This property is located at 135 Lakeview Ave., Tonka Bay.  County records say it was built in 1946.

CURLEY’S TONKA BAY RESORT

The first hint of Curley’s was an ad dated August 22, 1950, that said that cabins were now available.  Less than a handful of ads were found for Curley’s, and they were mostly want ads.  The last one I found was dated May 1965.  No idea who Curley was, but the property is now the Caribbean Marina, and on their website they say the marina has been owned and operated by the Koch family since 1960.

Donna says “you could drive your boat up to their dock, get a beer and a burger, maybe some music and dance on hot sunny afternoons.”

Warren:  “When I was a kid in the early 60s, my folks went there a lot with my sister and me. It was what was known as a “set-up joint” at the time….meaning you furnished your own bottle of booze, they sold you a glass of mix and ice. Free popcorn!”

CURLEY’S CARIBBEAN

Curley’s Caribbean opened in May 1965, with Ginny Herrmann at the Piano Bar.

CARIBBEAN

The venue became just the Caribbean in May 1966.

1966 ad from Minnetonka Record