By Wes Reinke
Below are historical news excerpts from the Shakopee area from this week in years gone by:
150 Years Ago: From the May 20, 1875 Shakopee Argus
Our Justices’ Courts are still full of business. We have not known so much petty litigation in this county since 1857 and 1858 as is prevailing at this time. Hard times and scarcity of money may have something to do with this state of things, but the winding up of some business matters produces most of the litigation.
125 Years Ago: From the May 17, 1900 Scott County Argus
The brick has been removed from the east side of L. Mayer’s residence, on Second and Sommerville streets, and a large addition will be made to the present structure to be used as a first-class boarding house.
125 Years Ago: From the May 18, 1900 Shakopee Tribune
Kohls & Berens are building a one-story addition 35 feet long and one 18 feet which will even the building recently vacated by John Mertz and the one occupied by H. P. Marx with the corner store building.
100 Years Ago: From the May 22, 1925 Shakopee Argus
R. O. Brockway had his airplane here Sunday and spent a large part of the day in learning to pilot it. As soon as he becomes proficient and gains full confidence in his ability as a pilot, Mr. Brockway intends to use his machine to carry passengers. What with an airplane, automobiles, hourly busses and two railway lines at the command of the local public Shakopee is strictly up-to-date and takes pride in its very modern facilities for transportation.
100 Years Ago: From the May 21, 1925 Shakopee Tribune
The Presbyterian church property has been beautified by the setting out of one-half dozen elm trees on the boulevard. The men of the congregation had a tree planting party. They also made some splendid new improvements in the church parlors, adding to the conveniences of serving large numbers of their dinners. The Ladies’ Aid Society furnished lunch to show their appreciation of the good work.
75 Years Ago: From the May 18, 1950 Shakopee Argus-Tribune
Modernizing and Enlarging Store
More than 1,700 square feet of additional floor space, a new and modernly designed front will result from remodeling and construction operations now under way at the House of Bargains building on West First street.
Plans call for a 40 by 32 foot addition on the north, and a 15 by 19 foot addition on the east side. Concrete block, glass block, Kasota stone and plate glass are being combined to produce a novel structure, Pat O’Connor, owner, said.
75 Years Ago: From the May 18, 1950 Shakopee Valley News
CC Hears Report On New Hospital
Possibilities of new industries locating here and the erection of a new 70 to 100 bed hospital were the chief topics discussed at the regular monthly meeting of the Shakopee Commercial Club Tuesday night at the Legion club.
After Dr. B. F. Pearson presented a preliminary report on the hospital situation, the club voted to appoint a committee to assist the Sisters of St. Francis if such assistance is needed. Club president R. D. Johnson will name the committee at a later date…
50 Years Ago: From the May 21, 1975 Shakopee Valley News
Tax question may be returned to court
A petition has been filed by the City of Shakopee from Minnesota Valley Mall, Inc. for annexation of the 140 acre site west of Shakopee on Highway 169. The matter of annexation has been a question of controversy between the city and Jackson Township.
Minnesota Valley Mall has requested annexation in order to obtain city services, specifically water, sewer and liquor license privileges.
25 Years Ago: From the May 18, 2000 Shakopee Valley News
Clinton visit shakes Shakopee
Crowds get chance to meet president
President Clinton wowed ‘em in Shakopee Friday.
Clinton spoke to a crowd of about 500 at the Hauer farm … pushing for the permanent normalization of trade relations with China, and afterward seemed to shake every hand offered to him…
You can view archived editions of Remember When at Shakopee Snapshots.
Interested in local history? Find even more at the Shakopee Heritage Society website.