Here are a few interesting items that I found in the newspapers over the years. July 2, 1859 Scott County Democrat The Fourth At Hennepin The citizens of Hennepin and vicinity will celebrate the Fourth by having a picnic in the grove near Mr. Kurtly's. The place selected is one of the most beautiful spots in Minnesota, it being at the elevation of five hundred feet above the Minnesota River. The spectator beholds in the valley, roves, creeks, lakes and prairies for many miles round; and such diversity of scenery and all so beautiful, that one seems entranced by it. (My Comment: If you look on an old landship owners map you will see that Mr. Kurtly owns the land at Lookout Point, also the people had a hard time judging distances and heights back then, I can supply numerous examples but won't right now. From a U.S.G.S map you will find that Lookout Point is only 200 ft. above the Minnesota river.) Feb. 25, 1860 Scott County Democrat Mr. Editor: Was ever you on Eden Prairie?, if not, you had better make your calculations to go there the first opportunity. They have the nicest farms, best houses and handsomest women there of any place in Minnesota, (that we know of.) Was over there the eve of the 9th of this month and a splendid time we had. We had a little bad luck getting there, for we did not keep the main road, but took a straight cut across the lake on the ice, the consequence was that our wagon gin in. A mile and a half a foot (which was rather hard for the ladies of our party) brought us to the house of Mr. Terrel, an old gentleman farmer on Eden Prairie, and from him we obtained a sled "and went on our way rejoicing." (My comment: The Terrel farm is pretty much the same farm that Sever Peterson now owns, across the road from "Lions Tap") Arrived at the house,( the old Hennepin House) we found it a regular surprise party for mine host and hostess knew nothing of it till the company began to assemble. They done all they could to make theirs guests comfortable. Every door in the house was thrown open and they was told to make merry and enjoy themselves as best they could. After tripping the light fantastic toe, till near midnight, a splendid supper was spread, containing all the delicacies of the season. The supper was got up by the guests, (the ladies of Eden Prairie) and much credit is due them for it. After the repast, the dancing was again resumed and kept up till daylight, when the party retired to their homes. After an hours ride, we found ourselves safe at home, feeling better and happier than when we left, only a little sleepy. Long will be remembered our trip to Eden Prairie and the ladies of that place. God bless them! may they long live to enjoy their beautiful homes, good society &ect. 28 August 1852 (The Weekly Minnesotian) For the Minnesotian Largest Settlement on the Minnesota River Mr. Editor: Allow me to communicate through your columns to your readers, more especially to those in Cook Co. Ill.. Early this spring, I left that county for the purpose of finding a place suitable for a new colony. In passing through Illinois I found some good chances were it not for the scarcity of timber. When I arrived in Galena I took the steamboat and crossed the Mississippi into Iowa, where I spent six weeks in exploring the country, but was unable to find any great quantity of timber. I left for Minnesota Territory, I must confess, not a little disheartened at the hard stories told by those whom I met on their return. When I arrived at St. Paul, my ideas brightened and I ventured to take passage on the Blackhawk for Mankato, where I left the boat and after taking a good look at the country I took the backtrack, calling at every town and town-site and throughly examining the country as for back as Port Holmes. (My notes: This is Shakopee) Here I stayed all night and in the morning I went back among the hills and lakes; thence returning to a half-breed village farther down the river. Here I crossed the river into Hennepin county on the lower end of Eden Prairie. I found McKenzie, a Kentucky sized sucker, in a small board shanty at this place. He has the handsomest town-site that I have seen since I left home, but he has done nothing on it yet. (My notes: This is the place where the town of Hennepin was located) He lived on the Sioux land all last fall and winter, at which time his house and everything he had was burned down by a party of Sioux. After this he was obliged to subsist entirely on game and spent his time exploring the country between the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers and also the crow river country. This young corn cracker (I claim the privilege of calling him what I please) cordially invited me to dine with him and then he said he would go with me and show me the country. After dinner we started for Minnetonka lake, about five miles north. On our way passed the largest settlement that I have sen on the river. They were all busy either in breaking or cutting hay. The country around Minnetonka lake is really delightful and I intend planting my colony on it's east shore. There is one sejtler on the lake and he intends building a sawmill at the outlet. The lake is as clear as a crystal and it must be deep (for this strange genius in his description of it, says that you can see them making tea in China.) It varies in width from one to five miles and this pioneering young Sucker thinks that it is at least 15 miles long; and on its shores I found the largest groves of sugar-maple that I have seen in the West.and as handsome as ever I saw in my life. After surveying the country to my satisfaction, I returned to Eden Prairie by way of Flood's lake, Round lake and the Big Woods. Flood's lake in the Big Woods, two miles west of Eden Prairie, is clear and handsome, about two miles square, and is settled on the north by Messrs. Riley, McNutly and Flood and on the south by Messrs. Clark and Alford. There is yet splended chances for settling on this lake. (My notes: Flood's lake is actually Riley's lake now.) Passing down through the Big Woods and the north end of Eden Prairie we came to Round Lake, only a mile and a half north from McKenzies landing. On this lake the Abbots, from Rockford , 111., were the first settlers.(My notes: From what I can figure out from the abstracts where the Abbott's settled, this is actually Starring lake as we know it. not the Round lake of present.) They have men now busy making hay. The grass is most remarkable wild grass I have ever seen. It is a fine red top, growing over six feet and stands a thick as hair on a dogs back. Leaving this lake we returned to McKenzie's shanty. While I look around I cannot help thinking that this will soon becom a large town. Elevation is about one hundred feet above the Minnesota river and backed so large an extent of good farming country. Some may be surprised at seeing a large spring on the very highest point in this town-site. The stream sinks and runs under the surface of the ground and pours out like a mill-tail on Taylor's claim. Holcomb's, the next claim below, on Hennepin river, has the greatest mill privilege in the Territory. It is large enough to run ten run of stoneand a sawmill the whole year round. (My notes: Hennepin river is probably Purgatory creek, they did have a mill on it at one time in this area.) Leaving this settlement, about four miles down the river I came to a handsome settlement in the vicinity of Bloomington. S.B. Wason, of Chicago. EDEN PRAIRIE PIONEER DAYS Oct 27, 1927 Shakopee Argus-Tribune The Eden Prairie district is rich in history and tradition. The village which served as the nucleus of the settlement in pioneer days figured importantly in the early chapters of Minnesota's pioneer history. There are many venerable pioneers of central and southern Minnesota, who, in a reminiscent mood, recall setting out for their frontier homes from St. Anthony and Mendota and spending the first night enroute at Eden Prairie. A glance at a map will reveal the strategic position of the Eden Prairie village sit as a halfway place. Situated nearly 25 miles north of the Minnesota river and in the direct line to the river settlements southwest of what is now Minneapolis, Eden Prairie offered a welcome interval in a weary journey with oxen and a prairie schooner or even with horse drawn vehicles, for the roads were heavy at most seasons and were at best no more than trails. Those who think nothing of bowling into the cities in a high powered motor cars over No. 5 or other highways may find it difficult to visualize the days when Eden Prairie was an important stopping place, but, as we have said, there are persons living who vividly recall the time. One of these is Mrs. Mary Nelson of Hancock township, Carver county. Mrs. Nelson 1s 81 years old, and when she was 17 served as a maid 1n the tavern at Eden Prairie, then kept by a man named Pelton. She had come out from Sweden with another family the year before, and it was the summer of 1863 that she went to work in the tavern. "Conditions were much different than they are today when I went to Eden Prairie," the pioneer woman laughed. "Then that section was densely covered with timber, except for a few open spaces, and the trails through the woods were often impassable. I was there twos and during all the time, summer and winter, home-seekers streamed through, in prairie schooners and other modes of conveyance, all bent on getting farther west." "I shall never forget," she continued, "the sight and varied incindents of my time there. Great broad-shouldered men from the middle west with their stouthearted, capable wives, came and went unconcernedly, accustomed to the rigors of pioneer life. But ther were others-delicate men and women from the eastern states and immigrants from Europe and the British Isles, who were illy fitted to cope with conditions they were to encounter. "Although I had been in the country less than a year I had learned something of the hardships to be encountered and was far more experienced in life in Minnesota of that period than most of those who visited the tavern. Often, when I talked with frail, white-faced women I longed to tell them of the discomforts awaiting them, to prepare them as well as possible for what was before them, but that, of course, was not good policy since it tended to d1scourge settlement. So I said nothing, but I did everything I could to make matters more pleasant for such persons." The Civil war was in progress when Mrs. Nelson was at the Eden Prairie tavern, and she saw hundreds of soldiers leaving for the South and returning. The young fellows, eager to get to Fort Snelling and enlist, and the older pioneers, less eager and with many cares incident to looking after their families and caring for there homesteads, stopped at our place on there way. The sight of them saddend me, for I had learned much of the sorrows of war 1n my native land. Many of the men I saw never came back, but gave there lives 1n the service on the battlefields in the South." "But," she added brightly, "those who came back on furloughs or had been discharged, presented a fine apperance in their blue uniforms. I recall most distinctly the blue overcoats equipped with capes, which they wore, for most of the returned soldiers I saw came back in the winter." The tavern keeper fed his guests well and provided good, clean beds. While many of the food staples now In common use were not obtainable here then, the former maid remembers that there were ample compensations. Wild ducks and geese and other feathered game was plentiful, and vension was as common as is beef today. "Deer could be shot within a short distance of the tavern," she tells, "and ducks and geese could be found almost anywhere. There were bears too, 1n the woods that fringed the settlement clearing and I frequently saw them skulking along through the underbrush. I was terribly afraid of them, however, and seldom ventured far from the tavern alone. But we did have bear steak ocasslonally and found it quite palatable," Mrs. Nelson recieved $5 a month and "some clothes" for her services at Eden Prairie. Before that she had been employed in the home of a settler named Fickner near Shakopee. She visited this city late in 1862, and asserts that it was so different then that there 1s little left to remind her of the village she knew 65 years ago. In 1866 the former immigrant girl married Andrew Nelson and settled on a farm near Gotha in Carver County. Her husband died 1n 1882. She has two sons , John W., with whim she makes her home, and L.G., proprietor of the general store at Gotha. Lions Tap The year was 1855-the United States sold 91.2 acres to Samuel Davis for $114. Lions Tap would eventually stand on a piece of this land. Severin and Mary Peterson bought 49 acres of the property in 1920 for farming purposes. The property was also leased out to W. T. Price, who established the Upper Grass Lake Gun Club. In 1926, a highway easement was granted for trunk highway No. 5 - also known as the Shakopee- Eden Prairie Road and presently known as U.S. Highway 212. The highway brought more people out to the country and created opportunities for the country folks. In 1933, Severin II and Ernest Peterson, the sons of Severin and Mary Peterson, decided that a good way to market their farm vegetables would be to build a vegetable stand. They had Mike and Inga Larson run the stand for them. The Petersons sold their farm products along with fruits and vegetables from the Minneapolis Market. Shortly thereafter, the Larsons started pouring beer at the little roadside stand. This soon became a friendly little neighborhood bar. Because the beer brought in more people from the surrounding area, the Larsons decided to sell gas as an added convenience for their customers. In 1938, Mary Peterson sold the Peterson Brothers Market to Severin II and Doris Peterson. They then sold to John and Mattie Buckingham. The place was becoming increasingly popular as a favorite little hideaway. The Buckinghams discontinued the vegetable stand to focus on the bar business and made their home on the premises. They added Bootlegged whiskey and slot machines, which attracted more customers. The service didn't hurt, either-Mattie Buckingham was an attraction in herself. The sweet lady was loved by everyone in the area. In 1950, Mattie Buckingham sold the business to Leonard P. and Helena Schaefer. Helena Schaefer was also a great attraction and was given the name "Ma Schaefer." Business was so good that they took the gas pump out so they could concentrate on selling beer. The Schaefers introduced the popular Stewart Sandwiches (now known as Deli Express). Even in those days, everyone heard about Ma Schaefer. Will Jones wrote a story in the Minneapolis paper about the friendly little place. It was 1958 when Ma Schaefer sold the bar to her niece Irene Lyons and husband Sears Lyons. Irene Lyons was nicknamed "Ma Jr.". This new ownership was the start of the famous hamburger. Irene introduced the hamburgers shortly after buying the bar. The hamburgers were made in an electric frying pan, which could handle four burgers at a time. They sold for $.25 each, regardless of whether they were a California, Cheeseburger or plain Hamburger. Business was going so well that they bought a new grill which could produce eight hamburgers at one time. Sears introduced tap beer, which became very popular. Beer was a whole $.05 a glass. Hamm's and Grain Belt were the top-sellers. Beer was flowing so substantially that they had to build a walk-in cooler and expand their seating. This little roadhouse built into the bluffs of the beautiful Minnesota River Valley occasionally had bands and dancing as an added attraction. The Lyons sold the business in 1974 to Lloyd Berg. Lloyd started serving the popular french fries. The city officials would not grant Lloyd Berg a license so his brother, Vern Berg, bought the Tap six months later. Vern and his wife Marlene remodeled the kitchen to expand the hamburger business.They owned it for three years before selling to Don and June Gilbert. The Gilberts owned it for a few months and then sold the restaurant to Bert and Bonnie Notermann in November of 1977. Upon taking over the operation, the Notermanns changed the name to Lions Tap. The new name was used to build around the existing lion logo. Bert and Bonnie Notermann brought in their own process for making the quarter pounders. Fresh ground beef individually patted daily and their own "secret seasoning" are two of the reasons for the hamburger's famous reputation. The buns are also given special care; heated and slightly toasted on the grill. Fresh produce, quality cheese, bacon and onions are available to top off any burger and make it truly outstanding. In 1980 a new, modern walk-in cooler was added and the renovation of the old storage room provided seating for 40 more patrons. New equipment and fixtures were also included in this renovation. The parking lot was black topped in 1981. Since most of the parking had been on County Rd. 4, the Notermanns purchased 10 additional acres in 1982 for a new parking lot to alleviate any safety problems due to on street parking. In 1983 the 50-year Anniversary of Lions Tap and its past history was celebrated. Sports celebrities, hot air balloon rides, clowns and drawings for trip giveaways were all part of the event. This year marked 25 years since the introduction of the famous hamburger at this Eden Prairie landmark. Beginning in 1984, plans were made for the complete renovation of the building and a new addition for an additional seating capacity of 80 more guests. The full renovation was completed in 1985. The $450,000 project included expanded seating, a new 40-car parking lot north of the building and a new kitchen area. Throughout the construction period, Lions Tap remained open with little inconvenience to their burger-loving customers. Word of mouth has certainly helped promote Lions Tap business, but the Notermanns believe in advertising. You can find Lions Tap ads and billboards all over the Midwest. You will encounter someone wearing Lions Tap merchandise where you'd least expect it - from Mexico to small- town USA. Over the years Lions Tap has won just about every award out there for Best Hamburger in the Twin Cities area. Lions Tap has also been named one of the top 500 restaurants in the country! The Notermanns also believe in giving back to their community. Lions Tap sponsors a large number of youth and adult athletic teams throughout the surrounding communities. They are the #1 Sports Booster in the area schools and support hundreds of other organizations and events throughout the state. There is no typical Lions Tap customer. From suits to overalls, you'll find all types sitting down with their family, friends or co-workers to enjoy the famous hamburgers. The Notermanns have strived to make and maintain an atmosphere that welcomes all walks of life. Providing quality food and economical prices - fast, friendly service - and a relaxed atmosphere with clean surroundings, Lions Tap continues to succeed in their goal to satisfy the burger connoisseur. We are dedicated to excellence. June 22, 1888 Scott Co. Argus Henry Tholen, an employee in Hussman Bro's brewery, was drowned in Riley's lake last Sunday evening by the capsizing of a boat. Tholen and Herman Hussman were in the boat fishing when it was accidently upset. Mr. Hussman being an expert swimmer easily reached shore, intending to procure a boat and rescue his companion, who was clinging to the boat but sank before Herman reached shore. The body was searched for all day Monday without success, but in the evening Mike Bohlig caught it on a trolling line while fishing. (My Comment: Mike Bohlig lived over in the bay, across the lake, at that time.) Sept 8, 1905 Scott Co. Argus - Residents of Bloomington were given a scare yesterday afternoon by the appearance at the bridge and at different points in that locality of an insane man, entirely naked, with the exception of a pair of rubbers on his feet, and whose body burned and blistered by the sun and bitten by mosquitoes, showed him to have been at large for some time. He accosted Mr. Ames at the bridge asking permission to bathe, but ran like a deer upon closer approach of Mr. Ames, across the bridge and hid in a boat on the other side. With Mr. Goodrich and others, Mr. Ames attempted to capture him but he easily outran his pursuers, taking a course towards Shakopee and was lost sight of in Harden's meadow. He is short, thick set, dark complextioned man and was seen at Bloomington two weeks ago Sunday night but was well dressed at the time. Several people have seen him along the banks of the river in the meantime but yesterday's was the first effort made to capture him. A group of men gatherd at the bridge last night to watch for his appearance and if he crosses to this side, Sheriff Wagner will be notified. It is to be hoped that the unfortunate creature will be taken into custody soon both for his own sake and for the peace of mind of residents in that locality. (The bridge their talking about is the Bloomington Ferry bridge, stay tuned there's more) Sept 15,1905 Scott Co. Argus - The insane man whose antics disturbed the peace of Bloomington last week was finally rounded up in the cemetery at Eden Prairie Friday. He had broken into a house and secured some clothing and talked quite rationally to his captors. A ticket was bought for him and he was sent to Minneapolis. His name or home was not ascertained. Nov 3,1898 Scott Co. Argus -Last Saturday noon, while the mananger of the Eden Prairie creamery was absent at dinner, the creamery caught fire and was burned to the ground. The institution was a cooperative, and there was not a cent of insurance, hence the loss, amounting to about $1,000, falls upon the stockholders among the farmers of the community.