04/29/2026
After having to stop running their business from home, the Colemans began leasing the two story brick building at 17317 Excelsior Boulevard (roughly where the entrance to Purgatory Park is today) in 1961. They were granted a five year special use permit to run their aquarium at that location. The building was built when the Westburg family owned and farmed the land. It was a small (26’ x 36’) two story brick building with rough wooden floors. The building had a spring in the basement which was originally used by the Westburgs for selling bottled spring water. Later, two of the Westburg sons used the building as a storefront for Clear Springs Grocery.
The Colemans, having received a permit for selling fish commercially seemed to branch out from fish distribution to a retail pet store. According to an article in the Star Tribune, a city inspector who was following up on complaints of dogs barking, found they were selling dogs, skunks, rabbits, and other animals in 1963. When Harold later approached the city council to ask that his special use permit be expanded to include small mammals like mice, guinea pigs, etc. in addition to fish and fish supplies, the city council raised concerns of the limited parking, since only three spaces were available. After studying the situation they denied his request. Coleman was persistent and a rallied local residents to help argue his case. He brought in a petition with 74 signatures and a few people to speak in support of the Clear Springs Aquarium as a retail operation.
The Colemans were successful in keeping the Clear Springs Aquarium Shop open and it became the go to place for pets and pet supplies. Upon entering, the “World’s Largest Pirahana” would greet customers. Kids from the surrounding area would walk or bike over and hang out in the aquarium with no intention of buying anything, but just walking around and looking at all the animals inside. Harold and Clementine didn’t seem to mind.
There was a large variety of animals beyond fish. One person even remembers buying a raccoon there! The building itself was small, but inside it had aquariums stacked 3-4 tanks tall on the sides and in the center. It was dimly lit by the lights from the aquarium. Many people remember a distinctive smell inside the store. Some young entrepreneurs living around the aquarium would catch turtles or frogs and bring them in to sell. In addition to being very knowledgeable, it seems that Harold was a bit of a character, telling some kids that he had brought the fish back from Vietnam in his boots. People from Minnetonka and surrounding cities would come to buy fish, spring water for their aquarium, and other small pets.
What do you remember about the Clear Springs Aquarium? Let's see some old pics of you and the pets you bought at the Clear Springs Aquarium if you've got them!
