120 N Main St

Parcel Number: 22-100-091-00
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade - Business
Current Function: Commerce/Trade - Business
Construction Date: 1830-1839 (c1837)
Architect:
Builder:
Developer:
Original or Significant Owner: Reuben W. Brush
Areas of Significance: Architecture, Commerce
Category: Commerce/Trade, Business
Structural:
Stories: 3.5
Form or Plan: two-part commercial block
Foundation: Not Visible
Style: Italianate,
Exterior: brick; limestone; wood clapboard/siding
Roof Material: Metal
Roof Type: Side-gable
Windows: Windows are original or historic; contemporary wood; vinyl 2/2; 6/6 fixed; double- or single-hung; storefront.
Porch:
Modification: Slightly Altered

Historical Summary: ="Galena Weekly Gazette 14 June 1875 An Old Landmark The large and handsome store owned by Mr. Chas. L. Butcher, dealer in stoves, tinware, etc., has a history which may not be uninteresting to our readers. It is the oldest brick building on Main Street, and was erected in 1836 for R. W. Brush, by James Spare and S. B. Herron, contractors. W. H. Snyder, at present cashier of the Merchants’ Bank of Galena was in the employ of Mr. Brush, who did a general merchandising business and succeeded in building up a large trade. It is also asserted that the first Jo Daviess County Fair and Mechanical Exhibition was held in this building, though on this point there is some difference of opinion in the minds of old settlers. In 1844 the front of the store, which extended into the street, was taken off, after which the property was purchased by Mr. Robert Butcher, father of the present owner. Mr. B. erected a brick addition to the rear, 21 feet wide, 22 feet long, and two stories high. The roof of the main building is still covered with the same tin roof that was placed thereon upwards of thirty-eight years ago. The present owner and occupant, Mr. C. L. Butcher, has greatly improved the premises, and now the old store is past recognition. The ceiling has been raised from 9 to 12 inches, the old floor has been replaced with a new one level with the side-walk, and the store has been provided with one of the finest glass fronts in the city. The show windows are six feet wide and ten feet high. The door contains an oval plate glass six feet high and of corresponding width. The iron columns which support the front are twelve feet high and weigh fourteen hundred pounds. The store contains a splendid stock of tinware, cutlery, stoves, crockery and in fact a general assortment of house furnishing goods, and those contemplating housekeeping can obtain there everything they need at prices to suit the times. The present proprietor still maintains the reputation of the establishment for fair dealing, and those who favor him with their patronage may be sure of getting the whole worth of their money. “Galena Weekly Gazette - June 14, 1875”"