Snail Lake Tavern
Snail Lake Tavern was located at 4255 Snail Lake Blvd. in Shoreview, “right on Snail Lake.”
According to Images of America Shoreview, Minnesota by Verna Rusler, the Snail Lake Tavern was founded in the early 1900s on the route of the Mounds View Pony Express. A tiny grocery store adjacent to the club served “men of means” who came to nearby resorts to hunt and fish.
Clare Lindemer and His Band at Snail Lake Tavern, @ 1930. Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society via lyfmap.com
In the 1930s, the club was frequented by Chicago area gangsters such as Al Capone, Ma Barker, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, according to Rusler, although Capone was not prone to linger in Minnesota.
When Prohibition ended, the tavern served beer, soda for customers to add their own liquor to, and food. They also had punch boards and a pinball machine.
In March 1944 there were notices in the Minneapolis papers that it was closed for repairs.
1946 Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society, via lyfmap.com
Frances Springer, a teacher, opened the “bottle club” into the 1950s.
In April 1953 it was run by Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Nelson. Mrs. Nelson had written to the paper protesting that not all taverns were places of ill-repute.
SNAIL LAKE SUPPER CLUB
The name of the place was apparently changed to the Snail Lake Supper Club by 1963, and dancing to an orchestra was offered, although the orchestra may have consisted of a three-piece band on some nights.
From 1966 to 1988, the tavern was owned by Al and Gloria Buetow. The club served the community as an old time dance hall and the location of wedding and other receptions. (Rusler) Picnicing, swimming, and fishing were also available.
Below is an ad from a 1969 desk blotter put together and distributed by Pat Richie, late owner of Richie’s Razor Repair. It shows that Pat Lang and Joe Rosenthal were the owners.
Image courtesy Landon Vath
The club was demolished in 1988.
