Kmart and Parking Ramps in 1970

News Stories – May 28, 1970 – On the front page of the newspaper was a story about the proposed parking ramp in Downtown Minot. This ramp was to be built in the ½ block just south of the old Midwest Federal Building or just west of what is now Wells Fargo Bank. Cost to build the ramp in 1970 was $1,600,000 – the ramp was never built … also in the news was the announcement of the store manager for the new Kmart Store being built at the intersection of Highway 83 South and the 2&52 Bypass. The store was scheduled to open on July 9, 1970 – the first store manager was Roger Atkinson – The Kmart store is still in this location ……

1971 Cigarette Rumor –

Trinity Hospital was the recipient of over 25,000 empty cigarette packages from all over the state. Many believed the rumors that cigarette companies would redeem the empty packs for items such as seeing eye dogs, wheel chairs and other medical supplies. Over 10,000 empty cigarette packs came from the Westhope School District.  Unfortunately there was no truth to the rumor. Trinity thanked all those who tried to help the cause. The empty cigarette packs ended up in the Minot landfill.  

Medora Musical in Minot –

on June 16, 1970 sixteen performers from the Medora Musical were in Minot and preformed at the Municipal Auditorium…. The funds raised were earmarked for relocation and restoration of the Teddy Roosevelt statue in Roosevelt Park. The statue fell victim to the 1969 flood. Funds would also be used to help straighten the river channel through the park and improve animal pens in the zoo….. the performance was sponsored by the Minot service clubs….

Shirley Room Cafeteria –

 Located in the basement of the Minot Savings & Loan Building…. They claimed to have the lowest prices in Downtown Minot …. One special in 1970 was Soup, sandwich, coleslaw, chips and beverage for on 75 cents…. You could order breakfast and pay between 35 cents to $1.15….. Dinners were 89 cents to $1.20 …. A salad side dish was only 10 cents. ….. King Leo’s – also in 1970 for fast food at low prices --- King Leo’s on South Broadway (now Arby’s) was offering Hamburgers – 20 cents --- Cheeseburgers – 25 cents --- Fries – 20 cents and Milk shakes – 25 cents … a quick meal for 65 cents……

Other Ads of Interest – November 1963 –

Minot Federal Savings (Midwest Federal or the Big “M” Building) was new. During normal business hours daily tours were being offered with free refreshments and free brochures …. Arrowhead Shopping Center was advertising the fact that 2^nd Avenue was now paved all the way to the shopping center …. Prices on a local car dealer’s used car lot – 1958 Ford Fairlane - $285.00 .. 1959 Pontiac Catalina - $995.00 .. 1961 Ford Fairlane - $1065.00 …. Vince Lee’s Bottle Shop on 3^rd Street NE was advertising the right wine for any occasion …. Self Service Furniture had a Full size crib and mattress for $29.95 (They were located on South Broadway across from Ryan Chevrolet) …  And White’s Dairy was advertising BEEP – A fruit flavored, dairy processed breakfast drink …. 

Tempo – Christmas Specials 1963 –

Tempo – Xmas Advertised specials – 1963 – For the automobile Tempo was offering a pair of 15 inch snow tires for $27.95 .. no more down and payments of $1.23 a week …. A 6/12 volt battery charger was $2.97 …. Gas line antifreeze – 14 cents a can …. Battery booster cables were only $1.07 ….  A wooden snow brush for 23 cents …. Tempo also had an ad running featuring winter footwear for the family …. Girl’s snow boots - $2.68 pr …. Women’s snow boots - $4.28 pr … Men’s four buckle overshoes - $4.58 pr …. Men’s insulated pac boots - $4.38 pr ….

Tempo – More Christmas Specials 1963 – In 1963 Tempo was featuring many toy and Christmas specials in their newspaper ad. Kids tricycles were on sale for $7.79 …. Regular size Christmas lights (replacement bulbs) 5 packages of 5 bulbs for 28 cents …. The Mouse Trap game - $4.22 …. A 34 inch red wagon - $7.47 …. Christmas Tree stand – 81 cents …. A cuddly Teddy Bear - $1.68 …. A basketball, hoop and air pump - $3.68 …. Rummy Royal card game - $1.78 …. Monopoly Game - $2.97 …. Santa was on hand to meet the kids in Santaville located inside the Tempo store. Tempo used the slogan – “Your Store with More at Lowest possible prices.”

Jupiter Christmas Specials – 1963 –

The Jupiter Store in Minot was located at 8 South  Main Street. The building is now the home of Western Paint Home Center. In 1963 the newspaper ad featured these specials for the Christmas shopper. A boy’s or girl’s 26 inch bicycle for $29.88…. ¼ inch electric drill - $7.72 …. 6 big rolls of Christmas wrapping paper – 88 cents …. Sorry game - $2.27 …. Monopoly game - $2.99 …. Ladies Dusters - $1.88 …. Men’s thermal sox – 2 pr – 66 cents …. A 4 foot aluminum, Christmas tree - $2.87 …. A 6 foot tree for $4.68 ….  And an 18 ounce can of mixed nuts for 57 cents

1963 S&L ads –

In November of 1963 S&L Department Store on main street was running the following items in their newspaper ads. Women’s fleece lined snow boots - $3.99 a pair and Women’s high fashion leather boots only $8.95 a pair. The men good purchase a pair of zipper galoshes for $4.99 a pair or a pair of 4 buckle work overshoes for only $5.99 a pair. Women also had the opportunity to purchase holiday print dresses for$5.98 for cotton to $14.95 for wool. In 1963 a woman’s mohair sweater was only $12.95.

1963 Cox’s Bakery Specials –

Cox’s Bakery was located on Main Street, north of Central Avenue on the west side. The unusual thing I noticed about their pre-Thanksgiving ad in the 1963 newspaper is that it did not list their phone number or address. Some of the specials they were advertising were: Luncheon Rolls – 5 dozen for $1.00. Hamburger buns – 4 dozen for $1.00 and assorted cookies – 5 dozen for $1.00.  One could purchase a ½ pound of peanut brittle candy for 39 cents. For your Thanksgiving Dinner, Cox’s Bakery also offered pumkin pies, mince meat pies,  Yule kage, fruit cake and decorated Thanksgiving Day cakes.

The Minot Steam Plant

 The Minot Steam Plant was located west of what is now the Cenex Store on Central Avenue. It was by the old Kedney warehouse which has also been demolished. The Steam Plant provided heat to most of, if not all of Downtown Minot. The steam ran through pipes in a series of tunnels throughout the downtown area. In addition to the steam tunnels, many downtown businesses also had freight elevators on the sidewalks in front of the store. This open basement concept under the sidewalk had a tendency to heat the sidewalk a bit in the winter… helped snow removal. I have been told that at times the snow in downtown Minot was covered in ash from the smoke stacks of the Stream Plant

Past Restaurants –

 The Wooden Platter – in the late 1970’s the Wooden Platter was located inside North Hill Bowl – Besides a restaurant menu they also offered to bake pies – especially at the holiday seasons…… The Dog House – this was located one half block south of Town & Country Center --- their specialty was hot dogs and sausages of all types – a regular hot dog was 59 cents --- in a basket it was 99 cents – the basket included the hot dog, fries and coleslaw --- The Dog House also featured homemade chili and fish sandwiches …..  

South Broadway Business

 Mr. Taco-  Mr Taco was on South Broadway where The Adult Bookstore (Risque’s) is now located. Mr. Taco  was owned by Sam Butts or Taco Sam as many called him. I may be wrong, but I believe the Taco Shop had the first, only and best tacos in Minot at the time, in the late 60’s. Mr. Taco also was the first shop to sell Grinders... Similar to a sub sandwach. Next door to Mr. Taco's  was another South Broadway “landmark”. Bennie’s Magic Mile Market  or as many referred to it … the Bubble Up Store. Bennie’s was just one of many neighborhood grocery stores in Minot at one time. Bennie’s Store is now and oil change shop. I believe B&D Market in northeast Minot is an off spring of Bennie’s on South Broadway.

Mitchell’s Hardware -

 Mitchell’s Hardware was on the corner of Central Avenue and 3^rd Street South East, where Val’s Cyclery is now  located. Prior to Mitchell’s this locations was the home for Oppen’s Grocery Store. Oppen’s had a lunch counter or cafeteria in the store. I believe this was known as the Central Avenue Café. For a while Mitchell’s Hardware also maintained the Central Avenue Café even though it was a hardware store.  One of Mitchell Hardware’s claim to fame was a talking Myna bird named Mack.  Mack had the reputation of uttering four letter words, especially the s--- word, so many younger shoppers were not allowed to hang out around him. After Mitchell’s and before Val’s Cyclery, this location was the home of Ben’s Appliances.

Flat Iron Building –

The Flat Iron Building was located on the northeast corner of Broadway and Central Avenue. It was called the Flat Iron Building because of its triangular shape – similar to that of an old flat iron. One of the businesses in the Flat Iron Building was the Spudnut Shop. The Spudnut Shop specialized in hamburgers and Spudnuts. A Spudnut was a doughnut made from special potato flour, apparently that one had to purchase from the Spudnut Company. Reportedly the doughnuts were the best when fresh.. Another business I remember in the Flat Iron Building back in the late 60’s was Carl’s Music Store. Not sure when it went out of business, but he handled musical instruments and supplies.musical instruments and supplies.

1965 - Illegal Sunday Shopping

Sunday Shopping before its time – Apparently the last Sunday of November, 1965, Tempo, located in the Arrowhead Shopping Center and White Drug, Downtown Minot opened their doors for business. Sunday opening was a thing of the future at this time. The States Attorney issued a warning to both stores and any others that Police and Sheriffs officers will be on duty in those stores. If they opened the following Sunday, all clerks would be arrested and charged with Sabbath Breaking. Store managers and the parent company could be charged. If violations continue the license to operate in North Dakota could be in jeopardy.

Past Business from the 70's

Past Business -- Maid For A Day – In 1972, two men, Arnie Merkel and Julius Jahr started a new business called Maid For a Day. The new company would provide cleaning af various types on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis. Maid For A Day would clean windows, walls, carpets and floors and even do minor household repair…. Schriok’s Lawn & Trail – located on the 2& 52 Bypass at 10^th St. SW. (now the home of IHeartmedia) – John Deere dealer …… The Grog Shop -- $the Avenue & Valley Street (Burdick Expressway at the west end of the viaduct)—Bottle Shop……. Fireside Lounge – inside the Sandman Hotel ( at the West Bypass and 4^th Ave.) ….. Pizza Plus (formerly Our Place) – at South Broadway and the Bypass – Pizza and sandwich shop …..

Minot’s First City Hall --

 The first building to serve as City Hall for Minot was the home to the Police Dept in the basement, the Fire Dept. on the main floor and dormitory above, the jail, magistrate’s office and the City Manager office and staff also on the main floor. It was built in 1905 and was located mid block between Main St. and 1^st St SW. (or next to the Alley behind the Montgomery Ward building – across the street from the 1^st Avenue Building). In the early 1900’s, this was quite literally the center of Minot. DA Dinnie was awarded the bid for construction for the price of $11,171.00. The new building to be the best facility of its kind in the country for cities the size of Minot. However the Minot Aldermen were so disenchanted with the finished result they refused to occupy it as they claimed it had not been built to specifications. About 6 months later they resolved the conflict and moved in. 

Terhorst Manufacturing

Terhorst Manufacturing --  Started in 1928 by brothers Harvey and Willis Terhorst, and located at 615 4^th Ave SE, (under the Burdick Expressway viaduct). Terhorst is in the business of making molds for all types of products. The original building was expanded in 1936, 1940, 1951 and again in 1967. During World War II, Terhorst made fuse adapters for bombs. The machines needed to make the adapters were designed by Terhorst as they did not exist to purchase them. In the 1960’s, Terhorst got into the plastic molding business. They still remain one of the lesser known long term businesses in Minot.

Terhorst - 1972

Minot Eagles Club --

  In April of 1972 the new Minot Eagles Club was dedicated and opened to members. The club was located at the intersection  of 2^nd Avenue and 16^th St. SW, across from Arrowhead Shopping Center. In less than a year, the Eagles membership had grown from 1800 to over 3200. The Minot Eagles Club was organized in 1942 and the new home was the fourth location. Prior to this opening the club was located at 110 1^st Street SE, now the home of the Chicago Club. The new club was about 17,500 square feet and built at a cost of $483, 365.00….

December 1965 - Park & Shop

Downtown Minot 1965 – In December of 1965 Downtown Minot was “the heart of the area’s largest and most complete shopping district. Downtown Minot boasted 690 business firms in their trade area. Downtown Minot claimed they gave you Variety, Service and Price… all of that added up to more shopping pleasure. Their motto was “If It’s in Town,  It’s Downtown. The Downtown merchants also provided free parking to customers in the Downtown Parking lots with Park and Shop. When shopping you could have your parking voucher validated at participating merchants.

4 Track or 8 Track

8-Track Tape Players – Many of us can remember the 8-track tape players back in the 60’s and 70’s. In 1972, Sears was featuring an 8-Track stereo tape player for your car for only $79.95. This also included two 4X8 speakers. The 8-Track was the cutting edge of technology before the cassette dominated the market and way before CD’s were even thought of. There was, for a time, a 4-Track player also. In the late 60’s I was in Tempo at the Arrowhead Shopping Center deciding between an 8-Track or a 4-Track for my Mustang. I went for the advanced technology and bought the 8-Track. I think I still have a case or two of 8-Tracks that survived the flood.

The Garage

The Garage – A former automotive service center, The Garage strictly catered to youth ages 14 to 20. The garage was located ½ block north of what is now Central Campus. The building  was owned by two Minot businessmen. It was a great hangout for high school students. Many were smokers and The Garage did not discourage smoking as long as the cigarettes were not extinguished on the floor. Many students, however, complained that it was too smokey and thought it should not be allowed. On the weekends, The Garage featured dances with the band on a raised platform and psychedelic lighting.

The Bridge Coffee House

The Bridge – in the summer of 1972, The Bridge, a coffeehouse, was located at 119 West Central Avenue. The coffeehouse was open on Friday and Saturday from 8 pm to 1 am. It was a non-profit entity that catered to young people in the 18 to 25 year old bracket. The Bridge rented their location from the Sons of Norway organization. Two firm policies of The Bridge were no drugs and no alcoholic beverages. In actuality the clientele ranged from young teenagers to an occasional Middle aged Sons of Norway member. 

Piggly Wiggly in Minot

Piggly Wiggly – The first Piggly Wiggly Store opened in the mid 40’s at 213 South Main Street. In 1957, at a cost of $300,000, Piggly Wiggly opened a new store by the Fairgounds. Piggly Wiggly East was one of the largest grocery stores in the state at that time. In 1961 another store opened in the Oak Park Center. The store on Main Street closed in 1960 and shortly after a third store was opened in the Town & County Center. In 1982 the Oak Park store moved to the Arrowhead Shopping Center. At one time Piggly Wiggly employed over 250 people

Happy Thanksgiving

Entertainment in the 1970's

Dolly Parton – on Sunday, July 30, 1978 – KCJB welcomed everyone to the Dolly Parton concert at the Municipal Auditorium .. Dolly was on her way to Regina for the Buffalo Days Exhibition …. Kenny Rogers and Roy Clark – Headliners at the 1978 State Fair  -- Grand Ole Opry – August 17, 1967 – Headliners were Ferlin Husky, Hank Snow and Waylon Jennings …. Tickets - $2.50 in advance -- $3.00 at the door……

Great Northern Bank to 1st National Bank

1^st National Bank -- 1st National Bank was originally known as the Great Northern Bank when it was established in 1897. The building was constructed of brick made in a brickyard just west of Minot. This building stood until it was demolished in 1929 to make room for the new building. The bank was name the Great Northern Bank in honor of Jim Hill who was a close friend of Joseph Roach, one of the founders of the bank. Later the name was changed to the 2^nd national Bank and eventually to the 1^st national Bank. In 1887 the Bank of Minot was formed and eventually became the 1^st National Bank. In the early 1900’s there were two banks chartered under the name of the 1^st National Bank. Both of these failed, hence the name 2^nd National Bank for a period of time. No affiliation with the failed banks was wanted. In the early days, trees were planted in the boulevard to the south of the bank. They grew to be quite tall before they were cut down due to the paving of the streets.

Great Northern Bank 1895

Past Events 1960's

1967 – North Dakota State Championship Rodeo (eventually became the Y’s Men’s Rodeo – held indoors at the Minot City Auditorium –the rodeo performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday highlighted Western Week in the Magic City…… Holiday Shower of Stars – December 29, 1964 – Stars included Chad & Jeremy (just back from England) – Bobby Goldsboro – Ronnie Cochrane – Tickets - $2.50 at the door -- $2.00 in advance … At the Municipal Auditorium …… Gene Pitney Show & Dance – January 15, 1965 at the Minot Civic Auditorium -- 

More Business from the Past

Ben’s Appliance & Trading Post – 809 3^rd St NE – South & west of what is now B&D Market  (site is now a Parking Lot) in 1967 he was the dealer for RCA TV’s and stereos. Owner – Ben Mutzenberger  ….. Metzger’s Electronic Sales – 1615 South Broadway (now Paradise Spa’s) Maury Metzger – the owner – Pete Van Lith – repairman (for all makes of hoe electronics) – Zenith TV and Stereo dealer ….. Gordon’s Holiday Spot Motel – at the intersection of 19^th Avenue and South Broadway ( east of Marketplace Foods) --- Sterling Motel – on the corner of South Broadway and 20^th Avenue (now Marketplace Foods)

Sterling Motel

Restaurants – 1960’s ---

 Copper Pot Restaurant – located inside Gordon’s Holiday Spot Motel on South Broadway (now the home of the Hibachi Grill) ….. Sweden House Smorgasbord – on South Broadway – Sunday menu in 1967 featured roast turkey, bar-b-q ribs, roast beef and Swedish meatballs .. this later the home of Market place Foods Dollar Store and is now a store selling spas and other products….. Riverside Supper Club & Lounge – south of the fairgrounds – where the Holiday Inn is located …. Capri Café --  Across from the State Fair Grounds – next to the Capri Lounge … Ramada Inn Restaurant – on north hill inside the Ramada Inn – Now the Grand International Inn …. Embers Restaurant – on the top floor of the Minot Federal Savings & Loan Building (Midwest Federal) – American and Chinese food – daily luncheon special only 89 cents …..

Bars in the 1960's

Nightclubs – 1960’s – Capri Lounge – Across (south) of the State Fair Grounds – Blue Moon Nite Club – East Burdick Expressway – now Ron Lohman Motors ….. Candlelight Lounge – inside the Ramada Inn on north hill – (every Monday and Thursday was ladies night from 5 pm to closing – drinks for ladies – 2 for the price of 1 ….. 13 Club – located at 13 First St. SW – Features dancing girls and a piano bar (at times Gordy Lindquist was the entertainment)…..

Town & Country Shopping Center

 – September 1967 --  Billed as North Dakota’s largest Shopping Center in 1967, Town & Country was holding an Appreciation Days event. The claimed to have had more than 5 million people pass through their doors since opening. – Town & Country, with all 17 of its stores employed over 400 people, had parking for 1100 cars and was completely air conditioned….. Some of the merchants at the time were: Sears, Cal’s Beauty Salon, Fanny Farmer Candy, Holland House Cafeteria, JJ Newberry’s, Kinney Shoes, Steenstrup’s Jewelry, Walter’s Women’s Wear, KG Men’s Store and Piggly Wiggly Food Store. 

More Past Business

Westland Oil Co…. after completing their new addition to their office at 504 East Central Avenue – they were holding an open house in mid January of 1965 – Westland Tire & Automotive Supply Store – 425 4^th Ave Sw (Burdick Expressway) – this facility was new and replace the older facility in Downtwn Minot ….. H&H Variety – 109 South Main St ….. J J Newberry’s – In the Town & Country Shopping Center – mid January of 1965 they were holding a Winter Record Clearance – Albums as low as 77 cents and 45’s as low as 19 cents --- many big names of the time like Paul Anka, Sammy Davis, Dusty Springfield, Chubby Checker, Rickie Nelson, Hank Snow, Patsy Cline, the 4 Seasons and more …… 

Business from the 1960's - 70's

Harold’s – The ribbon cutting for Harold’s was held in early September, 1967. Harold’s was a new shop for women in Downtown Minot – 112 South Main St. Previously the Harold’s locations was occupied by Stevenson’s and was extensively remodeled prior to opening. …… Vince Lee’s Bottle Shop – 32 Third St NE (just north of the Firestone Store) --- Vince Lee suggested a gift from his bottle shop – as he was quoted in his ad – “For what it is worth, the suggestion is mine – Nobody returns their liquor or wine” ….. Poor Rog’s Surplus – in the mid 1960’s he was located the foot of North Hill in Highway 83 North ….. (I seem to remember him being located at the intersection of Broadway & Central Avenue in the later 1960’s) …..

Vince Lee Bottle Shop

North Broadway Shopping Center

Huge Shopping center – 1967 – on September 16, 1967 plans were disclosed about a new shopping center that was a “certainty” to be developed at the base on north hill on Broadway I  Minot – Crestview Development claimed the Center was “an absolute certainty. It’s just the details. There’s no way in the world it can be stopped”. The Center was to be the largest between Minneapolis and Portland and was to include two major department stores, a major drug store, 750 seat theater, and a 50 X 300 foot convention center. For whatever reason it was never built. The location is now the home to the Hampton Inn Hotel on North Broadway. 

Robo Wash

Robo Wash held their Grand Opening on Friday and Saturday, September 8^th & 9^th, 1967. They were open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 10 pm. Located at 219 North Broadway, they were at the bottom of the Broadway Overpass on the West side. I think Robo Wash was the first “stay in your car – Drive through” car wash in Minot. The price – 50 cents for a 2 minute car wash which washed your vehicle on top and underneath in 4 cycles with a final rinse of ionized water for quick drying.  

More Business in the 60's

Business – 1960’s – Auran Chevrolet – South Broadway – now Ryan Chevrolet ….. Osco Drug – in the 60’s Osco Drug was on main Street in Downtown Minot  -- Osco Moved to Dakota Square and the Osco Drug location became B&B Drug ….. Wholesale Food Center – Across from the Post Office – formerly National Grocery – now Zimmerman’s Furniture ….. R&L Maytag Home Appliance Center – located in the Oak Park Shopping Center – Grand opening was in August of 1967 …..

Business in the 60's

1960’s –– Downtown White Drug Cafeteria --  In the late 1960’s White Drug had a supper menu from 4:30 to 7:30 pm --- All dinners included Mashed potatoes, vegetable, salad, roll & butter --- all dinners were under $1.00 except for the Swiss steak meal on Monday’s – it was $1.16…… Arrowhead Shopping Center – Operation Bounce – 500 ping pong balls released in the parking lot at 10 am and 2 pm, all numbered – customers had to match the numbers for prizes at participating merchants ……. Minot Federal Savings & Loan Assoc. – in 1959 they were on the corner of Central Avenue and 1^st St NW 

More Past Business

Collins – Russell Mortuary – just off East Burdick Expressway – across from the Fairgrounds ….. Anderson Ace Hardware – 11 1^st St SW – Across from the Federal Building ….. Smith & Lee Co. – 14 East Central Avenue – appliance and TV sales ….. 4 East Central Avenue – appliance and TV sales ….. Park ‘N Shop – in the 1960’s and 70’s, the parking lots in Downtown Minot participated in Park N Shop --- your ticket from the parking lot was validated by participating merchants and your parking fee was reduced and possibly free….. 

Business from the 60's - 70's

Northeast Super Food – at the intersection of 3^rd St NE and 6^th Ave NE (now the home of B&D Market) ….. Discount King Grocery Store – Apparently they claimed to sell everything for less – Meats included – located at the intersection of 4^th Avenue and 2^nd St (Broadway and Burdick) in the old National Grocery store (Zimmerman’s) …… PW Miller Co. – a clothing/surplus store -  in 1960 they were located in the Grand Hotel Building on Central Avenue.—after the Grand Hotel and all related businesses burned they moved to 1^st Avenue SE – next to the Parker Hotel (now the Olson Law offices …..

Business in the 1960's

1960’s Business – Newberry’s Department Store --  Located in the center area of  Town & Country Center – the Cafeteria for Newberry’s is now Marco’s Restaurant ….. Metzger’s electronic Sales --  in 1964 Metzger’s was located at 119 West Central Avenue – They would later move to South Broadway (next to Northern Bottling – now Paradise Spa’s) ….. Eatmore Sausage & Packing Co. – Whole sale and retail meat shop on the east edge of Minot (about where the Holiday Inn is located now.) ….. FW Woolworth Co .. On the Corner of Main St and Central Avenue – only escalator in Minot for years and it only went up ……

An Appropriate Story for Halloween

Monster Season – 1964 – an article in the Minot Daily on September 25, 1964 was about monsters on TV. It was referring to the two spoof horror shows, The Munsters and the Adams Family. The Munsters, as you may recall, was a show about a rather ghoulish family with a seemingly normal girl, their neice. Herman was a replica of Frankenstein, his wife Lilly was a witch, the grandfather was a portly rendition of a Vampire, and Eddy was a werewolf…. The article implied that the niece must have been abnormal as she did not see anything strange about her relatives ….. 

Past Auto Dealers

Auto Dealers in 1927 -- Blaisdell Motors – Chrysler Dealer – 4^th Ave and Main St. (now Main Medical) … Hanson Motor Co. – Central Avenue and 2^nd St SE – Falcon-Knight auto dealer …. Whitmore Motor Co – Erskine and Studebaker Dealer … Nash-Westra Auto co – Franchise dealer for Nash Automobiles … Eck-Johnson Motor Co – Willys-Knight and Whippet dealer in Minot … 

Blaisdell Motors

Entertainment Spots in the 70's

Nightclubs and Bars – 1970’s – Torchlight –downtown Minot on 1^st St SW - (now the Chicago Club) this building was the Minot Eagles Club prior to becoming the Torchlight…. Stockman’s Bar – East Burdick Expressway  -- Now Ron Lowman Motors ….. 52 Club – west of Minot about 4 mile on Highway 52 (between Minot and Speedway Hill) – Jam sessions on Saturdays at 3 pm ….. Fireside Lounge – corner of West Burdick Expressway and the 2 & 52 Bypass, inside the Sandman Motel …. Covered Wagon -- on Main Street in Downtown Minot

Covered Wagon Bar

Past Minot Business

Red River TV & Appliance – 2121 North Broadway – featured Motorola products ….. Star Banner Service – 1205 North Broadway – Just north of the Dairy Queen on North Broadway …. Kruse’s Truck Plaza & Restaurant – Highway 2 & 52 Bypass East – (now Schatz Truck Stop) ….. Shark’s Men’s Store – Downtown Minot on the corner of Main St and 1^st Avenue ….. North Hill Food – 2031 North Broadway – Smaller full line grocery store …. Barlow’s Miracle Mart – located in the Kmart Plaza – ( the east side of the existing Kmart store was Barlow’s Miracle Mart) ….

Past Business in Minot

Rued Insurance – July, 1978 Rued Insurance was celebrating their 25^th anniversary…. Free coffee and donuts all day and register to win a FREE 200 mile airplane ride for five….. Fisher’s South …. In 1978 Fisher Motors South was the dealer for Mercedes Benz, Subaru, and Itasca Motorhomes ……. Gold Bond Gift Center – 11 South Main St – many grocery stores gave out Gold Bond Stamps with your purchase. They could be redeemed for gifts at this store …..  Cox’s Retail Bakery – 9 North main St. – 10 loaves of bread for $2.89 (not sliced – Sliced bread was 4 cents more per loaf) – If you had a red star on your receipt your order was free……

Fisher Motors 20th Ave SW

More Business from the 70's

Northern School & Office Supply --- in 1976 they were located in the Emporium – 22 South main (Montgomery Wards Building) – featured all types of office furniture – desks, chairs etc. ….. Sofa & Sleep Shop, Inc – 1906 South Broadway – Grand opening was held in October, 1976  -- mattress and bedroom store – (now Computech) ….. Northwest Fabrics – 1905 2^nd St SE – Just east of Kmart – Full line fabrics, sewing supplies and crafts ….. Kmart Automotive Center – Auto Accessories and service shop – located in each Kmart – 20^th Ave SE and 1915 North Broadway (now the home of MLT) ….

Food Establishments in the 1970's

Kentucky Fried Chicken – in 1972 one of the specials was a 50 piece tub of shrimp with fries for $4.99 or a 15 piece bucket of chicken with buns and 3 side dishes for $5.99 …. Little Dutch Mill – Highway 2 East (at 27^th Street) … 1972 special was a chicken dinner with salad , fries and roll for 88 cents or a 9 piece chicken take out box for $1.78 --- The Cookie Chipper and Coffee Bar – in the Oak Park Shopping Center – coffee – 5 cents a cup – cookies 2 for $1.00 ….. Famous Recipe Fried Chicken --  1201 South Broadway – now he home of Dacotah Bank on South Broadway ……

Restaurants in the 60's and 70's

McDowell’s Emporium Restaurant – Located in the Emporium – 22 South Main St. …. (inside the former Montgomery Ward building) … The Fortune Cookie – Chinese restaurant – 615 S. Broadway – In the lower level of Metropolitan Federal –(Across the street from McDonalds) …. Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor – 816 20^th Ave SW ….. Sons of Dee Dee Café – 14 North main – Smorgasbord 7 days a week ….. King Leo’s Drive-in – South Broadway in 1972 – featured 20 cent fish sandwich special ….. Sandy’s Pancake & steak House – Burdick Expressway West in the Sandman Motel 

8 Track Tapes - Cassettes

Records – In the early 70’s a person could purchase 4 track and 8 track tapes and cassette tapes were just beginning to make their appearance, (cassettes were going to revolutionize the music industry)….. but the main source of music was still albums. At Christmas time in 1972, JC Penny was running specials on top “hit” albums for only $3.57. Artists like Mac Davis, John Denver, Cher and The Partridge Family….. Christmas albums were only $1.99 …. (Perry Como, Al Hirt, Elvis and more). To play those albums one could purchase stereo systems as low as $28.00 for a portable record player to $170.00 to a console stereo complete with an AM/FM radio….

1979 Gas Prices –

Apparently the price of gasoline went to $1.00 sometime around June of 1979. One of the major car dealers in Minot at the time, Fisher Motors, ran an ad to “Relieve Your Gas Pains”. He was quoted as saying $1.00 gas is not the end of the road. He claimed the luxury cars that his dealership sold all made 18 miles to the gallon or higher. Fisher Motors also held a mileage seminar every hour on the hour in mid June to show customers how to get the maximum mileage possible. On a side note, I had a 1976 Chrysler New Yorker with a big block motor and I would get over 20 miles per gallon on the highway.

Restaurants in 1927

Restaurants in 1927 --  Club Café --  on West Central Avenue … The Eat Shop – West Central Ave – close to Broadway …. U S Café – Main Street … Grand Café – in the Grand Hotel – Central Ave & 1^st St SW – (just west of Brady Martz in the parking lot) … Temple Court – featured BBQ sandwiches cooked on the new Barbecue machine … 

Society News 1927 –

Society News 1927 – the newspaper also had a daily column titled “Society News”. It was the place to find out what was happening in the area. Items in the Society column included parties given by some of the more prominent citizens in Minot,….. Meeting notices and what happened at the meetings of various clubs in existence at the time, (both men’s and women’s clubs) …… Dances to be held in the area ….. rummage sales …… Church activities ….. and even a bit of gossip from time to time…..

Entertainment Venues in 1927

Entertainment in 1927 -- Theaters -  Orpheum - on the west side of North Main St. ….. Strand – On Main Street and the State Theater – in 1927 the State Theater featured and organ and an orchestra pit (played during the silent movies) ……. Other Entertainment – Parkers Auditorium – At one time run by the Sons of Norway (located above the Parker Garage – across from the Blue Rider Bar) ….. MHS Auditorium – The High School auditorium also held and hosted plays and other theatrical events….

Minot Furniture Company –

 In the 1920’s Minot Furniture was located at 225 – 227 South Main St. Their telephone number was 7, meaning they were one of the first to get a telephone in Minot. They carried a full line of furniture and some appliances. Specials in the paper for the fall Harvest Sales Event: Mattresses starting at $7.80 each….. 8 piece dining suites – $11.90 …. Floor and Table lamps with shade as low as $1.98…… Kitchen table with a silverware drawer for $3.89 ….. Wall mirrors starting at 39 cents.

Main St 1924