See all posts in the Chaska’s History Speaks series

(For your enjoyment, we present to you, from the archives of the Chaska Herald newspapers, the Herald Reports – now known as Chaska’s History Speaks!)

Dec. 1, 1887

The Chief of our Fire Department should see that the engine and fire apparatus is in working order.  A fire is liable to break out any minute and it is necessary that everything should be in working order.  Delays are often dangerous.

Dec. 2, 1926

The Ernie Thomas carpenter crew is busy at work repairing the Minnesota River Bridge which certainly was in very bad shape. The old planks are being evened up and then new ones are laid the opposite way over the entire bridge which will make it far smoother when crossing with an automobile.  The lumber was furnished by the local Henry Simons Lumber Company.

Dec. 3, 1942

Ten Chaska men, all carpenters, left Minneapolis Saturday morning for White Horse, Canada, where they will be employed as carpenters on construction work in connection with the Alaska road project. The men will do carpenter work for the E. W. Elliott Construction Company. In the group that left were Florian and LeRoy Geiser, Peter Pierson, William Happ, Frank Hansel, Elmer Driessen, LeRoy Fink, Tony Schmidt, Ray Pfleghaar and Earl Kamerud. These men are going far away from home, judging from the fact that it will take them ten days to reach their destination.

Dec. 4, 1969

Chaska’s Lions Club wishes to “roar” its thanks to the community for its support of Monday evening’s “house-to-house” light bulb sale.  Lions Dick Burkhart and Tom Craighead, co-chairmen of this year’s Light Bulb Sale, announced that the event was a big success but that light bulbs are still available and will be sold Friday evening in the lobby of the First National Bank and Carver County State Bank.

Dec. 5, 1935

Headaches, coated tongue, sour stomach, no appetite, bad breath, pimples, clogged bowels.  Ugh!  These are nature’s danger signals — remove the cause, eliminate the poisons from the liver, kidneys and bowels. Hollister’s Rocky Mountain Tea will do the job. Thousands have found it a wonderful remedy — you will, too. Try it. — Chaska Drug Co.

Dec. 6, 1990

The 1990 “Christmas in Chaska” ornaments have arrived. The 1990 ornament is the fifth in the series and features the new Chaska  Community Center.  A limited number of 1987, 1988 and 1989 ornaments are still available for a reduced price. The 1986 ornament depicting the Gazebo is sold out and now becomes a collector’s item.  Call the Chamber office for more information on locations selling the ornament and prices.

Dec. 7, 1871

A large quantity of pork was marketed in our village during the past week, and only brought from $4 to $5 per hundred. If some of our merchants would only start a packing house here, they could, without doubt, realize a handsome profit at the present price of pork by going into the enterprise.

Dec. 8, 1864

We have with pleasure noticed a gradual increase of numbers at the English service at the church on the Sabbath. At our first arrival in Chaska we could only chronicle the attendance of from five to a baker’s dozen, while on last Sunday more than fifty attended the house of worship, and this is no more than an average assembly. Can we accept this fact as an indication of an improvement in our public morals?  If so (and we think we may answer in the affirmative), our moral interests are keeping pace with the physical growth of the town.

Dec. 9, 1971

Window service hours at the Chaska Post Office will be expanded this week to accommodate local holiday patrons. Postmaster Victor M. Weller announced early this week that effective today (Thursday) window service hours at the Chaska Post Office will be from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.  Normal window hours are 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. weekdays and 8:30 A.M. to noon on Saturdays.

Dec. 10, 1992

The Chaska Chamber of Commerce is making plans to deliver fruit baskets to shut-ins in Chaska.  On Tuesday, Dec. 22, weather permitting, Charlie Borak, the Chamber’s “official” Santa will be escorted by Chaska Police Chief Greg Schol. If you know of someone who is sick or elderly and who might enjoy a visit from Santa, please forward the name and address to the Chamber office by 3 P.M. on Dec. 17.

Dec. 11, 1862

The Ferry-Boat at this place was sunk on last Monday evening. The cause of its sinking was by a team attempting to go up the bank with too heavy a load, failing, in which the wagon ran back onto the end of the boat, sinking it instantly. It was raised on Tuesday, however, and again in full blast.

Dec. 12, 1929

We have many subscribers whose subscriptions become due January 1st.  We hope to have a majority renew on or before that date.  The Herald is $1.50 per year cash in advance and $2 per year when not so paid.  Kindly attend to the matter in time.

Dec. 13, 1900

Saturday last was a Holy Day of Obligation at the Catholic Church, and the attendance was very large, the country surrounding this city furnishing a large part of the congregation present.  Father Guido officiated.

Dec. 14, 1978

Four Chaska High School students have been named the first recipients of the Bionic Award which has just been instituted by the CHS Student Council. They are Lisa Heinzerling, Kathy Bjornson, Mary McGough and Mary Freeburg.   The award, a yellow badge with “BIONIC” spelled in capital letters, will be given to students for outstanding achievement in academics, athletics or community work, according to James Waletski, faculty sponsor. The letters stand for “Believe It Or Not I Care.”

Dec. 15, 1938

Chief of Police Jos. F. Ohnsorg and C. A. Lubansky, President of the City Council, joined yesterday in warning parties who have been interfering with electric lights on Christmas trees along the business streets. It has not been the youngsters as much as adults that have been loosening bulbs and in some cases taking them. Due process of law will be used to deal with offenders who are known henceforth.

Dec. 16, 1886

We suggest that our young friend Paddy Henk take the initiative towards organizing a toboggan club.  Chaska is surrounded by hills that would furnish the slides, and all that is necessary to insure success is that somebody take the lead. Therefore it has been suggested that Paddy’s attention be called to the subject, and we do so feeling confident that we have struck the “nail right on the head.”

Dec. 17, 1959

Chaska Girl Scout Troop 111, nineteen members strong, enjoyed a field trip with their troop leaders to Minneapolis Saturday.  Highlight of the day’s events included viewing Cinerama and eating at the Nankin Cafe. Participating in the trip were Diane Anderson, Jeanette Arlt, Cheryl Born, Carol Buesgens, Jane DuToit, Nancy Eder, Nancy Engelhardt, Sandra Ess, Cheryl Lano, Kathy Melchert, Carolyn Nord, Judy O’Brien, Janice Ohnsorg, Sharon Pauly, Mary Lou Ryski, Jane Shima, Linda Welter, Susan Wendland and Vicky Zamjahn.  Mrs. Dana DuToit, Jr., Mrs. Stanley Shima, Mrs. James Zamjahn, Miss Germaine O’Brien and Miss Virginia Bean, the latter two faculty members at the public school, accompanied the girls.

Dec. 18, 1924

Hedtke and Happ, local Hupmobile and Chevrolet dealers, are now in their new home. The basement of the spacious Happ Auditorium was recently completed and has been converted into a first class garage, and the equipment moved therein. They have the building nicely arranged for storage and expect to conduct a first class garage and storage business.

Dec. 19, 1940

A tradition established in 1939 is to be carried out again this season. From the towering spire of Guardian Angels Church, Christmas music will float out over the city.  Plans are to start the programs of carols and other appropriate music this evening, Wednesday. From now until Saturday, the Auto Club’s amplifying system will be used in the City Hall belfry and then moved to the church tower for the remainder of the holiday programs running through Christmas Day.

Dec. 20, 1866

Trade of all kind has improved materially within the last week.  But very little wood is being drawn in although most of our wood dealers have large gangs at work felling the  ‘Giants of the Forest” and are waiting for the appearance of snow to haul it in, which will also greatly enliven trade.

Dec. 21, 1967

Minnesota Conservation Department today announced special winter trout fishing seasons for certain state lakes — including the so-called Courthouse Lake in the City of Chaska. The special season will begin Saturday, December 30, and extend through Wednesday, January 31, 1968.  There will be a limit of ten per day — not more than three of which may be 16 inches or longer.  Courthouse Lake, as its name implies, is located on the grounds of the new Carver County Courthouse. The Department of Conservation has removed the rough fish and recently stocked it with some 1,700 yearling rainbow trout, ranging in size from 8 to 16 inches.

Dec. 22, 1955

Scheduled to unveil the first automatic pinsetters ever to be installed outside of the suburban Twin Cities area, Eder’s Lanes, Chaska’s local bowling establishment, will be closed from Thursday, December 21 until re-opening Wednesday evening, December 28.  Florian P. Eder, local bowling proprietor, made the announcement while requesting local patrons to keep this closing in mind during the Christmas holiday. Tentative plans call for an “Open House” in the very near future, and bowling enthusiasts are asked to watch for an announcement of this unveiling in next week’s edition of the Herald.

Dec. 23, 1920

Next Sunday evening at eight o’clock, Rhys-Herbert’s beautiful Christmas Cantata, “The Christ Child,” is to be presented in St. John’s Lutheran Church. The local Lutheran choir, generally known and recognized as one of the best organizations of its kind in the county, has worked hard to give this noble work a fitting and inspiring rendition, and we feel sure that Chaska will not be disappointed in their efforts. All are invited.  A collection will be taken up to go for the new church.

Dec. 24, 1925

Coach Mooney’s High School basketeers covered themselves with glory in a game with the Roosevelt High team at Minneapolis last Friday afternoon, winning out after a hotly contested affair by a score of 10 to 8.  Both teams played good ball, according to the city papers, and the game was an interesting one.  We have a bang-up high school team this year and the fans are going to follow the conference title chase with a lot of real interest this year.

December 25, 1941

The oft repeated and ever popular theme of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol” was re-enacted on the stage of Guardian Angels School Sunday evening, with the parts of Scrooge, Bob Cratchet, and all the other familiar characters cleverly portrayed by high school students. A crowd of about 450 witnessed the delightful version of the story worked out and directed by the Sisters of Christian Charity.

Dec. 26, 1867

An important transfer in the real estate line happened in our town this week. Messrs. Gregg & Griggs sold both of their brick yards to the Messrs. Howe & Sons for a consideration of $4,000.  Thus, the entire brick business of Chaska, which is immense, has passed into the hands of one firm, who henceforth are to be known as the leading brick manufacturing company in the state.

Dec. 27, 1917

Chaska again has a restaurant and it’s a clean and nifty looking place at that. Two Greeks, who are said to have considerable experience in the restaurant business, have opened up in the Dresen Building located between the First National Bank and the Dresen Saloon.  Whether this city can afford a restaurant remains to be seen, but in the past the venture has usually proved a losing proposition.

Dec. 28, 1995

The Chaska Community Center and its Hockey Happening is being featured on the Midwest Sports Channel. The show is hosted by Doug Johnson and Herb Brooks and will air locally on Sunday, December 31 at 5:30 P.M.  Local guest interviews include Ed Hjermsted who was awarded a volunteer plaque, Mayor Bob Roepke, Coach Dennis Maruk, and CCHA President Steve Olinger.

Dec. 29, 1949

The New Year’s weekend is expected to be observed in gay fashion in Chaska with three dances scheduled, two at the Valley Ballroom and one at the American Legion Club Rooms. Dances will be held at the Valley Ballroom on New Year’s Eve (Saturday) and New Year’s Night (Sunday).  Clem Rhode’s Orchestra will provide the music for the New Year’s Eve frolic, and Guy DeLeo and his band will entertain dancers on New Year’s Night. The American Legion Club Rooms will also be the scene of a New Year’s Eve dance on Saturday night, December 31st.  Leonard Schimota and his band will furnish the music for this gala party and the public is cordially invited to join the throng in welcoming the New Year.

Dec. 30, 1909

A bunch of fourteen young people from this city drove out to the Frank Mieseler home near Augusta Tuesday evening to surprise the Mieseler boys and report having a grand time. The party consisted of Misses Anna Dols, Mary Lipinski, Anna Fritz, Bertha Gestach, Effie Schindler, Mary and Lizzie Rief, and Messrs. Frank Rief, Willie White, Peter Bruers, Jr., Jos. Neuberger, Frank Duerr, with Mr. Polsfuss as driver. They were royally entertained and are loud in praise of the hospitality of the Mieseler family.

Dec. 31, 1970

A virtual basketball civil war looms on the horizon tonight (Wednesday) at the Chaska Senior High School Auditorium when host CHS entertains cross-city rival Guardian Angels Catholic High School in a basketball game that finally is being played. Tonight’s basketball action will get underway at 6:10 P.M. with GAH’s unbeaten “B” Squad, hopeful of getting the parochial school off on the right foot against Coach Gil Jensen’s CHS Bees. Varsity action will start at 7:30 P.M.  Merlyn Kinkel, CHS Athletic Director, and Rev. Ulric Landolt, Athletic  Director at GAH, joined in inviting fans to watch the action.