The Wayzata Depot Museum has lost a beloved figure, Terry Middlekauff, following a brief battle with cancer.
Middlekauff, a founder and central fixture of the museum, passed away on May 7, 2024.
Middlekauff was instrumental in opening the Wayzata Depot to the public in the early 2000s.
Known for his friendly greetings and dressed often in a conductor’s uniform, he brought the history of the railroad and the local area to life for visitors.
Despite never having worked for the railroad, Middlekauff’s extensive knowledge of the industry and the Wayzata and Lake Minnetonka area left many believing he had.
Originally from the East Coast with family ties to the railroad industry, Middlekauff’s passion for railroads and history found a home at the Wayzata Depot.
Over the years, he became a cherished figure in the community, always ready to share stories and local history with anyone who stopped by.
His vision for the depot extended beyond its doors.
Middlekauff was also key in creating the garden railroad next to the depot and served as a long-time board member of the Wayzata Historical Society.
“I feel fortunate to have known Terry and to have spent many hours at the depot with him,” stated Brandon Smith in a Facebook post. “One of the last things he asked was for us to keep the light on at the depot for him. I hope we can honor his legacy for many years to come.”
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society expressed deep sorrow over Middlekauff’s passing.
He was affectionately known as the “train guy” and greeted visitors for 22 years. His dedication and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Terry Middlekauff’s life is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, at the Wayzata Depot Museum, 402 Lake St E, Wayzata.
The event, which falls on what would have been his 88th birthday, will take place from 4-7 p.m., with a special tribute at 6 p.m.
The public is invited to share their memories and honor his legacy. For more information, contact info@lakeminnetonkahistory.org.
The U.S. Department of Education unveiled its 60th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars this week, featuring three standout students from Minnesota, each recognized for their exceptional achievements in various fields.
Ming Wei Yeoh, representing Minnetonka High School, earns distinction as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Joining Yeoh are Derrick Siu from Edina High School and Philippa Jane Pflaum from Wayzata High School, who attends Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire.
The scholars are celebrated for their remarkable leadership, scholarly pursuits, contributions to their schools and communities, as well as outstanding accomplishments in diverse areas including arts, sciences, career and technical education.
Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett lauded the scholars, emphasizing their embodiment of academic excellence and commitment to community service and leadership.
“These students exemplify academic excellence and have demonstrated community service and leadership by sharing their unique talents. Congratulations to all of you on this well-deserved recognition,” said Jett. “We are excited to celebrate this award with you and encourage other students to learn from your example both in and outside of the classroom.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars meticulously selects scholars annually based on a comprehensive evaluation encompassing academic success, artistic and technical prowess, essays, school evaluations, transcripts, as well as a demonstrated dedication to community service and leadership.
Established in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored over 8,200 of the nation’s top-performing students.
The program has since evolved, expanding in 1979 to include recognition for students excelling in visual, literary, and performing arts, and further extended in 2015 to acknowledge outstanding achievement in career and technical education fields.
The Presidential Scholars Class of 2024 is poised to be recognized for their exceptional accomplishments through an online recognition program slated for this summer.
For more information about the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s webpage dedicated to the program.
“The Wayzata boys tennis team finished their regular season with a 6-1 win over Edina in a Lake Conference matchup. The Trojans earned wins in every singles match from Aaron Beduhn (6-2, 6-3), Tanay Panguluri (6-0 , 4-6 , 6-2), Rishi Ranjith ( 6-3 , 6-2), and Shreyas Iyer (6-3 , 6-2). In their doubles matches, Wayzata got wins from Ethan Turunen & Thomas Prondzinski (6-0 , 6-0) along with Karming Phoon & Raghav Amin (6-1 , 6-0 ). The Trojans will face the winner of Hopkins and Osseo in the Section 5AA tournament later this week.” via CCX Media.
“The Wayzata baseball team remained unbeaten on the season with a 6-2 win over Edina at Braemar Field. The Trojans scored three runs in the top of the second, two of which came from wild pitches thrown by the Hornets; the other was an RBI single from Kieran Leatherman. After the second inning Wayzata led 3-2 and neither team scored the next four innings. In the seventh, the Trojans added some insurance when Michael Reem bombed a two-run home run to left-center field. Noah Filer earned the win, allowing only five hits in six innings pitched. Following a win over Chaska Saturday, Wayzata is now 11-0 on the year and ranked first in the state in Class 4A.” via CCX Media.
Wayzata Police Officer Dan Lee is currently recovering after being struck by a motorist while riding his bicycle off duty, according to a report from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in St. Michael near County Road 19 and Birch Avenue. Officer Lee, 47, was transported to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale following the collision.
He has since undergone multiple surgeries and had been in the intensive care unit.
Officer Lee, who has served with the Wayzata Police Department for 25 years, is described by colleagues as an invaluable member of the force.
“I can tell you that Dan has had a HUGE footprint in our day-to-day operation and our successes here at the Police Department,” said Wayzata Police Chief Marc Schultz. “He’s an integral part of our training unit, heads up our investigations unit and is very connected with our many partners in the community and throughout the metro through his many roles. He is a constant resource for our younger officers and a sounding board for many. His absence leaves big shoes to fill but I’m learning that his absence has also shown us how we can pull together as a team, not only for Dan and his family, but also to keep meeting the needs of our community. We at the City are all praying that he will recover quickly and be able to return to the job he loves.”
The Wayzata community has rallied behind Officer Lee and his family during this challenging time, with an outpouring of support and well-wishes according to Schultz.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the collision.
Apparent closure marks the end of a bakery legacy spanning back to at least World War II that includes the Wayzata Bakery, Olson’s Bakery, & Wuollet’s; owners states new locations being evaluated.
Wuolett’s Bakery in Wayzata has apparently closed, Wayzata.com has learned.
The company, which was sold by the Wuolett family in 2019, continues to operate other locations in the metro, which can be found on their website: Wuollet.com
A Legacy of Family Owned Bakeries in Wayzata
Wuollet’s location in Wayzata was part of the longstanding legacy of family bakeries in Wayzata, originating with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Stein.
According to the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, the Steins operated the Wayzata Bakery in a free standing residential home located at 726 Lake Street.
In 1944, the Steins sold the Wayzata Bakery property and business to Edwin Olson, while concurrently buying Olson’s home in Cottagewood in a property swap.
Son Victor Olson was 18 years old at the time, and was quoted in a 1990 Sun Sailor article describing the move that happened on Christmas day, “We unplugged our Christmas tree over there, put it in the truck, and plugged in over here.”
Info / news article / photo of Edwin Olson provided by the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.
Edwin had plenty of experience in the bakery world, having previously worked for Graham-Chapman, a large bakery in Minneapolis.
His mother Martha Olson had also worked at Excelo Bakery in Excelsior.
Olson named the bakery the Minnetonka Pastry Shop initially, prior to switching to Olson’s Bakery.
In 1952, Hennepin County widened Lake Street to four lanes, which resulted in Olson’s Bakery losing its front porch where it conducted retail sales.
However, this project also gave them the funds to construct a commercial bakery next door.
Edwin’s son Victor got his first taste of the bakery business frying doughnuts, eventually graduating to owner.
Over the 45 years, the Wayzata community embraced Olson’s Bakery and the fantastic creations and service that originated from within.
Steven Lafean commented recently on his memory of Olson’s, “I always got a kick out of seeing Mrs. Pillsbury showing up in her limo and buying her bakery goods there while her chauffeur would stand on the sidewalk have a cigarette waiting for her to come out.”
Other favorite memories included a 2,000 lb Wayzata Depot cake, and another cake that was over 18 feet long, 15 feet wide, and weighing 6,706 pounds, according to news clippings from the past.
The front window of the bakery reportedly had to be removed to get the cakes out of the building and down the street.
Sandie Larson reminisced, “We got our wedding cake at Olson’s in 1964.”
Olson’s closed it’s doors after 45 years on Lake Street in Wayzata in 1990 after a retail expansion project into Long Lake and Chanhassen failed to yield the desired results.
Wuollet takes over Olson’s Bakery location in 1991
Ben and Jim Wuollet were recruited to Wayzata to open in the former Olson’s Bakery building in 1991 by Charlie Schoen.
Schoen bought the building and parking lot located at 726 Lake Street out of bankruptcy court after Olson’s had closed.
“Everyone told me you have to get the Wuollet brothers to operate a bakery in Wayzata,” stated Schoen in an interview.
Schoen also described a July 1991 meeting with City of Wayzata officials, including City Manager Al Orsen, Tom Young, planner David Licht, the Wuollet brothers, and Pam Sherman from the New French Cafe.
“The City told us there wasn’t enough parking to re-open a bakery in the same location,” stated Schoen.
Licht proposed a solution to Schoen, namely if he granted an easement across the parking lot to the City for delivery access to the alley along the railroad tracks, the City would waive the parking space requirements.
After the Wuollet brothers and Schoen had discussions and communication with elected officials such as Greg Rye, the City of Wayzata acquiesced, confirming that there was sufficient parking to operate the bakery.
Wuollet readies to open in 1991
A Lakeshore Weekly News article provided by the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society characterized the new business, “A nearly 50-years-old family tree will grow a new branch next month with opening of Wuollet Bakery Wayzata. Construction has already begun at the site of the former Olson’s Bakery, 726 E. Lake St. in downtown Wayzata.”
Anna Mantoles described her employment with the Wuollet Family when she began working there at the age of 15 in 1991, “The original bakery in the old Olson’s Bakery location was magnificent! There was nothing better than a holiday window display done by Jim Wuollet. Dangling gingerbread men surrounding a gingerbread Depot. Old English Plum Puddings dipped in wax displayed with pride around the bakery during the holidays. The amount of full sheet cakes we would maneuver around the cake display case was always a stresser on a busy Saturday!”
Mantoles continued, touching on cookie coupons, a German sourdough called Dunkel Brot, free coffee before coffee was sold for profit, Scandinavian treats such as the Princess Torte and cardamom bread, the Wuollet Gingerbread man, cookies sales, graduation cakes, and the like.
She also recalled visits from Mrs. Pillsbury in her curlers, Mrs. Heffelfinger on her bike, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis visiting, and locating Irwin Jacobs’ Rolex watch and receiving a $100 reward for it’s return.
As Wuollet’s expanded, they began to bake the goods in a central bakery location and needed less space, so in approximately 2006 they vacated the former Olson’s location and moved to the 795 Lake Street location within the Vodegal building, near the present day Muni, according to Schoen.
The business operated successfully for many years in the location.
Wuollet family sells bakery in 2019
After 75 years of operations, the Wuollet family sold their bakery business with it’s multiple locations to Eric Shogren, a businessman from Russia who hoped to skew the clientele a bit younger without losing the longtime patrons, according to a Star Tribune article.
Other reports indicate Shogren has acquired a number of other bakery assets including Grandma’s Bakerty and it’s 22,025 square foot building in White Bear Lake for $3.5 million in 2023.
Other reported holdings include Wuollet Bakery, Hans Bakery in Anoka, and A Baker’s Wife in Minneapolis.
Eviction Proceedings
This week, a sign posted by the Sheriff appeared on the window at Wuollet’s in Wayzata. It stated that former tenants and occupants may not enter the premises as of April 29th, 2024.
Another piece of paper on Wuollet letterhead taped to the window indicates that, “We will be temporarily closed for the foreseeable future. Please contact one of our other locations…”
No fixtures appeared to be left within the commercial space, as pictured.
A check of the eviction case in Hennepin County civil court (27-CV-24-3699) shows that a settlement agreement to terminate and settle the lease had not been followed.
An email from Eric Shogren stated, “We regret the current situation but certainly are not planning to leave the Wayzata community.” Shogren also stated he is seeking another location in Wayzata, and a spokesman confirmed that to KSTP. The Wuollet website says the Wayzata location is temporarily closed.
The apparent closure seems to place a bookend on the family bakery businesses that have been part of the Wayzata community for many years.
Update 5/15/2024: The Hastings Star Gazette is reporting that the Hastings Location has closed:
Stay tuned to Wayzata.com, and feel free to share your memories about Wayzata bakeries via dan@wayzata.com.
The Lake Minnetonka Historical Society contributed to this report.
This report has been updated to reflect an attribution to Charlie Schoen regarding Wuolett moving to 795 Lake Street location near the Muni, a statement from Eric Shogren indicating he is seeking a new location, and the case number in Hennepin County court. This report was also updated to reflect the report from the Hastings Star Gazette.
“The unbeaten Wayzata boys tennis team swept Maple Grove 7-0 Wednesday to improve their season’s record to 10-0, 8-0 against Minnesota teams. The Trojans won all seven team points with straight-set wins, losing just seven games total. The Crimson fall to 7-4 with the loss.” Via CCX Media.
“The Wayzata boys lacrosse team lost for the first time this season, falling to rival Minnetonka 12-9 Tuesday. The Skippers built a 4-0 lead after the first quarter and never led by fewer than three goals the rest of the night. Liam Cassidy scored four goals to lead Minnetonka (4-3) to their eighth straight win over Wayzata. The teams played in a steady and sometimes hard rain throughout the first half, although no severe weather passed through Plymouth. The 10th-ranked Trojans (4-1) will try to bounce back with a win in their next Lake Conference game Thursday against second-ranked Edina.”
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