Galena's Living History Alliance

18 hours ago

Yesterday, we were proud to install a historic plaque at 310 South Main Street, commemorating Alexander C. Davis, who built this building c.1846.

Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1817, Alexander arrived in Galena in 1835 as a 19-year-old young man looking for opportunity. He began as a clerk before eventually going into business for himself.

His future wife, Helen Marie Little, came to Galena with her family when she was just 12 years old. Her father, Matthias Little, was one of Galena's early merchants. In 1841, when "Alex" was 24, and Helen just 14, they were married at Grace Episcopal church, in Galena.

Together, Alexander and Helen built a remarkable life. They raised 14 children while Alexander worked in mining, operated a smelting furnace east of town, owned a Main Street business, invested in land, and helped organize what would become the Galena and Southern Wisconsin Railroad.

Alexander died in 1866 at only 48 years old. One account tells of a rich lead deposit being discovered on his property after his death.

What impressed us most, however, was Helen's story. After Alexander's death, she was left to carry on and raise their large family. A family history written years later praised her intelligence, strength, and devotion to her children. Considering that she was raising 14 children in the 1800s, we'd say she earned every bit of that praise!

We are especially grateful to Steve and Diana Andresen for helping preserve this piece of Galena history. Many of you know Diana as the owner of Bella Rosa Boutique, which now occupies this historic building.

Because of property owners like Steve and Diana, Galena's stories continue to be remembered and shared with future generations. The next time you're strolling down Main Street, take a moment to see the plaque at 310 South Main Street and remember one of the entrepreneurs who helped build early Galena. … See MoreSee Less

Galena's Living History Alliance

2 days ago

Another piece of Galena history has been preserved!

This morning, we installed a plaque at 119 – 121 S. Main Street honoring Frederick E. Bergmann, one of Galena's early furniture dealers and cabinet makers.

Born in Bremen, Germany, in 1804, Frederick made his way to America and arrived in Galena from New Orleans in 1831, when Galena was still in its infancy. He would spend the next several decades helping furnish the city around him.

In 1843, Frederick married Margaret Ann Hines. Margaret was born in Pennsylvania and was nineteen years his junior. Together they raised six children and established deep roots in Galena. As owner of the F. E. Bergmann Company, Frederick crafted and sold furniture during an era when nearly every piece was built by hand by skilled artisans. His work helped furnish the homes and businesses of a growing Galena.

At the age of 73, Frederick moved to Kansas to be near family. When he passed away, his body was returned to Galena, where funeral services were held at his former home at 116 Bench Street, before he was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery. Even after leaving Galena, his connection to the city remained strong.

We are especially grateful to Steve and Diana Andresen for applying to have Frederick memorialized on their building and helping preserve the history of Main Street. Last year, we were also proud to install a plaque on their neighboring building, home to Beyond the Horizon.

The next time you're downtown, be sure to stop in and thank Steve and Diana for their continued support of local history, and for restoring these beautiful buildings. Their commitment helps ensure that the stories of Galena's early residents and business owners are not forgotten.

Every plaque tells a story, and Frederick E. Bergmann's story is a wonderful reminder of the immigrants, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and families who helped build the Galena we know and love today. … See MoreSee Less