Sherburne History Center Blog

After last week’s blog about George Dietz and the Fairway Market in Elk River, new information came to our attention.   We felt we needed to share, to add a bit more information and appreciation for George Dietz and his contributions to the community.   First, a bit of background information.   The oral history mentioned his work in markets in the Chaska area.   It also hinted about service in World War Two.   The unmentioned details include Dietz’s service record.   He spent 30 months in the army, fighting in Europe.   He was wounded twice, once during the Anzio beach landing, and the second time during the invasion of Southern France.   After the war, and after some time working in markets near the Twin Cities, on August 26, 1953 he opened his store in Elk river.   “Completely remodeled with a self-service cold meat department, new frozen food and new center gondolas,” the Star News reported about the store opening. ...

In examining the history of the Elk River business district, one grocery store continuously receives mention: George’s Fairway Market.  Exploring the brief history of the Fairway Market provides an interesting perspective on the personality of Elk River and the business philosophies of community leaders. In an oral history at the Sherburne History Center, George Dietz remembered the early years of operating the Fairway Market.   Dietz grew up in the retail business.   “My dad belonged to the Minnesota Food Retailer Association,” he remembered.   While moving to several retail operations early in his career, he gained his greatest experience at National Tea.   “I ended up being the produce manager at Excelsior,” he said. The Fairway Market featuring its low prices In August 1953, Dietz bought the Fairway Market in Elk River.   “Ann’s dad was in business in Victoria.   He was on the Board of Directors of Fairway.   There was no way I cou...