History in the Crawl Space Mound Whiz Kids

As an educational
society we will
provide a
continuous history
of the Westonka
area for those who
follow after us...
History in the Crawl Space
by Tom Rockvam
Recently I received a phone call from Brenda Ryan telling
me to call First Vice Commander Jim Roberge of the Mound
American Legion Club. When I called Jim, he told me that I
should stop by because he had something that he thought I
would be interested in.
I went to the Legion and in the upstairs banquet hall there
were tables covered with old pictures, awards and much
more memorabilia. Jim told me that they were having a new
security and fire alarm system installed at the Legion, and
the workmen had come across all of this as they were in a
crawl space in an upper ceiling. All of this had to have been
moved around 1962 from the old Legion Club which was in
downtown Mound to the new, present day Legion club on
Wilshire Blvd. It evidently was up in that crawl space for
over 50 years and forgotten about.
I did recognize two or three photos that I had been
seeking for decades. One picture was of the club house
which was on the golf course that was on the property where
Shirley Hills School, St. John’s Church and the surrounding
neighborhoods are today. This golf course was in operation
from 1922 through 1946. The property was then surveyed
and split up into the neighborhoods that are there today.
Evidently the local school district bought a huge parcel of
this land, and in 1951 they built Shirley Hills School on this
property. It was also between 1946 and 1948 that Hennepin
County extended Wilshire Blvd. across that property from
Bartlett Blvd. to Shoreline Drive.
Volume 16, No. 1
Fall 2011
Our next newsletter is going to highlight the
Longpre’s Store in Mound. We’d like to add
YOUR memories of this business located in
the center of town. Send those memories to
3309 Casco Circle, Wayzata, MN 55391
or [email protected]
Mound Whiz Kids
Lakeshore living paid off for a group of youngsters in
the Mound area, according to the Minneapolis Star in a
1956 article.
At the Minneapolis Aquatennial water ski tournament
at Lake Calhoun in 1956, the Mound Whiz Kids swept a
majority of the first-place cups and medals at the event.
Three first-place cups and 10 medals were won by the
Kids, ages seven to 19.
The Whiz Kids (also
sometimes called the
“Casino Kids”) were a
non-profit
club
consisting of boys and
girls, 7 to 19. Under
the
general
management of Pat
Guy, Jr., skiers were
trained and assisted in
the water sport by their
parents. They put on
many shows and
exhibitions
in
Minnesota
and
surrounding
states.
Most of the members
lived in Mound. Some
of these youngsters
went on to perform
with Tommy Bartlett’s
troupe
at
the
Wisconsin Dells.
Pat Guy III
Continued on Page 2
Were you in the club? Do you know more about this
club? Do you have stories to share?
Let us know - we’d love to share them.
Page 2
Volume 16 No. 1
History in the Crawl Space - continued from page 1
The name for Shirley Hills School came from the surveyor. He
named it after his daughter whose first name was Shirley. The
surveyor's name was John Henry Skarp; his daughter's name today
is Shirley Skarp Armstrong.
Another picture I recognized was of the Mound Pilot building.
The Pilot was the newspaper for Mound and all of the surrounding
communities from 1922 to 1965. The last issue of the Pilot was
printed the week after the May 6, 1965 tornado and contained lots
of news and pictures about the tornado, but no mention of why,
after 43 years, it ended so suddenly and mysteriously without any
explanation.
much things and people change in one or two generations.
Speaking of generations, Mound's 100-year birthday, their
centennial, is soon upon us and maybe we should all put our
pictures with our names on the back in a time capsule for
future generations? No one would recognize us, but at least
they would know who we used to be. Of course that would
only happen if the time capsule didn’t get stuffed in some
crawl space in the mean time.
History of Westonka Comes
to Grandview 6th Graders
The third picture that I recognized only because of descriptions
that I had heard from the seniors of Mound was the Mound
Pavilion.
The Mound Pavilion sat close to the shore of Cook’s Bay in what
today is Mound Bay Park. The City of Mound owned the pavilion
and leased it out for the summer months. Some of the lessees at
different times were Al & Alma Quist, Gerry Dodds & Tom
Sorenson and Bernie Winkel. These teams would sell hamburgers,
hot dogs, potato chips, candy and pop to the beach users and to a
few boaters.
Bernie Winkle was the last lessee of the building and as the story
goes, he was held up at gun point one Sunday night as he was
closing the pavilion and was robbed of the $80 take from the day.
I had heard stories that the pavilion was burned down and also
that it had been torn down, but the truth according to Carl &
Joanna Widmer is that it was bought from the City of Mound by
Dick and Viola Maas of St. Bonifacious in the late '50s and moved
to St. Boni by a large group of Maas’s friends including Widmer.
The Pavilion was remodeled into a house after the move and
even though Dick and Viola in later years moved to up by Duluth,
the house is still going strong today on Kennedy Memorial Drive
in St. Boni.
I know that the Westonka Historical Society looked at all of the
memorabilia after I did so maybe they know some historical
people that I don’t know who can help identify some of the people
and the pictures. It’s kind of like looking at your great
grandmother's photo album; you know you should probably
recognize some of the people and buildings, but it is amazing how
On Monday, June 6, 2011 Jeanne Brustad and Pam
Myers, members of the WHS, went to Grandview Middle
School and presented a 45-minute discussion with a Power
Point accompaniment to all six classes of Grandview Middle
School 6th graders. The students came to the cafeteria in
groups of two classes at a time on their very last day of classes
before their trip the next day to Valley Fair. They were an
incredible audience as they sat on an extremely hot day and
listened to a presentation of how the Westonka area started
from being a place where Indians came to bury their dead,
hunt, fish, and have their celebrations to what has become the
year-round cities of Minnetrista, Mound, Spring Park, and
Orono.
We highlighted the hotels of the area and the change
in the community from being a summer vacation area to a
year-round community. We tried to make history real to them
by comparing what was happening in the late 1800s and 1900s
with life in the community now. We talked about how history
is actually a collection of memories and often those memories
of various people are different.
The students were awesome and at the end of each of
the three presentations, the students were allowed time to ask
questions. They had some great ones, and some of them were:
•Wasn't James J. Hill the railroad guy? Why did he build a
hotel?
•Why did the mailman walk instead of riding a horse?
•When was the first Tonka Toy built?
•Why were the photos in the power point in black-and-white?
•How did the Lafayette Hotel burn down?
And one teacher question:
•What can you tell us about the amusement part on Big
Island?
Westonka Historical Society Newsletter
Page 3
Spirit of the Lakes 2011
A Festival for the Westonka Community
that is 100% funded
by sponsors, button sales, and donations
Again this year the Westonka Community celebrated
three days of family fun with their annual Spirit of the
Lakes Celebration. The Westonka Historical Society was
a big part of it with an incredible display at the Depot and
helping to sponsor the popular history boat tours of part
of the western shore of Lake Minnetonka. This
participation in the Spirit of the Lakes Celebration every
year helps our community know about some of the
history of this incredible community as well continuing
to make people aware of our organization.
Along with our display at the Depot, the park waas filled
with music, stage shows, games and entertainments for
the kids, a beer garden and a tiki bar for the adults.
The festival started with the Boots and Badges Safety Fair
on Thursday night, continued on Friday where you could
dance under the stars from five until midnight. It
continued through Saturday. The heat did not stop
Saturday from being the big day. It started with a Grand
Parade at 10 am. Throughout the day there was an Art
Fair, a Business Showcase, many different stage shows,
music, fun and the best fireworks on Lake Minnetonka.
The afternoon acts were great, as usual, and enjoyed by
everyone that was there. One huge highlight was the
entertainment for the kids; the face painters, charicature
artist, the airbrush and tattoo person. The stylist that did
those awesome, crazy hairdos on the kids was really
enjoyed by all. The Magic Maniac had the kids going
crazy with fire-eating and lots of jokes. And the list could
go on and on of the various activities. We can’t forget to
mention the incredible food choices at the Food Court with the Lions pork chops on-a-stick being one of the
hits.
Monsoon rains the day the tipi was to be set up
prevented the tipi from being displayed this year.
Mary Opheim created these posters to show more
history of our area.
Free brochures and coloring books for children,
available at a center table for children visiting to the
Depot from the Minnesota Historical Society.
More pictures on pages 4 and 5
Page 4
Volume 16 No. 1
Westonka Historical Society Newsletter
Spirit of the Lakes 2011
Page 5
Spirit of the Lakes Drawing Winners
Kim Bogard of Mound won two tickets for free admission
to any of two dozen MN Historical Society sites, from
Pipestone to the Two Harbors Lighthouse, including the
James J. Hill House in St. Paul.
Paul Holden (left), also of Mound, won the book "The
Four Hills of Life" Ojibwe Wisdom by Thomas Peacock and
Marlene Wisuri, which was donated for the drawing by
Mary Opheim (right).
The ever popular Historical Boat tour presented during the Displays were set up in the depot, including two tables that
Spirit of the Lakes. Every year Al & Alma’s donates the use contained local history. The table on the left is Spring Park
of their boat for this incredible historical tour. Jeff history and on the right is Island Park.
Magnuson and Jerry Babb were the “tour guides” on the trip.
Cathy Bailey was a volunteer ticket taker for the three tours.
School history was included, with many copies of year books
This display of Native American history included photos of from the Mound and Westonka Schools. Bill Opheim, one of the
the Dakota Shrine purcased by Minnesota Institute of Art volunteers at the depot, is checking out some of the yearbooks
on display.
from a museum in France.
Visitors signing up for the WHS.
WHS retail table, books, puzzles, games
arranged by Debi Heitz.
Page 6
History of Twin Birch
told by the Granddaughters
Volume 16 No. 1
Class of 1952 Reunion
On July 17, 2011, the Class of 1952 held its annual class
reunion at Burl Oaks.
Saturday, May 14, 2011, found over 80 visitors at “The Court”
on the campus of the Presbyterian Homes (now called
Minnetonka Shores) for a wonderful discussion of how that
property started out being a restaurant, then became a boarding
house and evolved into a nursing home. The granddaughters of
the original owner, Alice M. Westlund, gave historical
information as well as personal experiences that delighted the
audience. Joy Anderson Grundeen and Mary Alice Anderson
Redwing also provided the people in attendance with several
posters of pictures that illustrated those stories.
Left to right: Mary K Tambornino, MaryAnne Thomas Bouley,
Johanna Krueger Eastman, Josie Hanson Snyder, Ellen Whittaker
Cranston, Josie Nickish Ludescher, Marlys Boll Smieja, Dorothy
Kubon Latterell. Missing: Dorothy Kubon
This presentation was so well received, and so many more
wanted to hear the stories that it will be repeated sometime in
September or October in the new Chapel at the newly remodeled
space at Minnetonka Shores. Watch the local newsletters for
exact date and time.
Back Row: Ray Anderson, Dennis Carlson, John Malakowsky,
Graydon Watts, Jack Smith
Seated:Ernie Lemmerman, Vern Brandenburg, Dick Berg, Rich
Pouliot
(Captions by Carol Senn)
Westonka Historical Society Newsletter
A Few of our Items for Sale
New - Westonkaopoly
Classic Game of local businesses - $20.00
Classroom Voices
History of Mound Consolidated School
by Pamela Myers- $26.00
Newly reprinted - Minnetrista Memories
by Mildred Banks - $25.00
Historical Lake Minnetonka
by Stephanie Larsen and Nancy P. Steinke
Navigate Lake Minnetonka and Discover its Rich
History - $29.95
Salvaged Memories
Page 7
Ways to help the Westonka Historical Society
• Donate a gift in memory of a friend, family member or loved one.
• Request that memorials be given to the Westonka Historical Society.
• Celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special achievement by making a
donation to the WHS to honor someone.
• Include the WHS in your estate planning.
• Become a member of the Westonka Historical Society.
GiveMN.org accepts credit card donations - 365 days a year
by Jerry Provost - $20.00
Interested in membership in the Westonka Historical Society?
Coloring Book - $5.00
Provide your name, address, phone number and email address to:
Colorful Westonka
Lake Minnetonka Puzzle
550 pieces - Current map - $20.00
Opa & Oma Together
Children’s book by Patrick Mader - $16.00
Oma Finds a Miracle
Children’s book by Patrick Mader - $16.00
Historical Backgrounds of Mound
by Mel Gimmestad - $6.50
Tonka
Book of history of Tonka Toy Co. - $30.00
A Collectors Guide to Mighty-Tonka
Identify and rate Tonka Toys - $39.50
American Lotus Note Pad
WHS - PO Box 84, Mound, MN 55364
and choose a type of membership you are interested in. We are a
501(c)(3) organization. Membership is a great gift to give.
And be sure to come and visit us at our museum!
Senior/Student……..$15.
Individual………..….$20.
Family……………....$25.
Contributing ….…... $50.
Business…............$100.
Patron ……..……. $125.
Color photo by M. Magnuson - $2.00
Sollie Note Card
1960 Watercolor by Audrey Holmquist Evans - $3.00
To order a book, puzzle, note pad or card, please call
952.472.9800 or email: [email protected]
Several area businesses also carry our products.
Westonka Historical Society
Pamela Myers, President
Mari-Lou Triebenbach, Vice Pres.
David Cross, Treasurer
Sue Cathers, Past President
Board Members:
Gerald Babb
Vern Brandenburg
Jeanne Brustad
Joyce Holcomb
Sharon Holden
Jeff Magnuson
Debi Tharalson/Heitz
Honorary Board Members:
Mary Opheim
Carol Senn
Thom Flug
Alice Tillman
Sales:
Joyce Holcomb
Newsletter:
Jeanne Brustad, Editor
Carol Senn, Contributor
Tom Rockvam, Contributor
Pamela Myers, Proofreader
952-474-1601
763-559-4961
952-474-4898
952-472-4893
952-472-2858
952-472-5820
952-471-7019
952-472-3729
952-237-6771
952-472-3653
952-472-1750
952-472-4610
763-473-1196
952-491-4000
763-218-3954
952-472-3729
952-471-7019
763-473-1196
952-472-0759
952-474-1601
This newsletter is published 4 times a year and mailed to all
members in good standing. For more information on receiving a
newsletter, contact Jeanne Brustad, Editor - 952-471-7019
[email protected]
Mound City Council has
provided storage space for the
Westonka Historical Society
in two empty rooms at the
Mound City Hall while we are
continuing our efforts to find
a permanent place for our
museum. Vern Brandenburg
and Mary Opheim, members
of the WHS are getting that
space ready.
PO Box 84
Mound, MN 55364
Reminder: The date on your address label is the “expiration” date of your membership in the WHS.
If you believe this date is incorrect, please contact Jeanne Brustad - 952-471-7019
http://www.westonkahistoricalsociety.org
Westonka History Museum
2339 Commerce Blvd, Mound, MN
55364
Open Saturday 10:00 - 2:00 and by Appointment
952-472-9800
Calendar of Events for WHS and other Local Historical Societies
See westonkahistoricalsociety.org for links to calendar events
If you missed the presentation of the internationally acclaimed musician Lauren Pelon and award winning poet and essayist
Gary Holthaus in Mound, here are a couple more chances to see the program:
Tuesday, September 13, 7.00pm, Our Father’s Lutheran Church, Rockford (sponsored by Rockford Area Hist. Society)
Saturday, September 17, 7.30pm, New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
Saturday, November 12, 7.00pm, Roseau School Theater (sponsored by Roseau County Historical Society & Museum)
September 16 - 17 - Class of 1961 Reunion at the Gillespie Center
September 17 - Hopkins in Motion, look for Hopkins Historical Society booth, walking tour with historical society guide