4631-37-49 EXCELSIOR BLVD.

There have been two buildings on this site at Excelsior and Natchez, now the home of Jenning’s Liquors. The first had the address 4649, and goes back to at least 1922, when Robert Johnson, who owned much land on the Boulevard, operated a store. The building was connected to the Village water main in 1932, and a permit in 1933 indicated that he made an addition to his soda fountain. The structure may have been made of logs. Johnson owned the building until at least 1936.

From about 1939 to about 1942, the building was the Swan Café, operated by Charles Swahn.  The 1940 ad said "For your comfort visit our lovely beer garden.  The only one of its kind in the Northwest."



In 1943 it was taken over by the Park Baptist Church – how long we don’t know. (The permanent church building on Highway 100 was dedicated in 1953.) The house behind it on Vallacher was built as a parsonage. 

In June 1948, H. A. Campbell ran the Hasty Tasty at the SE corner of Natchez and Excelsior.

In 1949, the building on Natchez was expanded to the east and became Jack Pestello’s Big Ten Food Store/Town and County One Stop Food Market, one of the longest-named (and shortest-lived) grocery stores in town. Despite the use of the word "modern," the picture in the directory shows a building that looks pretty worn out. This store is only identified as being located at Excelsior and Natchez. In January 1950 it was Hodroff Big Ten Food Store, but on March 22, 1950, Buy Rite Super Market, run by Dave and Harry Ostrow, opened at the spot.

1951 to about 1961 saw the A&K Supply Co., and in 1961, Rosland’s Apache Camping Center (same business?).  The picture below is from 1960.

By 1965 the building had apparently been foreclosed upon, for it was owned by the Northwest National Bank Trust Department. The building was demolished, and a new building was built in 1966. The new building was still owned by the bank until about 1984, when it was sold to Barry Nelson dba Business Properties, at least until 1988. In 1990 the owner appears to be Paul Onslud, who may have been connected with the PDQ store at 4611 Excelsior.

Tenants during that time include: (dates may not be all-inclusive)

Barness Shaver and Appliance (1984-93)
Barry Nelson Classy Clothes Resale (1983)
Clean n’ Press (1991-1993)
Farmer Seed and Nursery (1966-72), home of “Master Farmer” Seeds and owned by the Danish Seed Co. of Faribault. In 1969 the local manager was Richard Horner.
Jorgenson Clocks (1985-86)
Kitchens by Design (1973-78) owned by Louis Nauman
Park Lighting Studio (1976)
Samples (1990) Jim Bishop

In 2001 the building was purchased by Jim Jennings, who moved his liquor store to the site when the Excelsior and Grand project displaced him across the street.

1969


 

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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.