1904 TORNADO
THEN (Manually enlarge these images to see the destruction details)
On August 20, 1904, a terrible tornado passed through the town of Waconia causing several deaths and much destruction. This is what Max Weinmann's Hardware Store looked like the next day. The photo was taken from the second floor balcony of Julius Manteuffel's Saloon at 100 South Elm Street looking East. 1st Street extreme left. The Cupola of the 1880 St Joseph School is seen above the house roof on the left.
(This and the following photos of Waconia taken just after the 1904 tornado are displayed courtesy of the Carver County Historical Society)
NOW (2021)
Then
Max Weinmann's Hardware Store destruction. (Photo courtesy of the Carver County Historical Society)
Now (2021)
Intersection of Elm and 1st Street, looking Southeast.
Then
Destruction of the1890 City Hall next to the relatively untouched Julius Manteuffel's Saloon. (Photo courtesy of the Carver County Historical Society)
Now (2021)
The 1909 Old City Hall replacement at the same location.
Then
Areas of tornado destruction can be seen near St. Joseph Catholic Church. Many shingles have been blown away. Photo taken from the roof of the 1895 Public School Building looking East along 1st Street. (Photo Courtesy of the Carver County Historical Society)
Now (2020)
Then
Another view from the 1890 Public School roof, showing 1st Street looking Southeast toward the 1890 Trinity Lutheran Church with it's steeple destroyed. (Photo courtesy of the Carver County Historical Society)
Now (2020)
The 1890 Trinity Lutheran Church was torn down in 1987.
Then
Photo taken from the roof of the 1890 Public School building looking northeast, Coney Island of the West in the background. Tornado destruction in the foreground and along Main Street in the middle of the image. The large brick building on the left is the North Star Hotel. (Photo courtesy of the Carver County Historical Society)
Now (2020)
St. Joseph Catholic church
Then
The original small Catholic Church is seen partially damaged on the right of this photo.
Now (2022)
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Then
The partially destroyed, 2 story Sherman House, missing most of it's roof, is seen on the left of the photo, across Elm Street form the church.
Now (2022)
Elm Street and Main Street, Looking East
Then
Now (2022)
Trinity Lutheran church
Then
South Elm Street on the left and 2nd Street. The Church steelpe was destroyed by the tornado.
Now (2022)
US Post Office building and parking lot.
Trinity Lutheran church
Then
Now (2022)
Elm Street looking South
Then
The Trinity Lutheran Church, without it's steeple, can be seen on the far left. Julius Manteuffel's Saloon is left center. The 2 story Sherman House is in the center with most of it's roof gone.
Now (2022)
The Trinity Lutheran Church, Julius Manteuffel's Saloon and the Sherman House are all gone.
Main Street and Vine Street
Then
Beattie's Bar at 155 West Main Street.