Black's Store facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Black's Store
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1st Ave. Hampton, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1849 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000727 |
| Added to NRHP | May 28, 1976 |
Black's Store, also known as the Brettun & Black Museum, is a very old and important building in Hampton, Illinois, United States. It was built way back in 1849. When it first opened, it was the biggest store in Northwest Illinois!
This amazing three-story brick building had something super rare for its time: one of the very first elevators in the Midwest. A person named Ron Nelson, who works to save old buildings, recently fixed up this historic elevator. Black's Store was also a busy stop for both riverboats and later for the Galena Stagecoach. Today, the Brettun & Black Museum lets you see what the store was like in 1849. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, which means it's recognized as a special part of history.
Contents
What Was Black's Store?
Black's Store was a "mercantile store." This means it sold almost everything people needed! Imagine a general store, but much bigger. It was the main place for people in the area to buy supplies.
A Look Back in Time
When Black's Store opened in 1849, it was a huge deal. It was the largest store in the whole Northwest Illinois region. People could find all sorts of goods there. From tools to clothes, and food to household items, it was a one-stop shop.
The First Elevator?
One of the most exciting things about Black's Store was its elevator. In 1849, elevators were extremely rare. Most buildings didn't have them at all! This made Black's Store very modern and special for its time. It helped move goods between the three floors easily. A person named Ron Nelson, who is a preservationist, worked hard to restore this old elevator. He made sure it could work again, just like it did long ago.
A Hub for Travelers
Black's Store was not just a place to shop. It was also an important stop for travelers. First, it served as a stop for riverboats traveling along the nearby river. Later, it became a stop for the Galena Stagecoach. This means people traveling by land would stop there too. It was a busy place where people could rest, get supplies, and maybe even hear the latest news.
Becoming a Museum
Today, Black's Store is known as the Brettun & Black Museum. It has been carefully set up to look just like it did in 1849. This lets visitors step back in time and imagine what shopping was like over 170 years ago. Because of its history and unique features, Black's Store was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This listing helps protect the building and its history for future generations.
