Square south east side in mourning 1885

1885 black and white photograph of three and four story buildings on Van Buren Street, Woodstock, Illinois.   The buildings are decorated with mourning crepe to mark President Grant's death.  Several men and young boys are seen posing for the photograph on the sidewalks in front of the buildings.

Title

Square south east side in mourning 1885

Description

South side of the Square is decorated with mourning crepe to mark President Grant's death.
109 E. Van Buren A. S. Wright: Drugs & Medicines. The history of this business: Green Front Drug Store was opened by Cyrus B. Durfee in 1851 who took Chris Walters as partner. Between 1854 and 1857, Dr. Baldwin was involved. Baldwin sold out and Durfee & Walters opened a dry goods store. In 1867, Dr. Stone bought C. B. Durfee's store. "Several years later" sold to Dr. Adams until Adams death. J. S. Wheat & A. S. Wright bought the stock and operated as Wheat & Wright to 1880 and then as A. S. Wright to 1885 (from 1885 history). The striped pole indicates there was a barber shop in the building.
107 E. Van Buren: I. T. Salisbury Groceries & Provisions: Established in 1866 and sold to Russ Cotton in 1888 due to the death of A. T. Salisbury
105 E. Van Buren: Murphy's Drugs, Books & Stationery (was Wheat & Murphy Drugs 1880-1883). Blossom's Jewelry ( with large clock on street and on roof sign). They advertised together as Murphy & Blossom in 1885. The letters GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) show on the third floor windows. They might be temporary and part of the mourning decorations.
103 E. Van Buren: IOOF Odd Fellows (Oddfellows) Hall on upper floor. The post office was located in this building.
There are men and boys posing in front of every building. The photo is taken from a significant height

Source

Given to Library by Mrs. Will Hoy

Date

1885

Citation

Medlar Studios, Woodstock, “Square south east side in mourning 1885,” Woodstock Public Library Archives, accessed October 4, 2024, https://woodstockpubliclibraryarchives.omeka.net/items/show/386.

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