Galena's Living History Alliance

11 hours ago

Some birthday gifts are just a little more special. Mary Ellen Douglas purchased this plaque for her husband Mark’s birthday, honoring the history of their home at 119 S. Bench Street. This gift will last forever…and one that gives us all a chance to know the man who first called it home.

Henry Fricke was born in Germany in 1821. At 14, he began a 7-year apprenticeship as a goldsmith and silversmith. When he could no longer find work, he packed up his tools and set sail for America in December 1847.

Eight weeks later, he arrived in New Orleans and began making his way north. Ice on the Mississippi interrupted his journey, and in Dubuque he paid a man $8 to get him across the river before heading to Galena by stagecoach. He came a long way with his tools, hoping to make his life here.
He sure did! Henry opened a jewelry business that became one of Galena’s most successful. His store at what was then 128 Main Street would later be known by its “Sign of the Big Watch.” We recognize that building today as the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Henry and his wife, Marie, raised two daughters, Anna and Lena, and two sons, Henry and Gustav. Their family also knew terrible sadness. Young Henry died at just thirteen, and Gustav died at sixteen.

In 1875, Henry sold his business to L. M. LeBron & Son and returned to Germany for a two-year visit. But Galena had become home. After returning, he had this house built in 1878, a place to enjoy the quieter years after nearly three decades behind the jeweler’s counter.

Those who knew Henry remembered an honest businessman and a kind neighbor.

Marie died in 1901, and Henry followed on August 13, 1909, at eighty-seven. They rest together at Greenwood, and now Henry’s name will greet folks passing the home he built nearly 150 years ago.

Thank you, Mary Ellen, for such a wonderful gift to Mark and for helping us keep this family’s story alive. Happy birthday, Mark! We hope every glance at your plaque brings you joy and a reminder of all the life this old house has held. … See MoreSee Less

Galena's Living History Alliance

1 day ago

Larry and Jeff spent the day installing plaques all over town, and we are so grateful for their time and hard work! Their first stop this morning was 402 and 404 South Main Street, where most of you will recognize Poopsie's and Main Street Inn today.
Thank you to Alana and Todd for applying to have Dr. John S. Crawford’s life recognized on the very buildings he built.
John was born October 18, 1812, in Ballybay, County Monaghan, Ireland. He studied medicine and graduated from Dublin University before coming to America with his brother, Stewart.
In New York, he earned a diploma from Albany Medical College, began practicing medicine, and operated drugstores with Stewart in Schenectady and Warwick.
The brothers came to Galena in 1841, when John was just 29 years old. He received another medical diploma from St. Louis University and began caring for families throughout the lead mine region. Together, they opened S. Crawford & Company, Drugstore.
John also organized Galena’s public schools in 1844 and established its City Medical Society. He served on the school board for 28 years, spent eight years as county physician, and served several years as the city’s health officer.
In September 1846, he married Mary H. Breed of Boston. They had four sons and four daughters. As his family and practice grew, he built these Main Street buildings in 1851 and 1855.
In 1880, John retired from practice, passing it on to his son. He died at home on September 9, 1885, at age 72, leaving Mary and a town that had depended on him for decades.
His obituary remembered his accomplishments, but even more, it remembered his generous heart. He was a man who cared about his neighbors, their children, and the future of his town.
Today, thanks to Alana and Todd, more people will have the chance to know his story. … See MoreSee Less

Galena's Living History Alliance

3 days ago

This Veterans Day, we remember Thomas Shannon. A Galena farmer, husband, and father, Thomas left his family to serve with the 96th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. Years later, newspapers still remembered him as the “Original Hero of Chickamauga.” According to those accounts, while on picket duty, he encountered three armed Confederate soldiers and captured all three himself, marching them back to headquarters.
It is hard to imagine what that moment must have felt like…or what it meant to his family to have him come home.
This Veterans Day, we remember Thomas Shannon and honor every veteran who has carried the weight of that service. To the veterans among our friends, families, and neighbors: thank you. Your stories matter, and we are grateful for all you have given. … See MoreSee Less