Knox County ILGenWeb

Commercial Buildings

"Geo. W. Brown & Co., Manufacturers of Agricultural Implements" picture taken from booklet titled Twelfth Annual Excursion Galesburg Merchants' Association June 25th, 1903.  [Picture contributed by Cindy Lowe.]

"Galesburg Paving Brick Works" picture taken from booklet titled Twelfth Annual Excursion Galesburg Merchants' Association June 25th, 1903.  [Picture contributed by Cindy Lowe.]

Taken from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County, Munsell Publishing Company, 1899, page 669.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]  "Street Paving.  In 1876, the question of gravelling the streets was agitated, and finally Main street and a few others were treated this way.  It proved an unsatisfactory substitute for paving, but much better than the soft prairie mud.  In 1884 the first block of brick pavement was laid on Main street, between Kellogg and Seminary.  To-day more than twenty miles of streets have been thus paved, and the city has let contracts for many more.  Before this paving it was not unusual to see vehicles completely mired on the principal streets, and during an entire winter merchants were compelled to deliver goods in hand carts."

"Galesburg Gas and Electric Light Company's Plant" picture taken from booklet titled Twelfth Annual Excursion Galesburg Merchants' Association June 25th, 1903.  [Picture contributed by Cindy Lowe.]

Taken from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County, Munsell Publishing Company, 1899, page 670.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]  "Gas and electric light are supplied by a private company.  In 1860 R. H. Whiting and other citizens organized the Galesburg Gas Light and Coke Company, with a capital of $100,000; and in 1865 the making of gas was begun.  In 1886 the arrangements for furnishing electric lighting as well as gas were completed, and the name of the company was changed to the Galesburg Gas and Electric Light Company."

"W. A. Jordan Company, Wholesale Grocers" picture taken from booklet titled Twelfth Annual Excursion Galesburg Merchants' Association June 25th, 1903.  [Picture contributed by Cindy Lowe.]

Auditorium Theatre.  [Postcard and text contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Auditorium Theatre, Galesburg, Ill." postcard postmarked November 4, 1910.  Built in 1890, the theatre had a seating capacity of 1,300.  The structure is still standing on the southeast corner of Broad and Ferris Streets, facing west onto Broad.  For many years, it was occupied by the Galesburg Glass Company.

Taken from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County, Munsell Publishing Company, 1899, page 670.  "Theatres and Halls.  Prior to 1857 public entertainments were given in some one of various halls or in the churches.  In that year Dunn's Hall was erected on the southeast corner of Main and Prairie streets, and the first regular theatre was built, by Inness and Murdoch, 1864.  It was named Caledonia Hall, and has since been remodeled into the present Opera House.  Another theatre, now commonly called the Old Opera House, on the south side of the public square, was built in 1872 and burned in 1886.  In 1890 the present Auditorium [Theatre] was finished.  The situation of the city renders it a convenient stopping place for companies on their way west from Chicago.  Owing to this and to the activity of Mr. Berquist, the Auditorium manager, Galesburg hears better companies than does any other town of equal size in the State."

"Gaiety Theatre, Galesburg, Ill." postcard.  The Gaiety Theatre, which opened in 1906, was located on the northeast corner on Cherry and Simmons Streets.  Brown's Business College was located just south of it across Simmons Street.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Orpheum Theatre, Galesburg, Ill." postcard postmarked April 26, 1918.  Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre was originally constructed in 1916 as a vaudeville house.  Designed by renowned theatre architects Rapp and Rapp, it was described at the time as a "veritable house of enchantment."  Many of the great Vaudevillians performed on its stage-- including the Marx Brothers, George Burns, Harry Houdini and others.  When Vaudeville died, the Orpheum became a motion picture theater.  On May 21, 1940 it hosted the world premiere of Those Were the Days, a film shot largely in Galesburg and starring William Holden. The Orpheum remained a movie house until it was closed in 1982.  In 1988, after a $2 million renovation, it reopened as a legitimate theatre once again.  Guests still marvel at the ornamentation, including ornate carvings and moldings, some with gold leaf, and the excellent acoustics.  Today, the Prairie Players Community Theatre, the Knox-Galesburg Symphony and many touring performers and companies bring quality entertainment to the 966-seat Orpheum.    [Contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Galesburg, Ills., Brown's Business College, Commercial Block" postcard from circa 1908.  This building stands at the southeast corner of Cherry and Simmons Streets.  Note the horse and cart in the lower right corner.  The fire station can be seen just to the left.  [Postcard and test contributed by Bob Miller.]

"The Holmes Building" picture taken from booklet titled Twelfth Annual Excursion Galesburg Merchants' Association June 25th, 1903.  [Picture contributed by Cindy Lowe.]

"Holmes Building, on fire December 15th. 1908, Galesburg, Ill." postcard.  The Galesburg Opera House was remodeled in 1899 and subsequently became known as the Holmes Building.  It stood on the southwest corner of Prairie and Main Streets, facing onto Main Street.  The fire shown on the postcard spread so quickly that several people on the fourth floor were still trying to escape when the fire department arrived.  No lives were lost in the fire, but if you look closely you can see a man [believed to be Dr. E. D. Wing] hanging from the fourth floor window.  [Postcard and text contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Telephone Building, Galesburg, Ill." postcard postmarked November 5, 1910.  The building stands at the northwest corner of Cherry and Ferris Streets, facing east onto Cherry.  [Postcard and text contributed by Bob Miller.]

  [Send history on this building to a site coordinator listed below.]

Taken from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County, Munsell Publishing Company, 1899, page 670.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]  "The telephone system was established here by the Central Union Telephone Company, about 1882.  There are now five hundred and fifty telephones in the exchange."

"Bank of Galesburg - Assets Over One Million Dollars" picture taken from booklet titled Twelfth Annual Excursion Galesburg Merchants' Association June 25th, 1903.  [Picture contributed by Cindy Lowe.]

Taken from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County, Munsell Publishing Company, 1899, page 679.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]  "The Bank of Galesburg, a State bank, was established in 1891, with $100,000 capital.  It is located in the Fraternity Block at the corner of Main and Kellogg streets.  The officers are: A. M. Craig, President; N. O. G. Johnson, Vice-President; P. N. Granville, Cashier.  It has a surplus of $50,000; deposits of $435,000, and loans amounting to $457,000."

"Bank of Galesburg" postcard postmarked May 1914.  This building was constructed in 1886 as the Fraternity Building to provide meeting space for the Odd Fellows and offices for the Covenant Mutual Benefit Association.  The Bank of Galesburg, a state bank, was established in 1889 and incorporated in 1891.  Two additional floors were added to the building in 1911.  In 1992, the building was razed and a smaller drive-up banking facility was built on the site.  [Postcard and text contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Galesburg National Bank Building" picture taken from booklet titled Twelfth Annual Excursion Galesburg Merchants' Association June 25th, 1903.  [Picture contributed by Cindy Lowe.]

Taken from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County, Munsell Publishing Company, 1899, page 678.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]  "The Galesburg National Bank was founded in 1884, with $100,000 capital.  W. W. Washburn was the first President; A. A. Smith, Vice-President; and James H. Losey, Cashier.  It was first located on the northeast corner of Main and Prairie street, but in 1897 was moved into a fine new building of its own, on the diagonal corner.  P. F. Brown is now President, William Robson Vice-President, and James H. Losey Cashier.  Surplus, $25,000; undivided profits, $100,000; deposits, $235,000; loans $385,000."

"Doyle Building, Galesburg, Ill." postcard postmarked 1911. The Doyle Furniture Co. building was constructed around 1910 at the corner of Main and Seminary Streets.  It is still in use today as an appliance store.  [Postcard contributed by Cindy Lowe.]

Galesburg Club.  [Postcards and text contributed by Bob Miller.]

Taken from Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, 1886, page 1038.  "A call was made March 4, 1885, addressed to the business men, requesting that they should meet at the Galesburg National Bank, for the purpose of considering the organizing of a club, to meet on the 9th of March.  Some 50 citizens responded to this call.  A committee was appointed, consisting of T. J. Hale, J. K. Mitchell, A. A. Matteson, L. W. Sanborn and Max J. Mack, to report a plan for organizing.  Col. Clark E. Carr presided at this meeting.  The meeting adjourned to meet on the 16th.  At this meeting the report of the committee was received, and their plan of organizing and constitution, after some amendments, were adopted.  Signatures were then received for charter members, when a board of directors and officers were elected.

Officers: T. J. Hale, President; Clark E. Carr, Vice-President; J. K. Mitchell, Secretary; G. P. Hoover, Treasurer.

The Club was incorporated March 19, 1885.  Directors: Philip Sidney Post, E. F. Phelps, Clark E. Carr, T. J. Hale, C. E. Lanstrum, A. A. Matteson, F. C. Rice, P. M. Johnson, G. P. Hoover and J. K. Mitchell.  The rooms of this Club are located on South Prairie street, near Main, and are fitted up and decorated in elegant style, and are very pleasant.  They have a billiard room with three tables, reading room, reception room and card room.  As soon as they can secure a lease they intend to add a larger reception room.  They have a membership of some 250, and are in a thrifty condition."

Taken from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and Knox County, Munsell Publishing Company, 1899, page 703.  "Galesburg Business Men's Club.  Organized March 17, 1885.  Leases fourth and fifth floors of Fraternity Block.  Purpose, social intercourse and recreation.  First officers: President, T. J. Hale; Vice President, Clark E. Carr; Secretary, J. K. Mitchell; Treasurer, G. P. Hoover.  Present officers: President, J. K. Mitchell; Vice President, J. F. Anderson; Secretary, J. O. Frost; Treasurer, W. W. Washburn; Steward, F. D. Bellows."

"Galesburg Club, Galesburg, Ill." postcard postmarked September 27, 1912.  The Galesburg Club was chartered in 1885 by a group of businessmen to bring business and industry to Galesburg.  The building shown here was constructed in 1911 at the northwest corner of Prairie and Ferris Streets, facing south towards Ferris.  The Club closed in the early 1960s and the building was razed before the end of the decade.

"Galesburg Club, Civic Center, Galesburg, Ill." postcard.  The Club had a large, open garden area occupying the space between  Ferris Street and its' front entry.  A partial view up North Prairie Street can be seen along the right side of the card.

"Masonic Temple, Galesburg, Ill." postcard.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Elk's Club, Galesburg, Ill." postcard.  The building stands at the southwest corner of Prairie and Ferris Streets, facing east onto Prairie.  [Postcard and text contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Y.M.C.A. Building, Galesburg, Ill." postcard on left.  This is a picture of the original YMCA building.  [Postcard contributed by Cindy Lowe.]

"Y.M.C.A. Building, Galesburg, Ill." postcard on right.  The YMCA building, constructed in 1915, stands at the northwest corner of Seminary and Ferris Streets, facing south onto Ferris.  It included a gymnasium, a swimming pool, recreation and meeting rooms, and residential rooms on the upper floors.  A new YMCA facility was constructed in 1977.  The building in the postcard has since been converted into apartments.  [Postcard and text contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Catherine Club Home, Galesburg, Ill." postcard.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Walnut Room - American Beauty Restaurant, Galesburg, Illinois A.A.A. Recommended" postcard.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]

"The 'First' Drive-In On Galesburg, Illinois, 1487 N. Henderson" postcard postmarked June 6, 1957.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Blue Bell - Globe Mfg. Co., Abingdon, Ill." postcard.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]

From the 1968 History of Abingdon published by Abingdon Publishing Company.  [Contributed by Peggy Metz.]

"Globe Mfg. Co. began manufacturing work clothing in the Aug. 1889, when James W. Cox (pres. for more than 2 decades) and Samuel T. Mosser formed the company.  Their first factory was in the building known as the Blair Building, on the northeast corner of Main and Martin Sts. (the present location of the Hotel Abingdon).  This concern started with 10 sewing machines.

In 1897 it employed about 100 operators.  In 1915 the Globe opened a branch plant on the west side of the 200 block of N. Jefferson St.  This two-story brick building was previously occupied by the Abingdon Shirt & Overall Co. and used by the Globe only a short time.  It was used as a temporary high school while the 1917 High school building was being built.

In 1919 the Globe Manufacturing Co. purchased the Superior Garment Co., in Columbia City, Indiana.  By 1936 the Globe Superior Corporation was the largest manufacturer of working men's clothes in the world.  The company maintained sales offices in Chicago, San Francisco and Salt Lake City for many years.  The only other company near it in size was Blue Bell Inc.  The large building on North Main St. was built in 1936, and Globe Superior was purchased by Blue Bell Inc.  Blue Bell had two plants prior to this purchase in Greensboro N. C., and Middlesboro, Kentucky.  The headquarters were located in Greensboro.  Blue Bell, Inc. now has 55 plants with gross sales of one hundred and fifty million dollars.

Due to the inability to secure sufficient labor to profitably operate the plant it closed down in 1967. Mr. R. L. Matty, present president or Blue Bell Inc, was born and raised in Abingdon."

"First State Bank Bldg. and Masonic Hall, Abingdon, Ill." postcard.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]

"Opera House, Abingdon, Ill." postcard postmarked June 25, 1913.  [Contributed by Bob Miller.]

"S. H. Bateman, Wholesale and Dealer in Wood, Hard and Soft Coal.  Eagle Mine.  Office near Narrow Gauge Depot, Galesburg, Illinois."  [Contributed by Jim Ferris.]

Picture of the Maquon Lumber Yard from 1911.

In 1876, George Runkle of Knoxville went into the lumber business at 117 D Street, near the CB&Q depot.  Before this lumber was hauled from Knoxville, Galesburg, or Peoria.  In 1876, Swigart and Cook took over the business and carried it on for several years.  Hagerman followed, then William Swigart in 1893, next William Simpson, followed by J. C. Simpson of Galesburg.  In 1901, Charles Hartsook bought the stock and real estate, adding to the yard and buildings, making his own blocks.  He not only sold lumber, but also carried farm implements.

The firm of Taylor and Gray succeeded Hartsook in the same location, and in 1915, were recognized as most progressive, reliable, and enterprising, selling lumber, cement, sand, gravel, coal, farm machinery, wagons, and buggies.  Later, Hinchliff Lumber Company of Galesburg bought the business.  Simpson-Powelson of Galesburg purchased the business in 1938, closing it in the mid 1960's.  The building was purchased by Arthur H. Widmer who operated a large farm store for a few years.  t was later used as a tavern and residence and is currently used for auto repair.  [Contributed by Todd Walter.]