Our building has a fascinating history - we love to share!
The building is on Lot 27 on the East side of Main St
July 1836 The 1st survey of Galena was completed (new law required by Congress), it was determined that the property was owned by Michael Murphy
June 1837 Murphy sold to Buckner Lane for, $1,400
August 1837 Lane sold to William Van Zandt for, $1,400
1839 Van Zandt sold to Gustavius P Billion for $2,100
1841-1851 For ten years there were levies against the property, lawsuits, etc. 2/3 of the property was owned by numerous people.
1856 Nicholas Stahl bought Lot 27 at public auction for $600
1857 Wm Snyder bought Lot 27 at public auction for $639
August 1868 At this point there were still two parcels of land – The front on Main St and the South on Commerce St. A Common wall was built in the middle and had two owners.
August 1868 Richard Barrett bought out Snyder’s 1/3 of the building for $1,150
1917 Barrett family sold to Charles Simon $5,500
January 1919 R.A. Grant bought Lot 27 for $8,000 (no relation to the President)
April 1934 Grant sold to Charles Kastner for $6,000
June 1953 Kastner sold to Edward Burke for $5,400
February 1973 Sam and Fran Byers (our grandparents) bought Lot 27 for $19,000 (although they moved into this building in Galena in 1963)
2009 Zeal Brothers Trust was established and became owners of the building