45 Years Ago in the Newspaper

Thursday May 3, 1973 -- 45 years ago --  Headlines – The Minot City Council proposed a pay plan that recognizes merit and longevity ….. Spring Activities ….. Kmart was advertising flowers, bedding plants, trees and bushes …. Big Bear was advertising fishing and camping equipment for the season opening. They were staying open until midnight for the shoppers to get ready for opening day…. Jerry Iverson, at that time a teacher at Minot High was named the outstanding member of the North Dakota Vocational Agriculture Association – he would later go on to manage the ND State Fair ….. Empire Theater showing the Valachi Papers …. The Torchlight was featuring Dennis and Cree….

KG Men's Store

KG Men’s Store – In December of 1960 there were a number of stores where a man could purchase a suit. These included Greengard Cranston, Schneider’s Men’s Store, Jay’s, Squtt’s, and KG Men’s Store. All of these were in Downtown Minot as no shopping centers were built in the city at this time. KG’s Men’s Store was running a year end Suit Sale…. Over 900 suits reduced with prices starting as $29.00 up to $79.00. The famous Kuppenheimer brand of suits were also on sale as were topcoats and sport coats. Because of the huge price reductions there was a small charge for any alterations which normally were free. When Town & Country Shopping Center opened KG’s Men’s Store would move to that location

Teen Club - 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 at the 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.

Coffee Shop - The Bridge

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.

Original Y's Men's Rodeo??

1967 – North Dakota Sate 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 --

1970's Entertainment

Entertainment – 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

1st National Bank 1961

Piggly Wiggly

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. I worked at the Town & Country store in 1966-67. I started at $1.25 per hour, soon got a raise to $1.32 and shortly after the minimum wage increased to $1.40. Gas was about 25 cents….. Life was good

Hotels and Hotels and More from the 60's

 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 Metzget – 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)

 Gordon's Holiday Spot

Sterling Motel

Nightclubs 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)…..

1967 - Largest Shopping Center in North Dakota

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.

Westland Oil and More

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 ……

1960's - 1970's Business

Business – 1960’s – 1970’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) …..

1967 - New Shopping Center in North Minot

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 1967

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 from the 1960'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 …..

Auran Chevrolet - late 60's

Remembering Minot 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 (where Brady Martz is now) ……

Park N Shop Before Parking Ramps

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…..

Past Business

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 …..

Businesses from the 1960's

1960’s Business – Newberry’s Department Store --  Located in the center area of  Town & Country Center (pictured below from 1964) – 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 ……

Monster Season – 1964 –

I thought this was appropriate for Halloween.... an article from 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 …..

Taking a Break

Due to the passing of my wife earlier this month, I have been taking a break.

Minot Memories will return in November

Thanks

USS Minot salvage attempt 1967

Some 15 additional merchant ships defended by Armed Guards arrived at Okinawa on April 11. One of these, the Minot Victory, brought down a plane on April 12 which strafed the ship and crashed into her No. 4 kingpost. Five Armed Guards were wounded. 

In 1967 The USS Minot was to be salvaged ... The follwing is the account of the salvage operation... I do not have the pictures associated with the salvage efforts

  SS Minot Victory Salvage Operation, Paracel Islands 1967

	LTJG Vince Weis and LTJG Mark Lusink recording the Minot Victory grounding data.
	An underwater photo of Minot Victory's bow aground on the coral of North Reef, Paracel Islands. Photo taken by LTJG Mark Lusink.
	EN3 Richard Pappe and SM3 By ob Willette figure eight 1.5 inch beach gear steel cable on Current's fantail in preparation for the Minot Victory salvage operation.
	Current crew members prepare to release one of four Ells Anchors for the Minot Victory salvage operation
	One of Current's Ells Anchors being dropped in preparation for the removal of Minot Victory from North Reef.
	Current's tow wire is attached to the stern of Minot Victory, waiting for the maximum high tide. April 1967. A barge and a tug on both the starboard and port sides of Minot Victory are receiving heavy earth moving equipment from the Minot Victory prior to the pull.
	Current slowly increasing RPM'S on the screws and taking a strain in the tow cable. Minot Victory slid off North Reef at a high tide after 7 days of preparations. .

I am not sure but I believe the USS Minot was salvaged

USS Minot - Victory Ship WWII

USS Minot - Victory ships. Victory ships were a type of cargo ship which were mass-produced in the United States during World War II.  They Victory Ships were part of the Merchant Marine. The United States Merchant Marine transports goods and services in wartime as an auxiliary to the U.S. Navy.  During military conflicts, the Merchant Marine operates civilian-owned merchant ships as well as vessels maintained through government entities like the Military Sea Transportation Service or Military Sealift Command.    The S.S. Minot was launched on October 7, 1944.  The Victory ships were predominantly cargo vessels but they were armed. On April 11, 1945, a fleet of 15 merchant ships arrived at Okinawa, the USS Minot was one of these. On April 12, the USS Minot brought down a Japanese plane which had strafed the ship. The plane crashed into her No. 4 kingpost wounding 5 seamen.

Apparently the USS Minot ran aground on a coral reef the in the Paracel Islands off the coast of Vietnam. In 1967, after 7 days of preparation, the ship was salvaged. The Minot was carrying heavy equipment at the time she went down

Simonson's Gas -

Simonson Cut Rate Gas – In July of 1958, Simonson’s Gas came to Minot…. Located on Highway 83 South, ( now South Broadway) …. They guaranteed 2 cents per gallon savings on regular gas and 4 cents per gallon on ethyl (premium) … with a gas purchase you received free coffee and donuts, a free 2 cell flashlight and nylon stockings for only 49 cents a pair. The station is in the same location but has been greatly expanded from the original.

Simonson's 1965

The Fair Dept. Store

Ellisons – The Fair Department Store – The first Fair Store was opened in Minot in 1902 on Main Street, in a location next to and south of what is now Western paint. It was like most stores of the time with a 25 foot frontage. In 1910 the Ellisons moved the store a block south into a new building known as The Fair Block, just south of the intersection of Main Street and 2^nd Avenue. In 1929 a newer building was added at the corner and adjacent to The Fair Block. The new building, a large 2 story building with a basement eventually incorporated The Fair Block in 1955 giving Ellisons a 100 foot store front on Main Street. During the Diamond Jubilee in 1961, Ellisons ran a contest to see who could bring in the oldest sales slip showing merchandise purchased at the store. The winner received a wool blanket…. Unfortunately I do not know who won or how old the receipt was.

Ellisons in 1920 before expanding to the corner

A Car Wash in Minot

Supermatic 3 Minute Car Wash – In August of 1958 the Supermatic Car Wash opened on Highway 83 South… During the Grand Opening they provided free coffee and donuts, and balloons and candy for the kids. The Supermatic claimed the total wash time was only 3 minutes form start to finish. They also claimed they could wash any size car.  The vehicle was vacuumed before starting through the wash cycles. I believe this may have been the first automatic car wash in Minot

Pictured is the Car O Matic Car Wash on South Broadway

Slot Machines Found

Abandoned Slot Machines – July, 1958, nine slot machines were discovered in a basement storeroom of a Minot business. The police we, e trying to find out who the owners were… no one came forward to claim them. Two of the newer models were taken to Bismarck by state officials. The older models were held at the Minot Police Dept. pending anyone claiming them. If not claimed these older slot machines were to be destroyed. Value on the slot machines was placed at over $10,000.00. Of course if they were claimed the owner would be in violation of both local and state ordinances.

Vendome Bar on Minot's High Third Street

NSP Steam Whistle

Steam Whistle retired – A Minot Landmark since 1909 was retired in 1965… The cast iron steam whistle that stood atop the NSP Steam Plant on East Central Avenue was retired and given to the Northwest North Dakota Historical Society. Throughout the years the steam whistle was used as a volunteer fire alarm, an air raid siren, Civil defense warning system and the nightly curfew whistle for kids. The whistle was placed in the museum at the Historical Society on the State Fair grounds

NSP Steam Plant

Jim Hill and Great Northern RR pt. 3

Sometimes Hill and Great Northern RR gave away pure-bred livestock, especially bulls, to a farmer they knew would farm wisely and be an example, to encourage others to buy land along railroad lines. Hill and G.N. wanted the farmers and small towns to succeed. Then the Great Northern Railway would prosper also. (from North Dakota Studies)

Aerial view of GN Roundhouse

Jim Hill and Great Northern Pt 2

Hill and Great Northern RR were especially interested in improving farming. They had a rail car with displays. They also had a demonstration rail car going town to town presenting new ideas about farming. Branch lines were built to encourage farming in remote areas. Hill made sure those farmers had a town and a grain elevator. Sometimes Great Northern reduced freight rates to keep the farmers' business. (from North Dakota Studies)

Early 1900's Engine

Jim Hill and Great Northern Pt.1

James "Jim" Hill and the Great Northern railroad were responsible for developing farms and towns in northern North Dakota. By 1887 he and his partners had taken the railroad as far as Minot. Jim Hill liked to go to where the tracks were being built, meet the townspeople and farmers, and decide where to build towns and depots. (from North Dakota Studies)

Great Northern Depot 1906

Stearn's Motors Pt 3

Beer & Wine Wholesale Business  -- Bill Langer, former Governor of North Dakota,  was instrumental in helping Lou Stearns in getting his license to start his wholesale business, Minot Beverage Company. According to one of his past office managers, part of the deal was that Langor received a payment of 5 cents for every bottle of beer or wine distributed. However the checks were always sent to a judge in New York rather than to Bill Langer. One would suppose that the money eventually reached him.

Stearn’s  Apartment Rental Business – There were three apartments on the top floor of Stearns Motors. Lou Stearns lived in the largest one with his girlfriend Florence Brown. Lou and Florence had a turbulent relationship. At one time they were going to be married in Minneapolis, but by the time they arrived on the train, they had a terrible disagreement and fight. Both returned to Minot, but on separate trains. There is a story that whenever Florence would go Minneapolis, Lou would load a car on a flatbed rail car and send it to her destination so she would have something to drive.

Minot Beverage Co. trucks

Stearn's Motors Pt. 2

Stearn’s  Auto Repair Business –

Jack Foley was the Service Manager of  the automobile repair shop affiliated with Stearn’s Motors. At one time there was a gas station out in front of the building. The gas station was on the southwest corner of the intersection of 2^nd Street and Central Avenue.  In those days there was a ramp that went west from Central Avenue down to the Great Northern Depot. One day a minister pulled up and was having his car filled with gas. He jokingly told Jack to charge the gas to the Lord. Jack replied without batting an eye, “Send him down to sign for it and I will.”

Stearn’s Auto Storage and Parking Business – One of the main parts of the operations at Stearns Motors was the parking and automobile storage. Stearns Motors was at the north end of Minot’ infamous High Third Street. This area of Minot was known for its after hour bars, houses of prostitution gambling rooms and at one time opium dens. Many of the prostitutes would rotate in and out of Minot about every two to four weeks. Some arrived by train, some by bus and some by automobile. Many of those arriving by car were brought to Minot in large, fancy vehicles owned by their pimps. While the car was in town it was probably stored inside at Stearns Motors

Stearn's Motors

Stearns Motors -- Lou Stearns was the owner of Stearn’s Motors. In its day Stearn’s Motors was a automobile repair shop and also a garage to park and store automobiles. There were actually five businesses in Strearn’s Motors. The Auto Repair, the Auto Storage Business, a soft drink bottling and wholesale business, a beer and wine wholesale business and apartment rentals. Lou Stearns was reported to have been a generous man. If someone he knew came to him and was down on their luck he would give them a five dollar bill. In those days that was a decent sum of money.

The Soft Drink Business – The soft drink business started in the Stearns Motors building as part of Minot Beverage Company. My understanding is that at one time there was a bottling operation in the basement of Stearns Motors. This was eventually moved to South Broadway and became Northern Bottling Company, which is still in business today

Stearns Motors is now the home of I Keating Furniture

Volunteers of America

The Great Depression of the 1930s stretched the nation's private social welfare system almost to the breaking point. Volunteers of America mobilized to assist the millions of people who were unemployed, hungry and homeless. Relief efforts included employment bureaus, wood yards, soup kitchens and "Penny Pantries" where every food item cost one cent.  The Volunteers of America in 1932 were serving several hundred meals a week to school children at their food station on Second Avenue Southeast. Children sent to the food station are selected from various schools in Minot, according to Capt Richard Das.  Volunteers of America was founded in 1896 by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth (pictured). They envisioned a movement dedicated to “reaching and uplifting” the American people. On behalf of the organization, the Booths pledged to “go wherever we are needed, and do whatever comes to hand.” In turn-of-the-century America, there was no shortage of work to do. The Volunteers moved into tenement districts to care for people in poverty. They organized day nurseries and summer camps, provided housing for single men and women, and established the nation's first system of halfway houses for released prisoners.   

Walter's Women's Wear

The first Walter’s Women’s Wear opened in July of 1955 at 115 South Main Street. The store was formerly known as Zollie Vida’s. Walter’s was owned by Mr & Mrs Walter Feldman. In 1961 they leased the Bon Bon Store across the street at 114 South Main and opened as Walter’s Bon Bon. Additional departments were added including a Children’s Dept, Lingerie  and shoe department. In April of 1964, Walter’s expanded to a second location in the Town & Country Shopping Center. In March of 1974, Walter’s added The Attic to the downtown store. The Attic featured styles for young, juniors and teens.

Town & Country Shopping Center

Valker Floral and Jupiter

Past Businesess – ….. Geo. E Valker Floral – 216 South main St…. Now the parking lot for Wells Fargo bank ….. Northland Archery – 10-A 1st St SW – Above Harry’s Tire Service (When Harry’s was Downtown) – Indoor archery range and product sales ….. Spinning Wheel – Yarn and sewing shop located in the basement of Northwest Music on main Street in Minot ….. The Al-Ma Shop – fabrics and accessories – 108 4th Ave SE – (new Burdick Expressway ….. Jupiter Discount Store grand opening was in February 1963– Main Street in Minot – Formerly SS Kresge and the forerunner of Kmart – (Western Paint Home Center and now Downtown Books in this store)

 Early Delivery Van

Greenhouse Interior

Outdoor Picnic in January

1892 Picnic -- On a mild day in January of 1892, almost the entire population of Minot enjoyed an outdoor picnic without having to bundle up in warm clothing. The scene is near the Great Northern Railroad Bridge across the Mouse River. At the time of the picture, the picnic grounds were outside the City Limits of Minot. This site is very close to where the Minot Flour Mill would be built. In the picture are C. A. Johnson, principal of the school and some of his students. One of those students was Joseph Rowan who went on to become and undertaker and owner of Rowan’s Funeral Home on Main Street. The Funeral Home was an establishment involved in the illegal booze running during the prohibition days.

News Arcade II

News Arcade II – In the Wednesday, January 30, 1963 newspaper there was an ad announcing the Grand Opening of the News Arcade II. It was located at 214 South Main St. They were open until 10:30 pm nightly. The News Arcade II claimed to have Minot’s most complete supply of paperback books. They also sold newspapers, magazines, greeting cards, and North Dakota Souvenirs…. And they did some photo finishing. … News arcade was also a drop off point for ABC Cleaners. Clothes in by 9 am would be ready by 5 pm.

Main Street - 1960

Remember These Busineses??

Past Businesses – Cloth Haus – Fabrics and Notions – on Main Street in Downtown Minot ---- American Lifestyles --- 1906 South  Broadway (Now  CompuTech) – Sold waterbeds and bedroom suites ---- Minot Outdoor Theater --- on the corner of Highway 83 South and County Road 14 – (now the home of Cartiva and Enerbase- Across from Minot Chrysler Center) They occasionally featured “Buck Nite” - $1.00 per car admittance ---- Wylie Piano Co. --- 117 West Central Avenue – Dealer for Baldwin pianos …… The Meat Shoppe – Located in the Mar-Son Distributor Building just east of the Riverside ( on 8^th Ave or Valker Road) …. Trestle Valley Ski – In the hills by the train trestle west of Minot….