This property has a few different facets: the original house and garage, and the cinderblock addition with two storefronts.
THE HOUSE
John Carl Eckers built this house for his family at the northeast corner of Minnetonka Blvd. and Louisiana Ave. in 1905. In the 1920s, Ekers’ widow Minnie had a gas pump on the property, between the house here at 7124 and the house to the east, 7116, which Eckers had also built.
By 1948 Ole Bergeson owned the house, where he ran a barber and beauty shop.
Interesting note: On April 7, 1975, Erickson Petroleum requested a special permit to build a gas station where the homes at 7112, 7116, and 7124 Minnetonka Blvd. stood. They were denied.
A permit to demolish the house was granted on May 24, 1979. From the records it appears that the house, which was described as hazardous and an “eyesore,” was demolished to take care of parking problems for the businesses in the addition. Demolition took place on December 26, 1979.
THE ADDITION
On October 25, 1948, Bergeson was approved to build a two store addition on the front of the house. It was connected to the water main in August 1950.
7124 (East Side)
April 1952: Irene M. Rico was the manager of Casey French Dry Cleaners
October 1952 – February 1953: Jacque’s Dry Cleaners
1954: Jeanette’s Cleaners
July 1955 – 1960: Mac’s Jewelry
November 1962: Remodeled to be the office of dentist Richard Litman.
April 1970: Paul Hailey – Cleaners
January 1974: Al’s Photography (in the basement)
September 1978: Lee’s Shoe Repair
2001: Kim Huoy Chor and Vuthy Taing sewing and alterations
7128 (West Side)
This side of the building has always been a barber shop. Customers remember fish and deer heads mounted on the wall.
1952-56: Ole’s Barber Shop
1958 – 1975: Ray O. Guzzi’s Barber Shop, featuring barbers Jim and Ole.
