Sorry to hear that Pracna on Main, a saloon that swung open its doors for the first time more than 120 years ago, has suddenly gone dark. Here’s a snapshot of one scene in the bar’s colorful past, as reported in the Minneapolis Journal.
HE LOOKED INTO
A BIG REVOLVER
Two Bold Robbers Hold up Frank Pracna in His Saloon.
During a lull in business last night, Frank Pracna, a saloonkeeper at 117 Main street SE, was suddenly awakened from a pleasant nap by two men, who pushed their revolvers in his face and commanded him to deliver his cash. Taken unawares, the saloon man was unable to resist and handed over the contents of his till — $60 in all. The men left before the astonished proprietor could secure their description.
Pracna's saloon is in a lonely district. When the robbers entered, there was no one but the proprietor in the place. He had a large revolver near, but so sudden was the entry that he was unable to use it.
The police think that the robbers are the same pair that have been holding up saloons and small grocery stores in various parts of the city.

The Pracna building in 1974. (Hennepin County Library Minneapolis Collection)
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