Swede’s 1311 Club was located at 1311 Lake Street in Minneapolis.

THE BUILDING

According to the building permit file, the building was built in 1911 as a 28′ by 85′ brick store building.

One of the first uses of the building was the West End Laundry, which advertised for women to wash clothes for years, starting in about 1912.

Another early resident was Anderson Auto Trunk, Ernest Anderson, Proprietor.  Here’s a picture of Mr. Anderson from a full-page presentation of city leaders.

 

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1311 CLUB

In October 1935, soon after the end of Prohibition, H.J. Carr converted the place into a tavern, and its various proprietors seemed to get into trouble on a regular basis.

Carl Chalfen ran the place in 1939, and  was fined $25 for maintaining a gambling device, and $50 for two counts of selling beer to a minor.

In February 1940, Peter S. Boardman spent 30 days in the Workhouse for maintaining a gambling device.

In March 1940, Roy M. Thelen had his license suspended for 30 days .

In September 1941 the proprietor was Charles Youngman.

In November 1943 the place was for sale.

SWEDE’S 1311 CLUB

It appears that “Swede” was William Anderson, who owned the bar for 16 years.  He made $7,000 in alterations to the place in 1949.  He put it up for sale in August 1956; the ad said he was leaving the state.

It became Swede’s Tavern, advertised as such in October 1957.

Augie Garcia and his Quintet entertained at Swede’s in July 1960.  Augie had also established a judo club in the basement of Swede’s, where he held demonstrations between sets.

 

At some point it was called Swede’s 1311 Klub Bar.

In May 1969, furniture auctions were held in the basement of Swede’s.

The name Swede’s was last used in wantads on March 18, 1973.

No name was given from June 29 to July 3, 1973.

CASEY’S 1311 BAR/KLUB

Starting on October 16, 1973, the bar began to call itself Casey’s in its ads for staff.  This went on until March 14, 1974.

FIRE

On November 21, 1975, a two-alarm fire broke out at 4:40 am.  The property was demolished in December 1975/January 1976.  It remains vacant land next to Calhoun Square with the address 1301 W. Lake Street.