Shakopee Snapshots

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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150 Years Ago: From the July 29, 1875 Shakopee Argus

Shakopee has been full of petty law suits during the past week or ten days—assaults and batteries predominating.

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

John Velz is in his new quarters in the Fred Scherkenbach building. The interior has been made as bright as wall paper and paint can make it, and the shop is a credit to the proprietor’s taste.

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

The people living along Fuller street both east and west side, from First to Fifth street feel sorely neglected in the sidewalk resolution. They are all citizens worthy of consideration by the council.

100 Years Ago: From the July 31, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Burning refuse in the dump in West Shakopee threatened serious consequences Tuesday evening and in order to prevent the fire from getting beyond control the fire department was called to the scene. While the fire was in progress the electric siren was tested and gave results, telephone calls being received from Prior Lake, Eden Prairie and distant farms to know if the town was burning, owing to the prolonged alarm of the siren.

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

No. 5 to Cross River Here

Highway to Run West of Town or Through City on First to Lewis Street.

A committee of Shakopee people, including Mayor E. K. Ries, John H. Moore, Donald Childs, H. C. Schroeder and J. J. Moriarty went to St. Paul last Tuesday for an interview with the state highway commissioner, C. M. Babcock, relative to the permanent routing of highway number 5.

This committee informed us upon their return to this city that in their opinion the highway will be routed in a northeasterly manner west of the State Reformatory for Women, making an under-pass under the railroad tracks west of town, striking first street some distance west of the business district, thence coming east on first street to a point five blocks west of Lewis street, just a short distance east of the John B. Heller property. From this point it would go in a northeasterly manner across the river, keeping west of the present city park and athletic grounds, and continue in the same direction until it reached the present Trunk Highway number 51…

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

Offer $250,000 Toward Hospital

That the Sisters of St. Francis who now operate a hospital here are ready to provide $250,000 toward the construction of a modern 50-bed hospital to serve the community was disclosed Monday night at a meeting of the Commercial Club committee assigned the responsibility of working out a plan to assist in financing the project…

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

To Open School Equipment Bids

Bids will be opened at 8 p.m. Friday evening for much of the new equipment to be installed in the Shakopee school, Al Wurst, superintendent, reported this week.

Material will include desks, tables, shelving, cabinets and workbenches for the classrooms, special rooms, and library plus office furniture and equipment in the lunchroom and shops…

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

Midland Glass to distribute quart mason jars locally

Midland Glass Company has announced that they will distribute quart size Midland Mason Jars and regular quart size lids to stores in Shakopee…

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

Panel favors downtown site for new library

A committee charged with recommending a home for Shakopee’s new public library is favoring an unspecified downtown location, possibly even on the existing site at Lewis Street and Third Avenue. How to fund that expanded facility is a question that will likely stir debate at the city level…

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

A new library of something like a hundred volumes has been established at M. A. Deutsch’s drug store, the number of members being about forty. The books are all works of fiction, and at the end of two years, or sooner if so desired, the library will be dissipated, each member taking a share of the volumes. The Parmalee traveling library has been shelved, by order of the Board of Health, and the last section has not yet been opened.

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

The Crystal has placed a beautiful new awning in front of the building to protect its customers against the hot rays of the sun when trying to cool off inwardly.

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

Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Hoard have bought the E. Southworth residence in this city, Mrs. Hoard’s old home. Mrs. Hoard and children started Wednesday by automobile for San Antonio, Texas, where Mr. Hoard is located. The latter had intended to return here for a vacation but his work in Texas has prevented it and his family will join him there. They expect to spend a year in the southern city.

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

Sam Ferdman bought a new Chevrolet Sedan from Schesso Bros. yesterday. Sam says he bought the car to have something to occupy his spare time on Sundays.

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

Buys Stans House

Mrs. Nellie Verkennes moved into the former J. H. Stans home at 128 West Second street Saturday. She purchased the property from Maurice Stans of Chicago, last week.

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

New Hospital Plans Underway

Plans for the construction of a new 50 bed hospital in Shakopee were started by a group of local citizens this week. The hospital would cost an estimated $600,000.

In the near future, the Shakopee Commercial Club will have a call for all organizations, church groups, veterans and fraternal units, and civic clubs in this area to send representatives to a meeting to discuss plans for incorporating a fund-raising organization.

It is planned that the hospital would serve the entire area including the towns of Chaska, Jordan, Prior Lake, Savage, and other communities in addition to Shakopee…

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

Propose 60 unit motel

Northwest Construction and Development Corporation has asked the city of Shakopee to study sewer and water extensions to a site southwest of the Minnesota Valley Mall shopping center. The firm has plans for a 60 unit motel with the possible addition of 40 units at a later date. The proposed study will be conducted by the city engineering staff.

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

New store Targets Shakopee

For many local residents, Shakopee has really made it to the big time with this week’s opening of a Target store.

After months of construction and preparation, area residents get a taste of another big-box retailer’s grand opening when Target opens its doors. The store is planning a community party Sunday after Wednesday’s first day of business.

On Saturday evening, Target will have a fireworks display. It is scheduled to begin shortly after dark and spectators are encouraged to watch from the store’s parking lot…

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

John Sencerbox has gone East for a big stock of Dry Goods. In a short time the Argus Store will open with a full assortment of Dry Goods, Notions, Dress Goods, Boots and Shoes, as well as Clothing and Hats and Caps. In three weeks time look out for cheap prices, fine goods and trade for cash.

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

A handsome steel arch bridge is replacing the old wooden draw bridge which has for many years spanned the Minnesota river on the Milwaukee line between this point and Chaska. A large crew of men is at work, and the new structure will soon be ready for the rails.

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

Math Theis was chosen for overseer of the poor by the board of County Commissioners last Wednesday. The choice was a good one. Mr. Theis will prove a good father to the poor, and a fair man in the division of merchandise purchased, from the different business firms.

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

Charles Strehlow has bought of Mrs. Piske of St. Paul her residence property on Second street for $1200, the agreement being that he is to take possession September 1st. Since the removal of the Piske family to St. Paul the place has been occupied by Wm. Sudmann and family who, at present, have no plans concerning the change they will be compelled to make by reason of the sale.

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

Considerable excitement was aroused last Sunday evening when a Carver man, driving a Ford car, backed his auto which was parked on First street, in front of the Bowdish Confectionery, into the fender of C. J. Hartmann’s Moon, damaging the body to some extent.

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

Slot Machine Pays Out Ice

A unique and popular utility service got under way here the past week with the opening of an automatic ice vending machine on West First St. It is operated by Len Brick, proprietor of the local Sanitary Ice company.

Self-serving, it tosses out 25 and 50 pound cakes when the customer drops in coins according to a price schedule posted on the machine. For those who want ice cubes coins can be inserted and the robot will hand you a 7-pound bag of cubes.

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

Jim Covington Leases Direct Service Station

James B. Covington, of Covington Motor Sales, announces this morning that he has acquired the lease of the Direct Service station on East First Street formerly operated by Leo Zurn.

New name of the station will be “The Auto Fountain”, and the station will specialize in complete service to the motoring public. Facilities will be available to handle the many large trucks now using T. H. 101…

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

Fee will be required for students taking part in extra, co-curricular activities

All participants in extra curricular or co-curricular activities at Shakopee Junior and Senior High school may have to pay a fee for their participation following action of the School Board Monday evening.

Following over two hours of heated debate, Mrs. Barbara Runge offered a resolution initiating a fee schedule that would pertain to activities financed through the School Auxiliary Fund, a part of the General Fund.

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

Panel will study cost to refurbish county main jail

As part of an intense examination of what to do with the aging Scott County Jail, a committee studying the issue plans to employ an architect to establish how big the price tag might be to bring the facility into compliance.

Without dissent, the committee agreed to have an architect study the cost of bringing the 42-year-old jail in Shakopee up to the minimum building codes and the cost of implementing the state Department of Corrections’ (DOC) minimum requirements for a correctional facility licensed to hold up to 40 people up to one year…

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150 Years Ago: From the July 8, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The Anti-Monopolist came out last week in an entire new dress, and pleasantly boasts that it is all paid for. This indicates continued prosperity, and we trust Mr. Donnelly and his paper will continue to thrive and improve.

125 Years Ago: From the July 5, 1900 Scott County Argus

The five-year-old son of John Stang of Marystown fell down an open well, thirty five feet deep, last Friday, and came through the experience with nothing worse than a cut in his scalp. The well was being cleaned, and the father was just about to descend, when the little tot took his tumble. There was but little water in the well, and the sides are curbed with stone; hence the child’s escape is little less than miraculous.

125 Years Ago: From the July 6, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

Kohls & Berens are nearly all straightened out again, after being crowded for some time owing to building the addition and now have a model store building.

100 Years Ago: From the July 10, 1925 Shakopee Argus

While Frank Hirscher was staging a private display of fireworks on the evening of July 4th, sky-rocket deflected from its intended course and landed in the so-called “dump” north of First street, setting fire to a heap of dry branches of trees which had been cut to help fil in the ravine. An unexpected bonfire of huge proportions was the result and a shower of sparks carried by the wind became so menacing to nearby homes that the fire department was called and put out the blaze.

100 Years Ago: From the July 9, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

St. Paul Globe of 1879 Found in St. Mark’s Steeple

J. M. Mathews, steeplejack, has been working on the steeple of the St. Mark’s church for the past ten days, painting the steeple and repairing the damage done by the recent tornado.

Mr. Mathews has handed to us a copy of the St. Paul Globe, dated October 13, 1879. This paper is addressed to George Reis at Shakopee. Several names are scribbled on it in pencil. Among those that we were able to decipher are Frank Buch, Julius A. Coller, and George Reis. Mr. Mathews found it in the steeple of the church. The paper is in a remarkable state of preservation, considering the fact that it is almost fifty years old.

75 Years Ago: From the July 6, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Sold Home

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Menden have sold their home on east Fourth street to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Arndt. The basement for the Menden’s new 3-bedroom home at 6th and Spencer, will be started this week. Until their new house is completed, Mr. and Mrs. Menden are residing in the Mill Pond home, vacated, by Mrs. Menden’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Laddusaw.

75 Years Ago: From the July 6, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Goal of $325 Set For Annual Boy Scout Troop Fund Drive

The annual campaign of Shakopee Troop No. 218, Boy Scouts of America, to raise its share of the Minneapolis Area Council budget started July 1, the troop committee announced this week.

While Shakopee has not been assessed a fixed quota, the troop is attempting to raise $325 through a mail campaign. This money will be used to pay the local share of the Council’s $26,000 budget which covers the services of full-time field men, training, awards, and general administration expense…

50 Years Ago: From the July 9, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Strike continues

Striking workers entered their fourth week of picketing job sites in Shakopee, a result of a construction strike. While some unions have tentatively settled salary terms and contract language, memberships have not voted on contract offers. Some workers, thinking the strike was over, reported for work Monday but were turned away. The new Junior High school, the Scott County Courthouse and several other job sites are affected locally.

25 Years Ago: From the July 6, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

Exhibit features history of prisons in Minnesota

An exhibit that traces Minnesota correctional history from the time of the territorial prison in 1853 to the recent opening of the state correctional facility in Rush City will be on public display July 10 in Shakopee.

The exhibit will be open to the public from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee. It also marks the 40th year since the state corrections department was formed…

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150 Years Ago: From the July 1, 1875 Shakopee Argus

The lightning during the heavy storm last week, struck the machine shops in this city and scattered, passing into the different buildings connected with the shops. Quite a number of the employees felt the shock, in a greater or less degree. Some were brought to their knees. The effects were felt by a few for several days, but no serious injury to any person or property resulted therefrom.

125 Years Ago: From the June 28, 1900 Scott County Argus

The draw bridge is now ornamented with colored lights such as are used for switch lights in railway yards. The Minnesota river, be it known, is a navigable stream, and the war department of the United States says that our bridge must carry the usual lights as provided for by the rules of the Light House board for the safety of navigation. Hence the nightwatchman has added the duties of light house keeper to his onerous labors. There are five lights in use, and they are so arranged that they show red up and down the river when the bridge is closed, and those on the draw show the green lights in those directions when the draw is open.

125 Years Ago: From the June 29, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

P. R. Golden has bought half interest in Martin Doherty’s saloon business.

100 Years Ago: From the July 3, 1925 Shakopee Argus

Shakopee To Have Another Oil Station

J. W. Oldenberg has purchased from John Kopp the corner lot on Fourth and Sommerville Streets and will erect an oil station thereon. Mr. Oldenberg is using in the construction of the station sheetiron made up in sections already to be bolted together. Work was begun on the structure Wednesday morning and the job will be rushed to completion as soon as possible.

It is Mr. Oldenberg’s intention to handle the Puritan Oil Company products.

100 Years Ago: From the July 2, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

The fire department was called to the Ed Schmidt home Tuesday afternoon to extinguish a blaze which started when Miss Magdalen Volz, who is employed at the Schmidt home was cleaning a silk dress with gasoline. The friction caused by the rubbing of the dress in the gasoline ignited a blaze which burned the dress and Miss Volz’s arms. The blaze was immediately extinguished upon the arrival of the fire department. Slight damage was done to the interior of the kitchen in addition to the burns suffered by Miss Volz and the loss of the dress.

75 Years Ago: From the June 29, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Statue Unveiled in Ceremony Tuesday

Shakopee’s replica of the Statue of Liberty was unveiled at dedicatory ceremonies in the courthouse square Tuesday night.

75 Years Ago: From the June 29, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

Street Improvements Continue On Lewis

Shakopee street department crews, under the direction of Edgar Bolz, superintendent, are now installing storm sewer culverts at the curb line on Lewis street. The project is similar to one completed in the business section of Holmes street last week.

When the culverts are completed on Lewis street, both that street and Holmes street will be repaved. The extremely high curb on both streets will be eliminated as the grade of the street will be raised.

50 Years Ago: From the July 2, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Statutory charter dead

Shakopee’s Statutory Charter, which was replaced by a new structure of government here in April, died an official death Tuesday. July 1 was the deadline by which cities had to voluntarily adopt either Plan A or Plan B of the reorganizational plan or automatically be reclassified…

25 Years Ago: From the June 29, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

School population up 15.6% this year

With the influx of new residents to Shakopee and surrounding communities, it comes as no surprise that the population of the Shakopee School District has increased 15.6 percent over 1999.

With 23,618 people living within school district boundaries, compared to 20,431 last year, the growth curve shows no signs of leveling off, said Superintendent Bob Ostlund…

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150 Years Ago: From the June 24, 1875 Shakopee Argus

Brown the Photographer is erecting a building at the corner of 2d and Holmes street, and will soon furnish the Shakopeeans with Ice Cream and Confectioneries.

125 Years Ago: From the June 21, 1900 Scott County Argus

The office and lobby, and the parlors at the rear, in the First National Bank have been brightened by new paper upon the walls and ceiling. The designs are artistic, and the workmanship of Peter Paul is made to show to good advantage in the fine effects produced.

125 Years Ago: From the June 22, 1900 Shakopee Tribune

John M. Velz will shortly move his tonsorial parlors into the Schwartz building recently purchased by Fred Scherkenbach.

100 Years Ago: From the June 26, 1925 Shakopee Argus

A big improvement to the city Is now in progress in the boulevarding of Holmes street from Second to Fifth streets, on both sides of the street. At suggestion by E. J. Huber, property owners along the street were interested, presented a petition to the council to have the work done, and are paying for it. The curbing is being put in by Joseph Fischer and crew under the supervision of the street committee of the city council. The work will be finished in a short time and will greatly enhance the appearance of the street. It may even prove an example that other property holders throughout the city will admire and be inspired to follow.

100 Years Ago: From the June 25, 1925 Shakopee Tribune

Shakopee Now Has New Five Piece Orchestra

Four of Shakopee’s young musicians have organized a new orchestra and during the past week have been practising together with Harland Anderson, Minneapolis banjo player, and the fifth member of the orchestra. The local members and the instruments they play are as follows: Miss Agnes DeVenney, piano; Howard Dellwo, violin; Math Majerus, saxaphone and Boyd Bowdish, drums.

75 Years Ago: From the June 22, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Remodeling of Garage Started

First step in the remodeling of the front of the Miklethun Motors building on First street here has been completed with the razing of the old brick face.

The new front will include a 10×12 foot overhead garage door, large display window and business door. Concrete block and brick veneer will constitute the structural material.

Remodeling plans also provide for the building of a show room and office it was learned.

75 Years Ago: From the June 22, 1950 Shakopee Valley News

St. John’s Church To Observe Double Anniversary Sunday

St. John’s Lutheran church will celebrate a double anniversary Sunday as members of the pioneer Shakopee church observe the ninetieth anniversary of the founding of the congregation and the sixtieth anniversary of the dedication of the present church…

50 Years Ago: From the June 25, 1975 Shakopee Valley News

Lionelles aid Lions project

Shakopee Lionelles were organized in September, 1972, to serve as an assisting arm of the Shakopee Lions Club. Lionelle president his year is Mrs. James Frady.

Last year, Lionelles raised money for a water fountain at Lions Park, which is yet to be installed. This year, projects will be conducted to raise money for playground equipment.

25 Years Ago: From the June 22, 2000 Shakopee Valley News

ADC adding buildings, workers here

Fueled by growing interest in Internet access and a robust economy, ADC Telecommunications is growing at a head-swirling rate, especially here in Shakopee.

Along with a new $78 million facility planned for Valley Park Drive, Highway 169 and County Road 101, ADC is increasing its investment in Shakopee by nearly 1 million square feet of building space and will add approximately 1,500 new and relocated jobs to the city.

The company recently announced the lease of a 162,000-square-foot distribution center in Valley Green Business Park in eastern Shakopee. ADC also recently completed terms on a lease of the 286,000-square-foot building that formerly housed Tsumura International, a Japanese-based fragrance company.

The new leases are in addition to the 490,000-square-foot building that ADC will build with the help of $1.3 million in tax abatements over six years from the city of Shakopee and Scott County…

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