The Fair Dept. Store

Ellisons – The Fair Department Store – The first Fair Store was opened in Minot in 1902 on Main Street, in a location next to and south of what is now Western paint. It was like most stores of the time with a 25 foot frontage. In 1910 the Ellisons moved the store a block south into a new building known as The Fair Block, just south of the intersection of Main Street and 2^nd Avenue. In 1929 a newer building was added at the corner and adjacent to The Fair Block. The new building, a large 2 story building with a basement eventually incorporated The Fair Block in 1955 giving Ellisons a 100 foot store front on Main Street. During the Diamond Jubilee in 1961, Ellisons ran a contest to see who could bring in the oldest sales slip showing merchandise purchased at the store. The winner received a wool blanket…. Unfortunately I do not know who won or how old the receipt was.

Ellisons in 1920 before expanding to the corner

A Car Wash in Minot

Supermatic 3 Minute Car Wash – In August of 1958 the Supermatic Car Wash opened on Highway 83 South… During the Grand Opening they provided free coffee and donuts, and balloons and candy for the kids. The Supermatic claimed the total wash time was only 3 minutes form start to finish. They also claimed they could wash any size car.  The vehicle was vacuumed before starting through the wash cycles. I believe this may have been the first automatic car wash in Minot

Pictured is the Car O Matic Car Wash on South Broadway

Slot Machines Found

Abandoned Slot Machines – July, 1958, nine slot machines were discovered in a basement storeroom of a Minot business. The police we, e trying to find out who the owners were… no one came forward to claim them. Two of the newer models were taken to Bismarck by state officials. The older models were held at the Minot Police Dept. pending anyone claiming them. If not claimed these older slot machines were to be destroyed. Value on the slot machines was placed at over $10,000.00. Of course if they were claimed the owner would be in violation of both local and state ordinances.

Vendome Bar on Minot's High Third Street

NSP Steam Whistle

Steam Whistle retired – A Minot Landmark since 1909 was retired in 1965… The cast iron steam whistle that stood atop the NSP Steam Plant on East Central Avenue was retired and given to the Northwest North Dakota Historical Society. Throughout the years the steam whistle was used as a volunteer fire alarm, an air raid siren, Civil defense warning system and the nightly curfew whistle for kids. The whistle was placed in the museum at the Historical Society on the State Fair grounds

NSP Steam Plant

Jim Hill and Great Northern RR pt. 3

Sometimes Hill and Great Northern RR gave away pure-bred livestock, especially bulls, to a farmer they knew would farm wisely and be an example, to encourage others to buy land along railroad lines. Hill and G.N. wanted the farmers and small towns to succeed. Then the Great Northern Railway would prosper also. (from North Dakota Studies)

Aerial view of GN Roundhouse

Jim Hill and Great Northern Pt 2

Hill and Great Northern RR were especially interested in improving farming. They had a rail car with displays. They also had a demonstration rail car going town to town presenting new ideas about farming. Branch lines were built to encourage farming in remote areas. Hill made sure those farmers had a town and a grain elevator. Sometimes Great Northern reduced freight rates to keep the farmers' business. (from North Dakota Studies)

Early 1900's Engine

Jim Hill and Great Northern Pt.1

James "Jim" Hill and the Great Northern railroad were responsible for developing farms and towns in northern North Dakota. By 1887 he and his partners had taken the railroad as far as Minot. Jim Hill liked to go to where the tracks were being built, meet the townspeople and farmers, and decide where to build towns and depots. (from North Dakota Studies)

Great Northern Depot 1906