A look back at what happened in Shakopee history. You may also find this column in the Shakopee Valley News.
125 Years Ago: From the Dec. 10, 1896 Scott County Argus
John Reis has sold his harness business to Mr. Mahowald of Renville county. Mr. Mahowald will move here at once, and take possession. His family will locate in the Simmer house north of the Court House.
100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 8, 1921 Shakopee Tribune
Car Stolen
Automobile thieves stole Harry C. Mertz’s car Tuesday night by breaking into the garage at John Thiem home.
Mr. Thiem and Mr. Mertz sat up until about one o’clock and nothing unusual was heard about the place so think the theft occurred after that time.
The discovery was made about seven o’clock in the morning by Miss Mollie Theis who noticed the door open and the garage empty.
The car was a Ford coupe, 1921 model and in possession of Mr. Mertz only two months. It is generally believed the car was pulled out of the garage by a horse as there were horses hoof prints about the place.
Authorities were notified at once, however no clue has been found up to the present time. The car was insured but if not found there will be a loss to the owner.
75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 5, 1946 Shakopee Argus-Tribune
State Formally Approves New School Plans
That I. O. Friswold, director of building and business administration of the State Department of Education had given his formal approval to the preliminary plans for Shakopee’s proposed new school was made a matter of record this week with the receipt of a letter from Long and Thorshov, architects who designed the structure.
The letter, addressed to Al N. Wurst, superintendent, advised that the plans had been approved by Mr. Friswold, “with no difficulty and without reservation.”…
50 Years Ago: From the Dec. 8, 1971 Shakopee Valley News
Judges Urge Courthouse Addition
To Unify Lower Courts…
…Scott County judges F. J. Connolly and Kermit Lindmeyer, in a meeting with Scott County Administrator Joseph Ries, have proposed an addition to the small building north of the present main courthouse to house the county courtrooms.
The addition, according to the judges suggestions, would be connected to the main building. The small building, formerly a garage, was recently remodeled for County Attorneys offices, but is now being used by the county courts Violations Intake Bureau since the Attorney’s move to New Prague.
In reporting the judges wishes to the county board Tuesday, Ries estimated the cost of the addition would be from $40,000 to $50,000…
25 Years Ago: From the Dec. 5, 1996 Shakopee Valley News
Sand Burr Gulch meets its end
The village of Sand Burr Gulch is no more.
Fire departments from Shakopee, Prior Lake, Savage and Chaska set the former Stagecoach Museum complex ablaze on Saturday to practice firefighting techniques and also get rid of the dilapidated buildings along Highway 101 between Shakopee and Savage.
The onetime theme park, entertainment complex and Stagecoach Museum and Restaurant, was built by Ozzie and Marie Klavestad. The Klavestads bought the property in the early 1950s to house Ozzie’s growing gun collection, and eventually the site was developed to resemble the Old West. Ozzie and Marie dressed the part as they entertained visitors it eh park’s inn, Bella Union Opera House and of course, Sand Burr Gulch. After some 30 years, they sold the property to Cal and Cheryl Hotzler.
After the property was sold to the Hotzlers, the opera house burned in 1983. Soon, public interest in the site faded. The Hotzlers hope to sell the 5-acre property.
