The Monti Zoo - More than a Business..it was Family

Let me take you back to the beginning....The year was 1975.  My paternal grandparents purchased the local establishment we call The Monti Liquor "The Zoo".   This was one of the many businesses owned and operated by Earl and Marilyn Lindenfelser.   They owned a local bowling alley, built and co-owned the well-known Monti Club (est. 1965), a Fairbault pub and the 152 Club in Albertville, MN.

The Zoo was remodeled in 1981, which combined the bar and lounge area into one joint.
Much later, in 2007, my grandmother agreed to remodel again.   This time, a few patrons removed the dark wood paneling in exchange for a few brews and grilled steaks.

Each of my aunts, uncle and dad, along with many, many employees served local and loyal customers over the past 39 years.  While there is an unmeasurable history of jokes that flew around this place, I bet we could tell you a few!   

In just a moment you'll scroll down to see an image of a telephone booth, remember those?  This booth was inherited from the old, original municipal liquor store.  It remained until the end of March 2014, when it was auctioned off.   Talk about history!  I can't even begin to imagine how many secrets, cab calls  and drunk dials that booth delivered over the years!

In 1980, the one robbery happened.  As the story goes, a person(s) entered the establishment from the NE side of the roof.  They took the safe and left mess to clean up.  The police found a set of cowboy boot prints in the snow but I do not believe anyone was every formally charged.

The Lindenfelser family had mixed emotions of the closure of this family-owed business.  To some this might just be a bar.  To some, this might have easily forgotten memories.  But, to us, it is an heirloom that was founded by the ones we called mom and dad/grandma and grandpa.  To us, this is family.  To us, this is part of our history.   The history that will forever remain with the 9 children, 17 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and the 2 great-great grandchildren of the former Earl and Marilyn Lindenfelser.

I'd like to dedicate this post to my wonderful father.  A man who has managed to survive life with a heart of pure gold.  
From our family to yours, farewell.
xoxo

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