4317-31 EXCELSIOR BLVD.

Before the present building was built in 1950, this location was occupied by a rug salesman named Nish A. Jamgotch who operated out of a quanset hut (address 4323). At this point it may have been owned by Lila and Oscar Flatin.

In 1946, someone was apparently manufacturing jewelry at the site.

When the building with many addresses was built in 1950 it was originally Stalnaker’s Appliance Store, one of many appliance stores that opened up on the Boulevard when TV hit its stride. Its grand opening was held on October 26-28, 1950 (address given 4319). It was advertising appliances heavily in the local "TV Times" into 1951.

In 1952, there were three businesses listed: Edward Traficante, who had first opened his Traficante Accordion School in 1928 as the School of Chromatic E-Piano Accordion at 305 E. Hennepin and 3354 NE Taylor in Minneapolis. In July 1952 he built an accordion factory in Castelfidaro, Italy.

Also in 1952, and until at least 1960, Archie Walker, Jr. (scion of the T.B. Walker family) ran Imported Motors at this location before he opened West Side VW in 1960. In 1953, neighbors on Joppa were up in arms over Walker’s activities: showing cars, unloading, racing engines caused by “straight pipes.” In 1958 he was advertising the VW

Microbus. In 1960 he opened West Side Volkswagon at Highways 100 and 12.

Jackson Seat Covers was also listed at this address in 1952.

In July 1953, Betty Ann McCall started her own accordion school. Betty was taught by Anthony Galla-Rini, and hoped to form an accordion band.

In 1960-64 the building housed the DuPont Paint District Warehouse, employing just two men..

Since 1968, the building has been the home of Koval's Furniture and Appliance Store.

Home    St. Louis Park History    History Index    About the Society    Research Resources
Brookside Timeline    Something In The Water    The Re-Echo    Contact Us

This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.