Editor’s note: In addition to our typical dive into the Prior Lake American’s archives for this week’s news from 60, 40 and 20 years ago, we welcome occasional submissions from longtime resident Kathy Dawson, an avid collector of Prior Lake’s historical documents and photos. Her work is highlighted occasionally as part of “Prior Lake in the Past” summaries, including this week, which gives historical information about the building that is now occupied by YT’s Garage Sports Bar. We hope our readers enjoy remembering those who are mentioned from years past, and this feature provides historical perspective about how much the community has changed over the decades.
Building on Main has long business history
By Kathy Dawson
From the Jordan Independent, March, 1914: Frank Simones bought a building from William Schmokel in March of 1914, intending to open a harness shop located on the southeast corner of Main Street and Pleasant Avenue. In a few months, the building was ready for business. Simones did all kinds of leather work, along with repairing shoes and boots. He was an asset to the town for many years. In March 1941, he sold the business and moved to Shakopee where he opened a modern shoe shop.
From The Leader, April 1981: Melvin Borchardt purchased the building from Simones and continued the business of harness and shoe repair. Harvest time was the busiest season for harness repair.
Mr. Borchardt seldom left the shop before midnight and was up at 5 a.m. every morning, ready for work. In 1946, business came to an abrupt halt. Farmers were making a good profit. There was money to spend
for the farm mechanization and everyone was eager and willing to buy a tractor. George Farrell had a John Deere dealership on Dakota Street in downtown Prior Lake.
Other name brand tractors were soon being sold to local farmers. There were few horses doing farm work at that time. No one seemed to need leather harnesses. Mr. Borchardt then acquired a dealership to sell Ford cars. His was the last harness shop that was open in Prior Lake.
The harness shop lasted for 32 years in downtown Prior Lake. It was occupied by other businesses over the years, and this year became YT’s Garage Bar.
Prior Lake American
Published 60 years ago
October 5, 1965
Lakers defeat Farmington: The Prior Lake Lakers football team, led by quarterback Ron Tieben who passed for three touchdowns, claimed victory over the Farmington Tigers by a score of 20-6. Tieben’s first pass came in the first quarter when he hit Dick Sheehan for a 60-yard touchdown run. Ron Olson scored the other two touchdowns in the second half.
School district floats $400,000 bond election: Raymond Gormley, chair of the Prior Lake Board of Education, outlined details related to the special bond election totaling $400,000 that was scheduled for Nov. 3. Gormley stated the community support was needed for the completion of Prior Lake Elementary School, acquisition of land for future school usage and remodeling projects at the high school.
Support local businesses: The “Business and Professional Directory” published in the Prior Lake American featured these local businesses: Dr. R.V. Nims, Dentist; Richard Menke, Attorney at Law; Ballard-Busse Funeral Home; Ray Bloomberg, Excavating, Dozing and Landscaping; Gayle Carpenter, Mortgage and Investments; Karl Mickus Agency, Insurance & Real Estate; Prior Lake Beauty Salon, Richard Van Winkle; Geren’s Liquor; Jean and Dick, Drive-In Service Doors. Of particular note was this advertisement: Laker Barber Shop featuring Harry and Don, “If your hair isn’t becoming to you, you should be coming to us!”
Published 40 years ago
October 7, 1985
Homecoming royalty chosen: Keith Rothstein and Becky Shimek were named Homecoming king and queen during the Laker Capers event held that week. The Lakeville Panthers ended up winning the Homecoming football match-up with a score of 21-7.
Strike up the band: Prior Lake Senior High Band Director Ken Ziemann began his quest to form a community band. Early on, nearly 50 people signed up to participate, but trombone, flute and piccolo players were still needed. Yet to be named, the band had already received bookings to play at a Minnesota Strikers soccer game, Murphy’s Landing and future city events.
State honors for teacher: Prior Lake Junior High English teacher Karen Schmidt was honored as a top 25 finalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
Student newspaper praised: Eric Lindstrom, a 1985 graduate of Prior Lake High School, was recognized at the 39th Annual Journalism Conference conducted at Bemidji State University. It was the first time the Laker Times had been entered in the annual competition honoring high school newspapers and writers, according to Mary Beth Herman, faculty advisor for the school’s newspaper.
Published 20 years ago
October 8, 2005
Spring Lake Regional Park moves forward: The Scott County Board of Commissioners voted to move forward with developing a master plan for Spring Lake Regional Park. The City of Prior Lake also purchased a portion of the park land and was working with the county on its plan to use 40 acres for athletic fields.
Girls break record: Linay McCrady, Elisabeth Pidde, Keeli McNeary and Kim Kazika joined forces to break a school swimming record in the 400-yard freestyle with a winning time of 3 minutes, 47.85 seconds.
Rain, rain go away: Close to six inches of rain fell on Prior Lake in a 24-hour period for the second time in a four-week period. City officials reported flooding problems in new construction areas where silt fences and storm drain filters had stalled and prevented storm water systems from operating.
