HOIGAARD'S:  3550 SO. HIGHWAY 100

Hoigaard's opened for business in May 1960 at 3550 South Highway 100. This highly visible St. Louis Park business has a long history:

1895

Conrad Hoigaard (b. @1875, Norway; d.1950) founded the business. He had learned sail making during a brief stint as a sailor, and starting in about 1879 he honed his skills at a tent and awning firm in Minneapolis. When he first opened his own business, the company's products were limited to tents, tarps, and awnings. He soon expanded into tarps, fly nets, horse covers, cow blankets, and custom-made products.

1905

The factory's second location was 116 Washington Avenue N.

1910

The business was moved to 30 Washington Avenue N.

1917

The Company manufactured canvas products for the military during WWI.

1920's

The company moved into products such as sporting goods, directors' chairs, and sun umbrellas.

WWII

The factory converted to wartime production and suspended retail sales for the duration. All 125 employees worked to produce gun mount covers, aircraft covers, machine covers, and tents.

1947

Conrad's son Cyrus J. Hoigaard (1910-1981) took over the business.

1960

The Gateway area in Minneapolis had become an embarrassment to the City, filled with liquor stores, bars, and flop houses. The wrecking ball of Urban Renewal eliminated the blight, but as a result, many businesses were displaced. Hoigaard's took this opportunity to move to larger quarters, and purchased three acres from Charles Friedhem, who had excavated the property in the early 1950’s. The new building had an expanded showroom that replaced the small showroom and a fleet of salesmen they had in Minneapolis.

1961

An article in the Dispatch stated that "the company operates in 16 states and had gained national recognition for its unique, patented football field cover."

1963

The Ski Chalet was added to beef up sales in the off-season. By 1966, skiing had taken off, giving Hoigaard's another key line to manufacture.

1965

Hoigaard's made one of their most unusual products in honor of a visit from the Beatles. Archie Walker owned the Volkswagen Dealership (West Side), which for years featured a revolving VW Beetle. In honor of the group from Liverpool, Archie decided to put a Beatle wig on his Beetle, and Hoigaard's was up to the challenge, making the wig out of dyed mops sewn together.

1975

Cyrus's son Conrad J. Hoigaard II became President of the company.

1989

A city incinerator was demolished, ending the shower of white ash over the area. Hoigaard's expanded onto the land, keeping the chimney as an advertising landmark.

2006

The area occupied by Hoigaard's for 46 years was slated for redevelopment, and on October 21, the store moved to the western end of Miracle Mile. 

See the December 2006 issue of the Re-Echo for the move to Miracle Mile.

 

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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.