The oldest house in the state of Illinois.
I know that many of you live in towns that can trace the history back thousands of years, but for those of us who live in the US, our history only goes back a few generations to when our ancestors arrived here and began building homes and towns in the wilderness.
Irish immigrants, John Dowling and his son Nicholas arrived in Galena in 1826. Their intention was to build a wooden structure, but all the area trees were being cut to fire the smelters at the lead mines. Area limestone was an obvious building material, and their limestone house was built in 1826–27 and still remains in use 197 years later as a public museum. It is the oldest home in the state of Illinois
The first floor was used as a trading post and the Dowlings lived upstairs.
"Galena” is Latin for lead sulfide. In 1845, this area produced almost 85% of the nation's lead. The Vinegar Hill mine in Galena was shut down and abandoned after two disastrous fires in 1865 and 1867,
Lead is still used in batteries, and as semi-conductors for radios and other electronic equipment. Lead vests are used as a protection from x-ray equipment, but is no longer used in plumbing and paint.
Before indoor plumbing, dry sinks like this one were used to hold a pitcher and basin of water for wasihng up.
You can see how thick the walls of the house are by looking at the window sills.
Galena Daily Gazette
2 April 1860
Funeral of Mr. Dowling
The funeral of Nicholas Dowling Saturday was more numerously attended than that of any person heretofore. The places of business were generally closed, the bells were tolled and there were none who did not wish to show respect to the memory of the deceased. The procession formed at the late dwelling of the deceased and proceeded to the Catholic Church on Bench street, and thence to the cemetery. The services at the church were conducted by Father Mazzuchelli, of Benton.
source
The tombstone for Nicholas Dowling is the tallest in the cemetery because his wife wanted to be able to see it from her home when she looked off across the valley.
There is so much fascinating history in this little town!
Thanks Pix!
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Hi, @melinda010100.
Here I am again. I have become a fan of your posts with images and history.
I was impressed with Nicholas Dowling's headstone because of how high the widow's requirement.
I am in love with these posts, I look forward to them.
Please keep posting images with stories, they captivate me.
Thank you for doing so.
Love from Caracas.
Thanks for the encouragement! I have another post to begin working on about a mansion in the same town that was built by a riverboat caption. It has some fascinating history.
I'm already excited and here I will wait for you to post it.
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That was indeed an old house...I wonder what memories it has within the years 😅
85 percent lead production is a great number. This wooden building is still standing with all shine in this time of technology. On the other side in my city there are so many historical buildings which are fading away due to environmental pressure and due high rate of urbanization.
This is really quite oldest
House is looking so simple and attractive. I like simplicity which we have lost today.
Hello a greeting. I really enjoyed this post of yours. As always, it is a pleasure to read and admire your photographs.
Wow!!
That's amazing
I believe that if we go to other countries like Rome, we will find buildings that are older
One thing that amazes me is how the building continues to be strong and did not collapse after so many years.
How are you dear friend @melinda010100 good morning
What a beautiful post, and what a story. I love houses built in stones, and much more when they combine with wood.
Thank you very much for sharing these beautiful photographs.
Have a splendid day
It is funny how we think differently on either side of the pond. My flat for example I live in is over 150 years old and that is pretty common.
One thing for sure is the history that all our buildings have seen, and if that was a trading post it will have seen its fair share!
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Wow those walls are think probably cool in the summer and hopefully warmer in the winter. I passed a horse drawn hearse this week on the way to town! The undertaker/coachman was dressed in all black with a top hat. Probably the way they did it back in 1860
That IS very interesting. I enjoyed seeing the photos.