Historic Walking Guide

Belleville Public Library

he Belleville Public Library has a very old and proud heritage as the oldest continuous subscription library in the State of Illinois.  The Library's forebear was conceived on June 26, 1836.

     During the years 1832 and 1833, a number of German families immigrated to this area.  These settlers were a unique breed of immigrants for they were all men of wide culture and high ideals.  Because they were graduates and professors of German Universities, they became known to history as "Die Lateiner" or "Latin Farmers."

     These men, along with their families immigrated to this area for several reasons.  Like so many other immigrants, they wanted to escape political oppression and religious persecution.

     To preserve their cultural heritage as well as provide for its growth, these farmers met regularly in the homes of various members of the group for discussion and exchange of ideas.  On June 26, 1836, the German farmers decided to pool their books and house items in a place easily accessible to all their circulation.  At the next regular meeting, July 17, 1836, the German Library Society of St. Clair County was organized.  Dr. Anton Schott, Doctor of Theology and Philosophy, was appointed Librarian and the Library was kept in his home.  At the end of the year the Library numbered 346 volumes.  The book numbered 1 in this collection was the first volume of Spark's Life of Washington.  This work of 12 volumes is still in excellent condition in the Belleville Public Library's vault along with a great many of the other first books in the collection which were gifts from the members' own libraries.

     On March 13, 1853, the Library, which numbered 1906 volumes, was moved to the Odd Fellows Hall (also formerly known as the Lincoln Hotel).  In 1861, the German Library Society consolidated with the Belleville Saengerbund, an organization devoted to the culture of vocal music.  The Library was then established at Eimer Hall, 29 West Main Street and called "The Belleville Saengerbund and Library Society."  In 1883 the society offered its book collection to the city of Belleville as a donation to be used as a Free Public Library.

310 East Washington Street

amuel Stookey, a wealthy land speculator in Belleville, owned al the land fronting South Charles Street from Washington to Lincoln Streets.  He was a descendent of a Pennsylvania Dutch family and emigrated here in 1802.  Stookey Township was one of the early settlements surrounding the land on which the town of Belleville was built.  Two years after Stookey's daughter Melissa married Dr. M.W. Carter in 1855, he conveyed a portion of his property which included a small two-story house to her.  (See the rear of 310).

     Dr. Cater of a prominent New Hampshire family, was the first dentist to settle in Belleville in 1852.  An 1870 handbill describes his practice: "Teeth inserted at the low price of $15 to $30 a set, other work in proportion."  Those were prosperous times for the Carters, the lovely ITALIANATE villa you see was expanded in 1866.  The elaborately ornamented tower room and windows speak of an age of pride and elegance.

     The home was purchased by Arthur Eidman, Sr., an organizer and director of the St. Clair National bank, in 1919.  Eidman was a promoter and member of Belleville's first Planning Commission.  He was also a charter member of the Belleville Chapter of the American Minute Men, an organization formed to uphold, defend and preserve American citizenship.  He later served as national president of this organization.

318 East Washington Street

t the time of Melissa Stookey's marriage to Dr. Carter, Samuel Stookey began construction on this mansion.  When his daughter Hannah married Enoch Primm in 1863, she received the family home and Mr. Stookey moved to the elegant THOMAS HOUSE HOTEL on East Main.

     Enoch Primm's family was also one of Stookey Township's early settlers, some of which were veterans of the Revolutionary War.  After a trip to the Western goldfields, Enoch moved to Belleville, married Hannah and opened a real-estate and loan agency with his brother-in-law and neighbor, Dr. Carter.  The Primms owned the house until 1904.

     For 35 years the Primm House was the Evangelical Lutheran Zion Grade School, and, in more recent times was remodeled into a restaurant.

100 South Charles Street

he two-story entrance portico with a turned wood railing serving the second story porch is pleasantly unusual in design.  C.H. Simmons, a carpenter by trade, built this home in 1910 for Louis Wolfort.  The next two red brick buildings were also built by Mr. Simmons.

     Mr. Wolfort owned an extensive dealership in horses and mules, a business established by his father in 1869 to serve St. Clair County's expanding coal mine and transfer industries.  Coal underlined three-quarters of the county, and in 1892, there were 67 coal mines within a two-mile radius of Belleville.  In the 1880's and 90's, St. Clair County was the leading coal producing county in Illinois with peak production centering around the Civil War and First World War years.

118 South Charles Street

ernhard Hartmann and his bother Hubert were brewers and distillers in Belleville in 1868.  In 1877, they began bottling STAR BEER and in more recent time, OLDTIMER, a product well remembered by many.  By 1881, they were selling 30,000 barrels annually, a large capacity considering there was no electric refrigeration.

     In 1884, Bernhard Hartmann contracted a local carpenter-builder, Christian Knebelkamp of Abend Street, to build his home.  Mr. Knebelkamp's individualism as a builder was bet displayed in his wood porches and cornices.  This SECOND EMPIRE house, bold yet delicate, remains as it was built except for its very fanciful two-story wood side porch removed some years ago.

200 South Charles Street

he Columbian Exposition held at Chicago in 1893 influenced new building modes dramatically.  Chicago's ROMANESQUE REVIVAL buildings with their towers of pyramidal and concave sloping roofs and semi-circular openings and arches were exciting.  Elizabeth and George Rebhan's home, built in 2903, reflects this excitement.

     Mr. Rebhan was a popular ad influential attorney.  He studied law under the direction of William C. Kueffner, one of Belleville's and Southern Illinois' most outstanding attorneys.  During Mr. Rubhan's 30-year legal career, he became an expert on real-estate and personal property and was consulted in all cases of chancery and the settlements of estates.  In addition to his legal career, Rebhan was very active in Catholic societies.  For 15 years, he served as national chairman of the financial board of the Western Catholic Credit Union.  He married Elizabeth Gundlach, daughter of Joseph Gundlach, Sr. in 1889.

201 South Charles Street

he majority of Belleville's downtown building fall into two architectural categories: GREEK REVIVAL (1850) and ITALIANATE (1870).  The house at 201 was built in the ITALIANATE style which is easily recognized by the slightly curved sash windows, deep cornices with ornate brackets and low-pitched roofs.

     George Kunz, a carpenter in a Belleville planning mill and sash factory, built this home for George A. Willey in 1872.  Mr. Willey opened a farm implement store on East Main Street in 1870 and eventually became an incorporator and president of Rentchler IXL Grain Drill Works, which covered a three-acre area at East "B" Street and Oak.  Their trade extended throughout much of the Midwest.

   In 1887, Frank Liese purchased the home.  Mr. Liese conducted a livery and undertaking business.  The International Order of Odd Fellows bought the home in 1926 and named it the "Pride of West Lodge."  A new addition was added along with an intricate pressed tin ceiling.

Street Houses 211-215 South Charles Street

he street houses at 211 and 215 South Charles are excellent examples of the type of Buildings that give Belleville its architectural uniqueness.  The one and two-story houses built by the early German immigrants were constructed of locally-made brick and, except for heavily molded and decorative doors, were uncluttered in deign.  The homes were very similar to those left behind in Germany with one notable exception.  In Germany, four to eight-family row houses far outnumbered the single dwelling; but in America, it was important to own a private dwelling.  Consequently, in  Belleville our street houses are close together but separate.  Some row houses can still be seen on North Eleventh, East "A" and "B", and South Third Streets.

211 South Charles Street

his house was built by Wilhelm Wittenfield, a shoemaker, between 1860-68.  It appears to be a two-family dwelling but is simply a four-room house with four exterior doors.  In the 1850's and 60's, it was important that each room have an exterior door.  The thrifty German did not feel it wise to waste valuable interior space on hallways.

215 South Charles Street

enry Guentz built this home in 1868.  Guentz emigrated to the Shiloh Valley with his mother in 1847.  In 1868, he moved to Belleville, opened an insurance agency, and served as a Justice of the Peace for more than a quarter of a century.  He married Mary Eimer, the daughter of the prominent capitalist and proprietor of the Washington Brewery.  Simon Eimer's brewery was the largest in the Mississippi Valley at the time; it was located at South 3rd Street.

218 South Charles Street

his home with its lovely recessed classical portico was built by B.F. Champion in 1855.  Mr. Champion and his father Dr. Federal Champion were druggists and chemists.  They owned a pilled factory on East Main and were the sole manufacturer of patent medicines in the Mississippi Valley.

     The home next became the property of a dry good s merchant, Louis Westermann, in 1864 and Prussian born Sebastian Fietsam, St. Clair County Clerk, in 1873.

     One of the house's more notable residents, Attorney William C. Kueffner, came to Belleville from Germany in 1861.  Kueffner was an active member of the military during the Civil War and again in 1877 when an East St. Louis railroad strike threatened the safety of Belleville residents.  In addition to his private law practice, Kueffner served as Police Magistrate and Justice of the Peace.  In 1893 he became co-editor of the Belleville ZEITUNG Newspaper.

     Born in Germany, Julius Liese, another resident, emigrated to America in 1864 where he worked as a bookkeeper at a hardware company.  In 1872, Liese founded the Liese Lumber Company located on East Main Street.  Julius was an accomplished musician and an active member and director of the Saengerbund and the Belleville Philharmonic Society.  Liese was a key figure in several companies including the Belleville Steel and Iron Nail Works, the Belleville and North Eastern R.R., and the Sucker State Drill Co.  Julius Liese purchased 218 in 1893.  He later returned to Germany where he died at the age of 77.

224 South Charles Street

rchitecturally, with the rigors of war manufacturing over, the post-Civil War period was one of individualism and flamboyance.  Belleville's brass and iron foundries began manufacturing ornamental cast iron of every description.

     The decorative iron on Valentine Rhein's house, circa 1871-77, symbolized the economic and social success of its owner as nothing else could.

     Another tangible reminder of success was a "gentlemen's attire."  Mr. Rhein, a merchant tailor apprenticed in Germany, settled here in 1853 where he conducted a tailor shop.  His hand-tailored suits, doeskin vestings, satins and velvets were as desirable a show of success as the iron on his home.

300 South Charles Street

.G. Badgley built this outstanding example of FRENCH SECOND EMPIRE architecture for his family in 1876.  Mr. Badgley operated a dry goods store for a number of years but made his fortune in coal.  He was one of the incorporators of Standard Coal Co.

     In 1880, Cyrus Thompson, former Missouri State Auditor, became the owner of this home.  At that time he was associated with the Harrison Machine Works and became its president in 1902.  During its 100-year history, beginning in 1848, the Harrison Works became a major producer and international distributor of threshing machines and steam engines.

     Belleville was a well-established industrial center when towns north of here were barely platted.  Harrison steam engines contributed to the development and industrialization of Northern Illinois.  The old works is now the site of St. Elizabeth's Hospital.   Mr. Thompson, an ardent big-game hunter and special correspondent for the Belleville ADVOCATE, delighted home0town folks with articles of his around-the-world hunting expeditions.  As secretary of the Octogenarian Club, an elite social organization for men, he wrote many interesting biographies of Belleville's earliest and most prominent citizens who were members of the club.

312 South Charles Street

here are no truly FEDERAL style buildings in Belleville, but a few have strong FEDERAL traces, such as arched recessed entries, elaborate chimneys and rear double-gallery porches.  This FEDERAL style townhouse with its graceful entry and elaborate cornice was built in 1865 by George W. Daab, co-proprietor of a Hay Press Works.  Belleville was always a leading trade center for prairie farmers.  Farm implements were invented, produced and merchandised in Belleville bringing much wealth to the community.

     Daab's wife Louise was the daughter of Bernhardt Wick, an active politician at the city, county and state levels.

313 South Charles Street

enry Rhein and his older brother Valentine were partners in V&H Rhien Tailors.  Henry built his brick home at the same time as his brother (House at 224 South Charles) but chose to embellish it with decorative wood instead of iron.  In 1877, East Main was paved with square cedar blocks from the Square to Walnut Street, a marked improvement over the muddy road.  The July 4th picnic and parade was especially spify that year as the Belleville policemen marched proudly down the newly-paved street sporting new uniforms tailored by Henry Rhein.

     Turn left on East Garfield Street to continue the tour.  Some of the most interesting examples of architecture in our city can be found rear yards.  Carriage Houses, smoke houses, tiny sumer kitchens, well covers and sometimes out houses can still be seen.  The double-gallery porch visible to the left is a treasure.  This porch, tremendous in size and detail, is certainly a landmark and possibly the last of many.

     As you continue East towards the "Old Belleville Historic District", notice the brick street pavement you are walking along.  In the early 1900s, Belleville was very proud of the many miles of brick streets and sidewalks which finally elevated its citizens "out of the mud and dust."  Under the auspices of the Historic Preservation Commission, the City of Belleville's Street Department continues to protect and maintain selected brick streets in the downtown area.

404 Abend Street

o the right from the Abend and "Original Cow Street" intersections is 404 Abend.  Its jigsaw porch, also a landmark, is the only one left in Belleville's Historic District.

     Records indicate this house was constructed in 1880 and was lived by Emil Rebhan and son, George from 1889 to 1903.  Emil Rebhan became an architect and a civil engineer while in the service of the German government.  His father was the "special architect" of the Government of Coburg, Germany.

     German revolutionary political activities forced the young Emil to immigrate to America in 1948.  His adult life was spent in St. Louis, Belleville and Shiloh Valley.  While in St. Louis, he operated a lumber yard with James B. Eads (of Eads Bridge fame).  While in Belleville, he surveyed and constructed the Mascoutah and Shiloh Plank Roads.  The last years of his life were spent on his farm in Shiloh Valley where he died in 1898.

416 Abend Street

t the end of this block is a lovely small frame home and the only frame structure in the historic district.  This building was recently completely restored by the removal of asbestos shingle siding and the rebuilding of the front porch.  The home is a very fine asset to the historic district.

307 Abend Street

udge John Breese Hay built this home in 1866.  He was an attorney and maintained an office to the front foyer.

     Throughout his lengthy legal career, John B. Hay served as Illinois State's Attorney, Congressman, County Judge, Postmaster and Mayor of Belleville.

     In 1854, Judge Hay, along with William Orr, co-edited the first issue of the ST. CLAIR COUNTY WEEKLY TRIBUNE.

     As a delegate to the 1860 Republican State Convention, John Hay helped declare the State of Illinois for Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States.  The home remained in the hands of Judge Hay's heirs until the late 1920's.

302 Abend Street

y 1890, architectural emphasis was on the vertical: pointed gables, finals, tall and slender windows.  P.M. Romeiser used the finest materials and craftmanship in his house.  The brickwork and leaded glass were considered the epitomy of elegance in 1889; the lawn sported tennis courts and a summer pavilion.

     "Romeisers," a large retail clothing store, made available to Belleville residents everything that was progressive and popular in fashion.  An 1893 biography indicates Mr. Romeiser was a discriminating man with a penchant for modern conveniences.  His store on East Main was the first establishment in Belleville to use electricity for lighting.

     Born in Hesse, Germany in 1842, Romeiser traveled throughout the Midwest before settling in Belleville in 1873 and marrying Elise Hilgard.  He served in the Civil War and was twice elected Commander of Hecker Post of the Grand Army of the Republic.

224 Abend Street

n the latter half of the 19th Centyry, Edward Abend owned much of the southern portion of the existing city of Belleville.  He came to America from Marnheim, Germany in 1883 at the age of ten.  Enroute, he family encountered the Aisatic cholera epidemic in St. Louis where Edward's father and two brothers died.  The family settled briefly on a farm near Shiloh before moving to Belleville.

     Young Edward graduated from McKendree College in Lebanon and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1842.  Few enterprises of a public nature were began here without Mr. Abend's direct or indirect connection.

     In 1856, Abend was instrumental in the formation of the Belleville Gas and Coke Co. and served as its director.  In 1857, one year after marrying Anna Hilgard, Edward built his home on what was then a dirt path leading from Main Street.

     Abend was a prominent figure in the creation of the St. Clair Savings and Insurance Co. in 1869 and was elected its first president.  The company later became the Belleville Savings Bank.  Edward Abend further served the city as Mayor for several terms.

221 Abend Street

ronted by a keyed entrance, this ROMANESQUE REVIVAL building with its accent of rock-faced masonry was built in 1890.  Even though it has lost much of its wood trim, it is still a most unique building in Belleville.  It as constructed by Irvin H. Wangelin , son of General Hugo Wangelin who lived at 314 Abend.

     General Wangelin and his family were early residents of Lebanon; he served on the original Town Board and later as Mayor of Lebanon.  General Wangelin, a veteran of the Civil War, lost his arm in the Battle of Chattanooga.

     Irvin was involved in numerous business enterprises including his insurance agency and the First Mutual Building Association of which he was president.  As his father before him, and his so after, Irvin was appointed Belleville's Postmaster.

218 Abend Street

his home was built in 1866 on a typical VICTORIAN townhouse plan, one room wide and three rooms deep, by Edward Abend's sister Bertha and her husband Lt. Col. Hugo Westermann.

     Born in Germany in 1827, Westermann served as a private in the Schleswig-Holstein War.  He came to Belleville in1850 where he opened a dry goods store with his uncle.

     During the Civil War, Hugo organized on the of the original companies of men from St. Clair County.  Because of his distinguished war-time service, Westermann aspired to the rank of Lt. Colonel.

     Westermann served as the Director of the Belleville Gas, Light and Coke Co. for a number of years.  He also became involved in the manufacturing of bricks.

     In 1892, Lt. Col. Westermann served as a Deputy Collector for the Internal Revenue Service, probably as unpopular a job then as it is today.

215 Abend Street

his 15-room mansion with 76 windows and beautiful millwork throughout was occupied by Judge William H. Underwood, a native of New York who came to Belleville in 1840.

     Judge Underwood spent his entire life in service to his home region and country.  He served as States Attorney, Circuit Court Judge, Representative for St. Clair County in the State Legislature, Senator, and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1869.

     In 1871, the home became the property of Rhonda Bissell Thomas, widow of Attorney Charles Thomas.  Rhoda was a daughter of Elizabeth and William H. Bissell, the first Republican Governor of Illinois.

     It was at this time that the open porch on the south side was enclosed and a room added above.  Mrs. Thomas also added the porch on the north side of the house.  She lived here until 1908 when it was sold for the price of $4,700.

203 Abend Street

n its 104 years of existence, this residence was charged from a 1 1/2-story GOTHIC REVIVAL structure with a profusion of pointed gables and dormers to the two-story building it is today.

     The George Swigart family lived in the home initially.  Swigart was a miller and President of Crown Mills.

    In 1882, James Waugh purchased the home.  He and three members of his family built the first nail mill in Illinois in 1869.  The Waugh family was of Irish descent and operated a nail mill in St. Louis before moving to Belleville.  The seven-acre mill contained a factory with 57 nail machines, a rolling mill, a large artificial lake and homes for the mill's workers.  Thirty-five tons of iron and 2,500 bushels of coal were used daily to turn out 600 kegs of nails.  The Waughs most likely added the second story to the house to accommodate their large and growing family.

     In 1897, Dr. B.H. Portuondo, a member of a politically prominent family in Cuba, bought the home.  Dr. Portuondo married the granddaughter of Governor William H. Bissell of Belleville.  He was active on local and state Boards of Health during his lengthy medical career.

     In 1986-87, Boatmen's Bank, as trustees for Dr. Portuondo's descendents, oversaw the complete architectural restoration of this impressive residence.

200 Abend Street

he Gustave Koener home was built in 1852.  Many people consider Koerner Belleville's leading citizen.  Born in Frankfort, Germany, Koerner received the degree of L.L.D. from Heidelberg University in 1833 where he was obligated to leave Germany and settled in Belleville in 1833 where he became a lawyer of considerable reputation.

     Koerner served as a member on the Illinois Supreme Court and in 1852 was elected Lt. Governor of Illinois, being the first German in the state nominated and elected to that position.  He was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln, and was the first man to reach Lincoln's home to announce to him his nomination to the Presidency.  In 1862, Lincoln appointed Koerner Minister to Spain.

     Although a Democrat, Koerner was very instrumental in organizing the Republican party in Illinois.  In recognition of his political accomplishments at the state level, Koener's name is carved on the Centennial Building in Springfield.  Also, please note the Illinois Historic Landmark Marker presented to the property by the State of Illinois.

     Koener, a notable literate and writer, has published his memoirs in a two-volume set which is available at the Belleville Public Library.  It is a respected historical resource for those interested in local history and the German element in Illinois.  For information about the Gustave Koerner Project visit: www.gustavekoerner.org

411 East Washington Street

his QUEEN ANNE style home was built by Dr. Ferdinand Rubach, an eye specialist.  It is an excellent example of the "highest ornamental development possible."  Since downtown Belleville reached maturity before this style became popular in 1876, there were few buildings of this kind built.

     Street directories indicate that the home was constructed around 1884, replacing an earlier residence.  Since the deed was not recorded until 1905, a definite building cannot be determined.

413 East Washington Street

his well-proportioned home with its rounded GEORGIAN windows and GOTHIC REVIVAL pointed roof has traditional details occasionally found in buildings constructed in this area around 1870.  Dr. Ferdinand Rubach built this home shortly after his marriage in 1866. 

     Ferdinand was the son of Augustus and Wilhelmina Schenck, the youngest daughter of President Schenck of the Duchy of Nassau, Germany.  They were a wealthy family and emigrated to St. Clair County in 1843 to farm,  When moving to Belleville in 1849, Augustus Rubach purchased a mercantile establishment.

     Their son Ferdinand graduated from St. Louis Medical College and from the University of Wurzburg, Germany.  He also Studied diseases of the eye in Berlin and was appointed United States Examining Surgeon in 1862.  He married Bellevillian Sophia Maus in 1866.

     Ferdinand's son Otto W., became a prominent architect in Belleville; he designed many of our public buildings including the Public Library, Belleville West high School, and Bunsen School to name a few.

522 East Washington Street

ndividuals forming the "Great Western Migration" brought with them architectural styles from the East Coast.  Nathan T. Baker, a druggist from Washington County, N.Y., was one of those western-bound pioneers.  His ITALIANATE mansion, ahead of its time in Belleville, originally had seven city lots as grounds when it was built between 1860-68.  Except for the front porch addition and the enclosed entry, the home has not been altered.

     When Jacob J. Gundlach, Sr. retired from his extensive farm on Carlyle Avenue in 1896, he purchased this home.  The three Gundlach brothers came to Belleville with their parents in 1842.  They were progressive farmers and provided valuable leadership in the farming community.  Jacob's bother Phillip M. developed and patented the Gundlach Grain Drill and the Rotary Forced Feed Drill.  Jacob's son Phillip purchased the home next door at 516 East Washington in 1907 when it was two-years-old.

527 East Washington Street

n many communities this home would have been built entirely of wood.  In Belleville, however, brick was the major building material used even by lumber dealers.  Walter Liese, proprietor of Liese Lumber Co., built this home in 1912.

     Walter chose to build it in th STICK style, a purely American architectural style.  The style is characterized by tall proportions with high steep roofs; the eaves are projected considerably and are supported by large brackets.  Often there is exposed framing in the gable end of the roof and diagonal "stickwork" is one of its most distinctive features.

616 East Washington Street

hen Henry Heberer and his brothers emigrated to America in 1833, their trip overland to St. Clair County was one step easier since the purchase of wagons was not necessary.  They broought their wagons with them from Germany!

     Henry married Delilah Jane Wilderman, daughter of James Wilderman, a wealthy farmer in Freeburg Township.  They farmed for 20 years before moving to Belleville in the early 1860's.  Their home, a true townhouse one room wide and three rooms deep, was built between 1875-81.

     Henry and his brothers, Thomas, Adam and George, owned Heberer's Brewery at North Second Street and West "A" Street.  They also built the City Park Theatre and Beer Garden across the street from their brewery which was a favorite gathering place for listening to weekly German Opera productions.

     In his retirement years, Mr. Heberer became a master mechanic and pipe fitter and and serviced all the local breweries.  He died in 1884 after he was accidentally thrown from his buggy when his horse bolted and ran off down Lebanon Road.

701 East Washington Street

he home and museum of the St. Clair County Historical Society was constructed in 1866 by Mortiz Dobschutz, a German immigrant born in Westphalen, Prussia in 1831.  He came to America in 1856 and two years later to Belleville.  On his arrival to the city, Dobschutz worked as both a foundryman and traveling salesman.  He soon became a bookkeeper and collection agent which led to his opening the frost collection agency and loan company in Belleville.

     In 1877, Felix Scott, a descendant of "Turkey Hill Scott," purchased the home.  The Scott family settled at Turkey Hill in 1802 and was a family of firsts--the first to manufacture gun power in Illinois, operators of the first wood mill and owners of the first brick home in the county.  The building itself is a VICTORIAN adaptation of the earlier GREEK REVIVAL style of architecture.  The ornate lintels on the front and side of the house are cast iron, probably made in Belleville along with the cast iron balcony.  The carved wooden supports beneath the eaves and the decorative "jig-saw" work surrounding the round attic window are typically VICTORIAN.

     In 1963, the St. Clair County Historical Society acquired the building as a bequest from the Henry Lengfelder Trust.  Through member contributions, the Society restored the home and opened it to the public in 1968.  Another museum home at 602 Fulton Street and also in the "Old Belleville Historical District" was opened in 1978.

702 East Washington Street

avid Clark, an Irish farmer from Engelmann Township built this home in 1870 when he retired to Belleville.  We do not know who was responsible for the excellent proportion and superior design of this ITALIANATE street house.  It is as perfect today as when its was built.  Mr. Clark's wife, Nancy, was a native of Alabama and her Southern heritage may have influenced the architectural quality of the home.  This style house has many duplicates in Belleville although they may be hard to identify because of the removal of wood decoration and the use of new building materials as cover ups.  Jennie Clark and her husband Albert Scott built the home at 700 East Washington.

805 East Washington Street

hen Louisa Engelke returned from a six-month trip to Europe in 1905, her husband, Friedrich, presented her with this home.  They had been living next door at 807 East Washington.  The handsome turreted buff brick was originally faced with clapborads and latter stucco.  It is a tribute to the Engelke's that the fine architectural details you see today have survived such extensive alteration.

     Belleville, New Baden and Ruma have all profited from the energies of Friedrich Engelke.  He learned the millers art from his father, an influential and prominent miller in Hanover, Germany.  Friedrich emigrated to America in 1868 and joined his brother who owned a mill in St. Louis.  While employed by his brother he traveled throughout the South.  The Reconstruction Period following the Civil War was a time of Fierce competition in the grain market and his marketing experiences prepared and prompted him to enter business for himself.  Between 1872 and 1888, he owned and managed milling companies in Belleville, New Baden and Ruma, Illinois.  His son, John, succeeded his father in the milling industry and also lived in this home.

807 East Washington Street

he responsibility the first arrivals in Belleville felt toward education and their eagerness to establish schools is documented by John H. Dennis.  A classical scholar from Virginia, Dennis established the first school here in 1824 known as "The Aristocratic School," an academy for young men.  It was the first in the state to offer such subjects as Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.  This private school, and later his boarding school at 304 South High Street, was patronized by wealthy families locally and regionally.  James B Eads was undoubtedly his mot noted student.

     The Dennis home, purchased in 1854, fronts on East Main with the rear facing East Washington.  It is one of the most historic buildings in our city.  From 1859 to 1862, Mr. Dennis was St. Clair County's School Commissioner.  His 40 years as an educator ended with his death in 1869.

Architectural Walking Guide

16 South Illinois Street

he Meredith Home was the site of the original Belleville House built in 1849.  In 1910 it was the area's leading hotel with 75 rooms and terms of $2.50 per day.  Hotels as far away as Chicago would serve Belleville White Asparagus, a specialty of the dining room.  The Hotel Belleville was built on this site in 1928.

22 South Illinois Street

his building reflects the towns original brick architecture.  Note iron posts and decorative iron lintels.

102 South Illinois Street

he News-Democrat Building was erected in 1898 and renovated in 1966-67 by the Kern Family.  It is an adaptation of GEORGIAN architecture.  The rear of the building was about 100 years old and had been used as the county jail.

11 East Lincoln Street

his structure was built 1850 and is also an adaptation of GREEK REVIVAL architecture.

114 East Lincoln Street

his is an attractive nineteenth century brick built in 1880.  Originally a German street house typical of Belleville, however the addition of the second floor dormer an two-story porch came later.  The window sash was modernized at some point since the one over one sash was not common until late 1800 or early 1900.  The two arched windows are typical ITALIANATE style.  Note the use of scalloped and decorative shingles coupled with the second floor baluster.

111 East Lincoln Street

his house is late 1800's or early 1900's, and is a very conservative interpretation of QUEEN ANN style.  There is extensive use of bay windows, implied bracketing on the porch, and fanciful use of decorative brickwork over the first floor windows and as a band above the front second floor windows.

202 South High Street

his building was built in 1865 and remain in the ITALIANATE style popular in Belleville.  Ornate brackets at the roof soffit, the 2 over 2 windows, arch (rounded) top windows reflect this style.  While not typical, the decorative hoods over the windows were a feature of finer homes.  It has the decidedly vertical look of an ITALIANATE style house.

Corner Lincoln and Jackson Streets

elleville Public Library was built in 1916 through a grant of $45,000 from the Carnegie foundation.  The library was actually organized on June 26, 1836 and was the first Subscription library in the State of Illinois, three years prior to the foundation of the Illinois State Library.

18 East Main Street

malia Myer's 1874 Hair, Millinery and Fancy Goods Store was given a new look in this century.  The modern style brass and terra cotta storefront dates from 1950 and is exceptional in design and quality of materials.

20 East Main Street

he Belleville Savings Bank was erected in 1860.  Oldest State bank location in the city and third in the state.

24 East Main Street

his place was Mrs. Harvey's Book and Stationary Store in 1877.  Unlike some of the more flamboyant ART DECO buildings on East Main, it is quite reserved.

28 East Main Street

his building was erected in 1867 and served as Keil Hardware.  Exceptionally well preserved ITALIANATE building, one of three in a block that extended to the corner.

11 North High Street

he Market Square Building was constructed in 1911-12 as the Commercial building.  It replaced the Thomas House, the largest hotel in 1855 at a cost of $20,000.

103 East Main Street

he Lincoln Theatre opened it doors in 1921.  Note intricate and detailed trim at the top of the building.  The restored theatre has the only working theater organ in Southern Illinois and the Metro St. Louis area.  Such notables as Ginger Rogers and the Marx Brothers performed here.

104 East Main Street

his building was constructed in 1869.  At this site Gustav and Albert Goelitz had a confectionery and candy store.  The Geolitz Company still manufactures candy in North Chicago.

111 East Main Street

t. Clair Savings Bank was erected in 1860, in the NEO CLASSIC style.

116 East Main Street

n this building, note the detailed band of leaded glass at street level and the alabaster cornice and accents on the upper level.

117 East Main Street

his is an outstanding ART DECCO building.  Note the detailing surrounding the side door to the upstairs living quarters and the interesting combination of art glass and brick.

122 East Main Street

his building is the former Krummrich Drug Store.  It was built in 1868 for the Andel and Weber Wholesale Wine and Liquor Company.  Note the marble, iron, pressed tin, and glass of the intact storefront (was Bridges and Ward in 1920).

125-127 East Main Street

hese buildings were built prior to 1900 and could easily be restored to their GREEK REVIVAL roots.

128 East Main Street

his building housed Hurwitz Jewelers in 1900.  The FRENCH SECOND EMPIRE third floor is the last remaining mansard roof on East Main Street

201 East Main Street

ote the 2nd floor ART DECCO facade on this 1870's storefront.

202-208 East Main Street

his building as built in 1886.  It was occupied by the Romeiser Company and was one of the most elegantly appointed stored in Southern Illinois, the first to have electricity.

205-211 East Main Street

his Building was built for Horn's Dry Goods and later became Fellner-Ratheim, Southern Illinois' leader in dry goods merchandising.

213-221 East Main Street

his original brick and flat stone trim was built prior to 1900.

217 East Main Street

his building has retained its original cast iron lintels and brackets at the cornice on the second floor.  The building once housed the George Gemmer Saloon.

123 North Church Street

elleville Labor and Industry Museum is the only public institution devoted to the history of the labor and industry of Belleville and Southwestern Illinois.  The museum was home to Born family and its machine shop from 1840-1910.  Three years later the Charles Beck Tobacco Co. and Cigar Manufactory operated at this site until 1957.

420 North High Street

his building is an excellent example of GOTHIC architecture and considered one of the most outstanding buildings in the State of Illinois.  Built in 1880 by the owner of the largest foundry, the Spoenemann Mansion has weathered the years well.  Restored in 1986-87, with a new slate roof, in keeping with the GOTHIC architecture, as well as the copper gutters and down spouts.  The house is purported to be inhabited by "friendly spirits".

300 East "E" Street

his home is an example of a very grand QUEEN ANNE style residence was likely constructed during 1900-10, and is one of Belleville's most unique and visually delightful houses.  There are several levels of high ornamentation typical of this style.  Most QUEEN ANNE homes are wood framed and use a variety of sidings and shingle styles, this particular house uses brick in many original an imaginative ways.  Special features are the large bracket, the round turret with the steeple roof, the intricate decorative bracketing, and the gazebo style porch.  Additional an unusual treatments are the steep roof topped with ornamental caps, the special brick work, the variety of window styles, the use of terra cotta at the top of the round turret, the leaded glass window panels, and the rustic stone foundation.

205 East "D" Street

his grand home dates back to 1875-1885.  It is a combination of late GREEK REVIVAL and ITALIANATE style which was quite popularly used in Belleville for larger homes.  The formal symmetry is typical of the GREEK REVIVAL style and was used to impress and show the observer the importance of the building.  It was a derivation of the GREEK REVIVAL, GEORGIAN, and FEDERAL styles used in the East for important residences.  This particular house shows how Bellevillians of the time held on to the past but modernized as well.  The ITALIANATE style was gaining popularity at this time so you see the roof brackets and arched lintels typical of that style used here.  The window shutters are from the earlier style while the windows themselves were likely modernized once again after the turn of the century since 2 over 2 arched top windows were what was commonly used (available) hen the house was built.

202 East "D" Street

his combination QUEEN ANNE and STICK VICTORIAN HOUSE styles home was built in 1886.  Typical of this style the house features spindle work, hipped roofing with secondary cables and gabled dormers, and bay windows.  Stick architecture includes the use of a picket-fence pattern used as wide band trim under eaves or across cable ends as shown on the bay window of this house as well as simply lined brace supports on the porch.

107 East "D" Street

his ITALIANATE house is hiding behind a 1920's wrap-around porch.  Take special note of the double door leaded glass entry and outstanding wood cornice and cast iron window-walk.  The home was built by Amson Baier.  Mr. Baier was known as the Mule King and supplied many of the mules used during the Civil War.  The barn and stables used to house his inventory still stands and can be seen on high Street across from St. George's Parking lot.

323 North Jackson Street

his COLONIAL REVIVAL style home was built in 1904.  The architect was Riester-Ruback who maintained offices in Belleville and East St. Louis.  The 2nd story rear-sleeping porch was a later addition to the home.  The carriage house originally belonged to the property next door at 321 North Jackson Street but was purchased with the sale of the property in 1901.  William J. Fisher who was the owner of the Fuess-Fisher Company, a dry goods store in downtown Belleville, commissioned the house.  Mrs. Hill, the wife of the second owner of the home, was a well-known and highly sought after porcelain doll maker.  She held classes in her home for many years painting the faces and making clothing for the dolls.

321 North Jackson Street

he home is a sample of ITALIANATE architecture.  It was built in the early 1850's and the tower was added in 1893.  William Bissell, the first republican governor of the State of Illinois and whose campaign manager was Abraham Lincoln built the home.  Among the outstanding features are 12-foot ceilings and 5 marble fireplaces all in working order.  The house also has beautiful parquet floors.  The home has served many uses over the years from a Red Cross Hospital to an exclusive men's club named Pickwick.

215 Abend Street

his home was built in 1865 in the SECOND EMPIRE style.  The nicely proportioned arched-top bay window topped with narrow double windows on the second floor has simple yet finely detailed dormers on a Mansard roof.  Placement and proportions of doors and windows well thought-out.  QUEEN ANNE type brackets on the balcony and dormers.  This is a 15-room mansion with 76 windows and beautiful millwork.  Judge William H. Underwood who spent his entire life in service to his home region and country occupied it.  He was a States Attorney, Circuit Court Judge, State Senator and delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1869.

221 Abend Street

his home was built in 1890 and is a blend of four district styles of architecture, ROMANESQUE (heavy detailing on first floor), MOORISH (arched entry porch), FRENCH (Mansard roof) and VICTORIAN (elaborately detailed front gable) tastefully combined to create a fortress effect.  Irvin Wangelin, son of General Hugo Wangelin, constructed it.

224 Abend Street

TALIANATE style built in 1857 (low roof, overhanging eaves, decorative brackets of front porch.  Horizontal brick band across front gives the illusion of height.  Nicely detailed soffit with a boxed-in gutter.  Home was built by Edward Abend who owned much of the Southern portion of the city.

301 Abend Street

his home is a definite Frank Lloyd Wright "Prairie Style influence (large roof overhangs, 6 over 2 windows, screened porch, and wide entrance verandah).  There is a Spanish arched front door and light fixtures on this 1914 bungalow.  This home was built for Herman and Madgelin Wangelin as a wedding gift from Herman's parents.

308 Abend Street

his is a Bungalow style home built in 1914 with eclectic arches over windows.  Bungalows display a fine degree of craftsmanship and are composed of materials left as close as possible to their natural state.  The California Bungalow was a small scale, one story, and QUEEN ANNE cottage.

311 Abend Street

his is a lovely semi-modern home built in 1926.  The GEORGIAN facade does not shake the quiet dignity of the 200-300 block of Abend.

404 Abend Street

his has a well-proportioned front facade with balanced openings on both floors.  Nicely detailed porch, but railing balusters must must be an "add-on".  Balusters would normally be turned to match the overhead spindles.  Interesting "Attic Ribbon" beneath roof soffit, on this 1880 structure.  Built by Fred Glaser, land speculator and pioneer agriculturist, and financed for his daughter who married William Wangelin, Belleville Jeweler.

211 South Charles Street

his home was built between 1860-68 and appears to be a two-family dwelling but it is simply a four-room house with four exterior doors.  At this time it was important that each room have an exterior door.  An example of a German Street House.

224 South Charles Street

his 1853 construction by Valentine Rhein, a merchant tailor apprenticed in Germany is an exhibition of the decorative iron used to symbolize the economic and social success of its owner.  Architecturally, with the rigors of war manufacturing, over the post-Civil War Period was one of individualism, and flamboyance.  Belleville's brass and iron foundries began manufacturing ornamental cast iron of every description.

300 South Charles Street

his home is an example of FRENCH SECOND EMPIRE architecture.  this style was named for the reign of Napoleon III.  The Mansard roof - a double-pitched roof with a steep lower slope is a hallmark.  By increasing headroom in the attic it provided an additional usable floor.  The general effect was monumental and ornate.  Built in 1876 by Mr. A.G. Badgley who operated a dry goods store.

312 South Charles Street

his house was built in 1865.  There are no true FEDERAL style buildings in Belleville but a few such as this one have strong FEDERAL traces.  These include arched recessed entries, elaborate chimneys and rear double-gallery porches.  A graceful entry and intricate cornice add to the charm of this home built by George W. Daab, co-proprietor of Hay Press Works.

318 South Charles Street

his is a typical conversion of a folk house to the early 20th century with overhanging roof, square brackets and large gabled dormer.  Built in 1872.

416 Mascoutah Avenue

his is an 1865 well-proportioned COLONIAL.  Interesting placement of dormers over interior windows instead of between windows.  Typical narrow COLONIAL dormers.  Wrought iron porch gives a delicate, New Orleans touch to front facade.  Brick walk in herringbone pattern dates to original building.  the roof features an ornamental cornice.  Due to a 12-foot ceiling the window appear tall and narrow.  There are limestone windowsills in the front and wooden sills around the rest of the house.  Adam Schussler, an early Belleville settler had this home built as a wedding gift when the youngest daughter Eva married Michael Frees.