Square Southeast side Pratt House ca 1870
Title
Square Southeast side Pratt House ca 1870
Description
Pratt House
Back of photo: "This block of buildings on the south side of square built in 1853. In one of the upper stories over the drug store was Phoenix Hall where many church organizations conducted their services until they had buildings of their own. Pratt House-about 1864" [111 E. Van Buren] Note--the date on the back of the photo and the location "above the drug store" may be incorrect.
From Sesquicentennial photo exhibit:
Some of the oldest buildings remaining on the Square on Van Buren Street. The eastern half of the south side burned in 1851 and these fine brick buildings replaced the old wood structures. The fourth story no longer exists (the cupola burned in 1893) and the buildings have had several “modern” facades but they are still there. “Phoenix Hall” was located in one of the upper stories where many church organizations conducted their services until they had buildings of their own. Note the small shop on the right where the Opera House was built 30 years later."
Clues for dating the photo:
Phoenix Hall built 1852 [115 E. Van Buren -117 E. Van Buren]
Two brick buildings to the east built 1853 [107 E. Van Buren, 109 E. Van Buren,111 E. Van Buren,113 E. Van Buren] by C. B. Durfee and Alonzo Anderson
After 1861 (Woodstock Democrat and McHenry County Advocate newspapers merged to become McHenry County Union October 4, 1861) [117 E. Van Buren]
Before 1869 (Blossom's established) 115 E. Van Buren
Ca. 1870 when Pratt House fixtures and furnishings were auctioned [Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sec 3 p 3]. This presumes that the sign remained after the auction so it could be as late as 1871 after the fire.
The Woodstock House.
This popular house, of which Mr. PATTY is the proprietor, has recently received an addition of some nineteen new rooms in an upward direction, culminating in a very neat and tastily finished observatory, from which may be had a very extensive view, in all directions, of the finest country that lies under the sun. Internally, the arrangements for the inner man are as perfect as the markets can afford, and to our certain knowledge, liberal applications have been made during the past season, to the Chicago market, for luxuries in advance of our sluggish climate. The host and hostess being both of the benevolent turn that delights in the consciousness that their guests are full fed and comfortable, any one may safely confide himself to their hospitality with the assurance that lie will come off in a most excellent state of preservation. Commend US to the tempting Breakfasts, Dinners and Suppers of the PATTY HOUSE, and besides that wo should judge by the smell that they have some very tasteful and kindly cigars.
(November 20, 1856 - Woodstock Sentinel)
Back of photo: "This block of buildings on the south side of square built in 1853. In one of the upper stories over the drug store was Phoenix Hall where many church organizations conducted their services until they had buildings of their own. Pratt House-about 1864" [111 E. Van Buren] Note--the date on the back of the photo and the location "above the drug store" may be incorrect.
From Sesquicentennial photo exhibit:
Some of the oldest buildings remaining on the Square on Van Buren Street. The eastern half of the south side burned in 1851 and these fine brick buildings replaced the old wood structures. The fourth story no longer exists (the cupola burned in 1893) and the buildings have had several “modern” facades but they are still there. “Phoenix Hall” was located in one of the upper stories where many church organizations conducted their services until they had buildings of their own. Note the small shop on the right where the Opera House was built 30 years later."
Clues for dating the photo:
Phoenix Hall built 1852 [115 E. Van Buren -117 E. Van Buren]
Two brick buildings to the east built 1853 [107 E. Van Buren, 109 E. Van Buren,111 E. Van Buren,113 E. Van Buren] by C. B. Durfee and Alonzo Anderson
After 1861 (Woodstock Democrat and McHenry County Advocate newspapers merged to become McHenry County Union October 4, 1861) [117 E. Van Buren]
Before 1869 (Blossom's established) 115 E. Van Buren
Ca. 1870 when Pratt House fixtures and furnishings were auctioned [Sentinel 3-13-1937 Sec 3 p 3]. This presumes that the sign remained after the auction so it could be as late as 1871 after the fire.
The Woodstock House.
This popular house, of which Mr. PATTY is the proprietor, has recently received an addition of some nineteen new rooms in an upward direction, culminating in a very neat and tastily finished observatory, from which may be had a very extensive view, in all directions, of the finest country that lies under the sun. Internally, the arrangements for the inner man are as perfect as the markets can afford, and to our certain knowledge, liberal applications have been made during the past season, to the Chicago market, for luxuries in advance of our sluggish climate. The host and hostess being both of the benevolent turn that delights in the consciousness that their guests are full fed and comfortable, any one may safely confide himself to their hospitality with the assurance that lie will come off in a most excellent state of preservation. Commend US to the tempting Breakfasts, Dinners and Suppers of the PATTY HOUSE, and besides that wo should judge by the smell that they have some very tasteful and kindly cigars.
(November 20, 1856 - Woodstock Sentinel)
Creator
Date
1868/1871
Collection
Citation
Medlar Studios, Woodstock, “Square Southeast side Pratt House ca 1870,” Woodstock Public Library Archives, accessed October 4, 2024, https://woodstockpubliclibraryarchives.omeka.net/items/show/387.
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