily endorsing” the campaign to build a new 50 bed hospital in Shakopee to serve the entire area.

The hospital staff will work as a unit with the hospital to be open to all qualified physicians of this area. Communities represented at the meeting were Chaska, Jordan, Belle Plaine and Shakopee…

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 27, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Firefighters seek retirement increase

Harold “Butch” Ring, and members of the Shakopee Volunteer Fire Department met with the Shakopee city council during an informational meeting Monday evening.

The meeting was called to discuss a possible increase in retirement benefits for firemen; specifically, for the present $300 per year of service to $500 per year of service…

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 24, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Long-range plan for annexation offered by mayor

A proposal by Shakopee Mayor Jon Brekke would annex all of Jackson and Louisville townships to the city several years from now.

Brekke presented the conceptual plan to the Shakopee City Council last week. He pitched the proposal to the Louisville Town Board at its August monthly meeting and reported that the members seemed interested in further consideration of the plan…

The mayor’s proposal is based on setting a date 15 or 20 years down the road, starting with Jackson Township and then including Louisville five years later. By 2015 and 2020, respectively, any part of the townships that had not already been annexed would be brought into the city…

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150 Years Ago: From the Aug. 19, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The streets about the Elevator have long been a cow yard by night. If you cannot find your cow some of these bright mornings, go right to the city pound where she has been probably yarded at your expense for the night.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 16, 1900 Scott County Argus

The street force has been at work putting in a rock bed and riprap covering upon Atwood street, from the depot platform to Alois Hirscher’s residence.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 17, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Lightning struck the barn of August Fitz last Thursday killing a horse and igniting the building which was totally destroyed. The loss is covered by insurance.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 21, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Train Hits Truck
Driver Unhurt

Leo Siebenaler had a narrow escape from death Saturday afternoon when his ice truck was struck and nearly demolished by the local freight on the Milwaukee road.

Coming north on Lewis street Mr. Siebenaler failed to notice the train, eastbound, and drove upon the track directly in front of the approaching engine. He saw at once that a collision was inevitable and with great presence of mind leaped from the truck cab and ran toward Schesso’s garage, clear of the wreck which followed, and uninjured.

The engine caught the Ford truck on the body and dragged it to the rear of Schesso’s garage where it was left standing, but turned around, alongside the track. Parts of the truck were scattered from that point for nearly a block along the track, the cab and body of the truck being so badly smashed that only the motor can be used again. A peculiar feature of the wreck was that the glass windows of the cab remained unbroken…

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 20, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

King Midas Mill Co. Offering 5 lb. Sacks of Flour

The King Midas Mill Co. will give free a 5 pound sack of King Midas flour to anyone wishing to bake bread for exhibition at the coming Scott County Fair.

The milling company is doing this to encourage more bread exhibits, and if you will consult the fair premium book you will notice that they are awarding handsome special prizes for the best bread in addition to the regular prizes offered by the fair association. These 5 pound sacks of flour may be secured from any of the local merchants handling King Midas four, or at the Mill office.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 17, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Hospital Campaign Set

D. F. Capesius Heads Drive to Raise $150,000 as Community’s Share for Modern 50-Bed Structure

With $150,000 as the goal, a campaign to provide the community with a modern 50-bed hospital got under way this week as committeeman, division chairman and hospital corporation officers, under the leadership of Dallas Capesius, campaign chairman, completed plans for the biggest fund-raising movement ever undertaken here.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 17, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Hope To Start School On Time

“We are still hopeful of starting the school term on time, which is Tuesday, September 5,” Supt. Al Wurst reported this week after presenting the board of education with his regular construction progress report on the new school addition.

Work was well advanced on the first floor of the main north-south wing with the plasterers on the job and moving along rapidly. Likewise work was moving ahead on the second floor, although here it has not progressed quite as far.

The contractor lost nearly 45 working days this spring because of bad weather, Wurst explained, but much of this lost time has been made up. Most efforts are being concentrated on the main wing, with much of the work on the east-west industrial arts wing to be left until after the main classroom section is finished…

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 20, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Purchases interest in Cavanaugh Funeral Home

James McNearney has purchased an interest in the Cavanaugh Funeral Home in Shakopee according to an announcement today by Charles Cavanaugh…

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 17, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

County looks at jail options

Scott County will be considering the price of an array of options to solve its jail woes, including adding on to the main jail or expanding its annex in Sand Creek Township. The county has hired an architect to review options.

An Eden Prairie firm, DLR Group, will look at the costs of five basic options:

* Building a jail on another county-owned site.

* Upgrading the annex to hold a higher-level offender.

* A 50-bed addition to the main jail.

* Bringing the main jail into compliance with the state Department of Corrections (DOC) and building code standards.

* Converting the main jail into a 24-hour booking and holding facility…

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125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 9, 1900 Scott County Argus

John Gentgen’s new barber shop in the Argus block is being fitted up on the interior with almost extravagant taste, and when he becomes fully settled in his new quarters he will have one of the neatest and most attractive shops which could well be asked for. A new hardwood floor, freshly painted woodwork, handsome wallpaper in green and gold, plate glass windows, neatly arranged furnishings, all combine to make the place inviting. He will be ready for business in his new shop today.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 10, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Mike Berens will occupy the room vacated by John Gentgen, himself and will carry a larger stock of fruits than ever before.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 14, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Add Undertaking Business To Store

Geore A. Philipp, of the firm of A. H. Philipp & Son, was in the twin cities Monday and Tuesday and purchased new equipment for an undertaking establishment which they are adding to their present growing furniture business. Mr. Philipp has completed arrangements with Fred L. Vitense, who will have charge of the undertaking department, assisted by Mrs. Vitense, so that the services of a woman undertaker will be available in Shakopee for the first time…

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 13, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Local Catholic Cemetery Association Organized

A number of local Catholics interested in improvements being made at the lower Catholic cemetery assembled at the Public Rest room last Monday evening and organized a permanent Catholic Cemetery association of Shakopee. Rev. M. Savs was named chairman, Mrs. Wm. Duffy, secretary and Arnold Strunk, treasurer.

This newly-formed organization expects to make some temporary improvements in the lower cemetery in the very near future. The contemplated plans include the making of improvements of a permanent nature in this cemetery next spring.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 10, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

To Dedicate New Addition

St. Mary’s new school addition here is to be dedicated by His Excellency Archbishop John Gregory Murray in ceremonies scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday, August 27, Rev. H. J. Byrne, pastor, announced this week…

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 10, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Move To Annex NYA Camp Area

Annexation of additional territory, water supply problems, and amendment of issue and liquor ordinances came in for attention at the regular August meeting of the common council Tuesday evening at the city hall.

After City attorney Julius Coller explained that a city can annex territory which adjoins the city limits on a common boundary, Alderman J. C. Huber served notice of his attention of introducing an ordinance at the next meeting to incorporate the NYA camp area into the city of Shakopee.

The city owns the 280 acre tract which was purchased from the state through special legislation four years ago. At the present time the living quarters there are leased to the Shakopee Post, American Legion, and their housing project provides quarters for about 60 residents and a dozen families. Industrial buildings on the site are rented to firms directly by the city…

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 13, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

School board says no to ’75 fee schedule; building on schedule

Members of the Shakopee School Board voted Monday night to postpone a proposed fee schedule for participation in extra curricular activities for the 1975 school year and to form a committee for study of the plan.

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 10, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Shakopee first branch for 75-year-old bank in Wells

Paragon Bank has opened in downtown Shakopee, becoming the first branch of a bank based in Wells, Minn.

On Aug. 1, with the opening of the Shakopee branch, the bank’s name changed from Security State Bank of Wells to Paragon Bank. As the Shakopee bank celebrated its grand opening, the Wells bank celebrated its 75th anniversary…

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125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 2, 1900 Scott County Argus

A telephone was placed in D. M. Storer’s grocery store, Tuesday, and Mr. Storer is delighted to find that his deafness does not preclude him from making use of it. The number of the phone is 75.

125 Years Ago: From the Aug. 3, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Barber John Gentgen will shortly move into the Hinds building recently vacated by M. A. Deutsch.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 7, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Survey Taken

The State Highway commission were here yesterday and made a survey down First street of the proposed new route of Highway No. 5.

100 Years Ago: From the Aug. 6, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

John Furst is engaged in the work of leveling the stone step at the entrance to the local postoffice. This is being done as the step was worn to such an extent that it did not make a safe and satisfactory entrance to the building.

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 3, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

$53,643 in Equipment for School

Equipment totalling $53,643 to outfit the new public school under construction here was purchased by the board of education Friday night when contracts were awarded to seven bidders.

Largest order went to Hauenstein and Burmeister, Inc., who agreed to supply and install all the specialized furniture and equipment for the industrial arts and home economics class rooms and kitchen for $25,309.65.

On their bid of $20,546.70 Bargen Built Industries, Inc., was awarded the contract for class room desks and related items for the entire building.

Other contracts were awarded to the Aslesen company to supply kitchen equipment for $6,167.95; Neal Slate Company, blackboards and panels for $655.00; Miller-Davis Company, wood filing cabinets, $814.50; Bartley Sales Company, rubber mats, $89.00; and Builders Engineering Company, cubicle curtains and rods, $60.

Metal parts for the equipment sold by the Bargen firm are manufactured by the Stainless and Steel foundry in Shakopee, it was learned. Paul Ebling, Bargen sales manager, indicated that present volume of his company held promise of heavy runs for this foundry…

75 Years Ago: From the Aug. 3, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Hospital Fund raising Group To Be Formed

Incorporation of a non-profit corporation to handle the gigantic job of raising $100,000 for a new hospital here will be asked at a meeting to be held at St. Mark’s hall next Wednesday evening, August 9.

At a meeting Monday, the preliminary committee that has been studying the hospital matter decided that the project is a favorable one and that direct action should now be taken.

Invited to the meeting will be a representative group of citizens from Shakopee and the surrounding territory. They will include the presidents of all organizations in Shakopee, Chaska, Prior Lake, Jordan, and Savage in addition to some other communities. Organization heads being asked include civic, fraternal, church, veterans, and service groups…

50 Years Ago: From the Aug. 6, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Ziegler Co. announces new office, warehouse complex

Construction of a new, larger sales and service facility is now underway for Ziegler Tire Service Co.

Located on East Highway 101 in Shakopee, the new facility will feature a 13,000 square foot office, shop and tire warehouse, plus an additional 10,000 square feet cold storage warehouse.

Concurrent with the company’s physical expansion are personnel changes announced by Kent Taylor, Ziegler Tire Service Co. General Manager…

25 Years Ago: From the Aug. 3, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Church, school planned in city

A church and school is in the planning stages for eastern Shakopee, with construction expected to begin late this year or early next year.

Living Hope Lutheran Church of Savage is planning a two-year construction project on 10 acres on the west side of County Road 18, south of its intersection with County Road 16, which was the former site of the Muhlenhardt farmstead.

This spring, Living Hope, a satellite of Bloomington Lutheran Church, completed the land purchase. Living Hope Pastor Scott Spaulding said ongoing committee meetings are aimed at the design portion of the school…

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