Scandinavian & Windsor Hotel

The Windsor Hotel was on the corner of 1^st St and 1^st Ave. SE. This is where the old YMCA was located. The Scandinavian Hotel was on the east side of the block on First Avenue, just east of the Blue Rider Bar. The original Soo Line Depot was across the street, on Third Street SE. When the early settlers arrived at the Soo Line Depot, they would see they Scandinavian Hotel. Most if not all of the Scandinavian languages were spoken here. Many of the early pioneers in the northwestern part of the state arrived at the Soo Line depot and may have stayed at the Scandinavian Hotel. Eventually the Scandinavain Hotel was demolished to make room for an expansion on the Windsor Hotel.

 Windsor Hotel - early 1900's

 Windsor Hotel - 1949

Scandinavian Hotel - early 1900's

Westland Oil Fire - Buildings Destroyed

Buildings were destroyed in the explosion and fire at the Westland Oil Company in February, 1947 that house five businesses. Those buildings were home to Mandan Creamery and Produce Company, Westland Oil Company Service and Bulk Station, Riverside Café, Minot Farmers Co-operative Grain Association  and Tavern and Becwar and Cedarstrom Texaco Company. Also businesses extensively damaged were Bridgeman Creamery, Monagin Power Equipment, Farmers Union Co-op store and Lowe’s Grocery….

Westland Oil Fire

This major fire occurred in July, 1947.  Reports from one eye witness who worked at the nearby Mandan Creamery claimed that “pink gas” was flowing from one tank like a waterfall. As soon as she saw that she got in her car and drove away as quickly as possible. She had gone about a block or two when the explosion occurred throwing her car to the side of the road but she kept on driving.  Four men were killed in the explosion. Two were in the Mandan Creamery which was completely destroyed in the blast. One was a Minot fireman and the other an employee of Charlebois Blacksmith Shop.

July 7, 2014: Hotels/Motels of the past:

See if you remember any of these:

Gelking Motel – 1524 S Broadway

Walsh Motel – 17^th Ave –Hwy 83 South

Pat’s Motel – Hwy 52 Southeast

Gordon’s Holiday Spot – 1901 S Broadway

Clarence Parker – 1^st St and 1^st Ave SE

Leland Parker – Main Street and Central Ave

Paradise Motel - 20^th Ave and Broadway

Sterling Motel – 20^th Ave & Broadway

Roosevelt Hotel – Broadway and 1^st Ave.

Ho Hum Motel – Burdick Exp & Bypass West

Home Motel –Hwy 2 & 52 West

 

Four Lane Highways

The news story on August 25, 1964 announced that the four lane highway to the Minot Air Force Base was now open. The story said that the opening of the four lane to the base should all but eliminate the traffic congestion between the base and Minot. With section to the base open, residents then had 16.5 mile of  four lane highway from the base to just south of Minot. Work was in progress on the 15 mile stretch of highway from south of Minot to the junction on Highway 23. …. It is difficult to imagine Highway 83 as anything other than a four lane highway

Frontier Airlines

 In late March, 1959, Frontier Airlines was going to begin service to Minot. The week before on Sunday, March 23, Frontier Airlines held and “Air Fair” at the Minot International Airport. Eighteen, special 25 minute flights started at 9:30 in the morning and were given all day long. The plane used was a 24 passenger, twin engine DC-3 airplane. 432 people went on the flight. For many it was first time they had ever been off the ground. They were able to view the city, the airport and the Air Force Base from an altitude of 3000 feet. More than 5,000 people attended the event and Frontier Airline Stewardesses presented a carnation to the first 500 ladies. People could register for a free trip for two to Denver at many Minot businesses.

1940's - Most Significant Headlines

1940 – Sawyer ran a a band of Gypsies out of town ---

1940  - Unemployment checks averaged $9.68

1943 – The Waverly Hotel burned down ---

1943 -  North Dakota Speed limit lowered to 35 mph

1945 – Construction began on the Empire Theater

1945 -  Thomas Funeral Home moved to its Present location

1946 – Minot City Council approved parking meters ---

1946 -  Propane gas came to Minot

1947 – More than 1400 rats killed at Minot Dump in one day --- 

1947 -  Westland Oil Fire

1948 – New Clarence Parker Hotel opened

1949 – Parking meters abolished in Minot