Editor’s note: In addition to our typical dive into the Prior Lake American’s archives for this week’s news from decades ago, we welcome occasional submissions from longtime resident Kathy Dawson, an avid collector of Prior Lake’s historical documents and photos.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 has served as home base for Prior Lake VFW 6208 and its Auxiliary for the past 65 years. Prior to its acquisition, movie-goers flocked to the site to watch Hollywood icons on the big screen.
Gem Theater was popular Prior Lake entertainment venue for decades; transitioned to VFW Club in 1960
By Kathy Dawson
The village of Prior Lake finally acquired a movie theater in 1938. A lot in the downtown area was for sale north of Bundy’s Garage on south Main Street and Pleasant Avenue. The asking price was $300,
It was bought by a Mr. Dawson of Shakopee. He commissioned Jim O’Keefe and his crew to build a theater on the site. A short time later, Dawson sold the theater to Tom Adcoc who was manager and projectionist. There were various owners after that.
Verdon Monnens remembers the early years of the theater. He was hired by Paul Monnens, his uncle who also co-owned the business, to take tickets and sweep the floors of the theater. There were no vacuum cleaners back then.
Bernice Farrell Unze remembers “Our Gang” and many who are still around the area never forgot the movie, “The Sullivan Brothers.” We were in early grade school at the time. When the movie showed the ship sinking with everyone being drowned, some of cried out loud. The theater manager came down to the front where we were and told us to hush. He came down again to tell us to be quiet when we cheered as Gene Autry caught the “bad guys” in cowboy movies.
In later years, the name Gem Theater was changed to Lake Theater.
It was on April 30, 1960, that the Lake Theater building was purchased for $7,000 by local residents who wanted to establish a post for the Prior Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliary. Two hundred dollars in earnest money was paid. A work committee then met on May 12 to start changing the interior from a theater to a new bar and meeting rooms.
Incorporation papers were signed by Post officers and Auxiliary leaders at Memorial Park on August 21, 1960. Three members — John Anderson, Leo Borgerding and Tony Speiker — were co-signers.
Labor Day was set as opening of new club rooms that continue to serve as a bar, eating establishment and popular meeting spot for community events.
Prior Lake American
Published 60 years ago
January 4, 1966
Bond issue put to vote: A second bond election for an addition to the elementary school and construction of a kindergarten facility within the Prior Lake School District was scheduled for Jan. 12. A record number of voters — 1,038 — cast ballots when the issue was first presented on Nov. 3. Both issues were defeated by a two-to-one margin.
Boy stuck in laundry chute: The Prior Lake Fire Department was called to the Ames residence in Green Heights when a 10-year-old boy was reported to be stuck in a laundry chute. Fire Chief Francis Snell said the boy was quickly extracted and suffered no injuries. There was no damage to the laundry chute.
Great house prices listed in the Prior Lake American: Lovely 3- or 4-bedroom home — $19,000, split entry on large lot in Maple Acres, gas built-ins, 1-1/2 baths, large family room, walk-out. Attractive 3-bedroom rambler — $15,900, on corner lot in Prior Lake on blacktopped street with all assessments paid, oak finish and floors, carpeted and draped.
Published 38 years ago
January 4, 1988
Burglary attempted at local bar: Police arrested two men for the attempted burglary of the Extra Innings Saloon that occurred on Christmas Eve. One suspect was arrested in a Prior Lake home a week later, while the other was captured the night of the burglary in a swamp area located near the bar.
Three injured in accident: Two exchange students sustained injuries after being hit by a car while walking near the intersection of County Road 44 and Candy Cove Trail. Jannicke Johansson, age 17, from Norway, was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, while Swedish exchange student Magdalena Sandberg was treated at St. Francis Regional Medical Center and released later that night. The 17-year-old driver of the car from Prior Lake was treated and released from the hospital.
Admission tax to help fund Ferry Bridge construction: Scott County was approved to charge an admission tax on all tickets sold at Valleyfair, Canterbury Downs and the Renaissance Festival. The funds collected were to be used for the funding of the new Bloomington Ferry Bridge. The measure was expected to bring in nearly $584,000 in new revenue for the county in 1988.
Published 20 years ago
January 7, 2006
Long-time fire department leader retires: After 23 years of service, First Assistant Fire Chief Brent Johnson turned in his fire gear and retired from the Prior Lake Fire Department. He joined the department in 1982 as a 28-year-old father of two young boys and later was elected to serve as the department’s first assistant. Doug Hartman assumed that role following Johnson’s retirement.
Quit speeding and pay attention: The Prior Lake Police Department announced it would be stepping up presence on County Road 21 in its attempt to reduce crashes on the busy roadway. Patrol overtime costs totaling $12,000 were approved by the Prior Lake City Council. Particular attention was to be given to speeders and inattentive drivers.
Big win for the Lakers: The Laker boys’ basketball team was on a winning streak after beating third-ranked Class 4A Centennial with a score of 79 to 77. Senior guard Jon Cassens contributed 20 points and seven assists, while junior point guard Austin Haugh scored 10 points and six assists.
