Aggie Block: 514-524 North Broadway

Built in 1926, a two story, red brick, stone trim, central arched entrance with stone keystone; stone coping on parapet and name block "Aggie Block." Named for real estate investor, Samuel Aggie, who emigrated from Lebanon as a 12-year-old child and found work in New York City as an interpreter (he learned to speak seven languages). At age 16, he came to Fargo and founded a real estate company called Aggie Investments, a company his family continues to operate today.

The building went up in 1926 and has served as home to the Piggly Wiggly grocery store and a shoe rebuilding store in the past. Today, its residents include Beyond Running, Outermost Layer, Spaghetti Western  and the Bismarck Tavern – which has been located in the Aggie Block since 1948.

 
The Bismarck Tavern is among the oldest bars in Fargo. It was opened in 1937 by Stanley C and Ruth Peterson at 516 Broadway as The Bismarck Liquor Store and Cafe. Between 1945 and 1947, the Peterson’s moved their business to its current location, 522 Broadway.

In 1951 the Bismarck came under new ownership. Bill Ross bought the property and changed the name to the Bismarck Tavern in 1955. Over the years the tavern has changed hands many times. Ardell J McGovern bought the property in 1965. A decade later, McGovern sold the Bismarck to O J Bushaw, Noel and Gwen Hefte of Grand Forks in 1975. Charles Sauvageau of C & M Investments is the current owner of the tavern. He bought the property in 1984.