SELMA091307

Renovation plans finalized; Afton ice cream shop is up for sale

By Kevin Giles, Star Tribune

Last update: September 12, 2007 - 8:24 PM

What is believed to be the oldest ice cream parlor in Minnesota will be allowed to proceed with renovations and is for sale.

Selma's Ice Cream Parlour in the southern Washington County city of Afton closed abruptly this summer after protracted negotiations between owner Joe Farrington and various public agencies concerning his development plans for the building, which dates to the Civil War.

Farrington died in the midst of the dispute. His widow, Dawn Farrington, said Wednesday: "I'm looking for a buyer or buyers with the same love for this wonderful community and passion for this business that Joe embraced."

Attorney Beverly Aho of Eden Prairie said Dawn Farrington now has all the necessary approvals to expand the property as Joe Farrington had intended. The City Council voted for approval on Aug. 21 after months of disagreements and disputes over the Selma's plan.

Selma's, named for early owner Selma Holberg, sold ice cream almost continually from the same building since the early 1900s. It served as an ammunition dump during the Civil War, but later developed a word-of-mouth reputation that drew ice cream customers from all over the country.

Dawn Farrington said Wednesday that she expects that Selma's will open under new ownership next spring.