South Side German Historic District facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
South Side German Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
The intersection of Eighth and State looking west.
Location in Illinois
Location	Quincy, Illinois
Built	Early-to-Mid 19th Century
Architect	Multiple
Architectural style	German, Late Victorian, Mid 19th Century Revival, Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements
NRHP reference No.	92000484 95000481 (boundary increase)
Added to NRHP	1992

The South Side German Historic District is a special area in Quincy, Illinois, United States. It's located just south of the city's downtown. This neighborhood is famous for its many buildings that show off beautiful German architecture. People also call this area "Calftown." This nickname came from a long time ago when many families living here owned calves. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, which means it's recognized as an important historical place. Its boundaries were made a bit larger in 1995.

Explore Quincy's Historic German District

Dick Brothers Brewery Building: A Taste of History

The Dick Brothers Brewery was started in 1857 by three brothers: Matthew, John, and Jacob. This brewery became very successful, making huge amounts of beer. At one point, it produced 70,000 barrels of brew each year! This made it one of the biggest beer brands in the country in the early 1900s. It was even larger than the famous Anheuser-Busch company in St. Louis.

However, difficult times came. A period called Prohibition (when making and selling alcohol was illegal) and World War II caused big problems for the brewery. The company eventually went out of business in 1951. Today, the old brewery building is still a well-known landmark in the area. People are working to fix it up and bring it back to life. Some projects even hope to restart the Dick Brothers brand!

Dr. Richard Eells House: A Home of Freedom

The Dr. Richard Eells House was built in 1835. This historic home is part of both the Downtown Quincy Historic District and the South Side German Historic District. Dr. Richard Eells was a strong supporter of ending slavery, known as an abolitionist. He bravely offered a safe place for runaway enslaved people who were traveling north to freedom.

In 1842, Dr. Eells was found guilty of helping these enslaved people. His trial was even heard by Judge Stephen A. Douglas, who later became famous for his debates with Abraham Lincoln. After his trial, Dr. Eells became the leader of the Illinois Anti-Slavery Party. He also tried to run for president in 1844 but was not chosen. Today, the Dr. Richard Eells House has been restored. A local group called Friends of Dr. Richard Eells House takes care of it. You can even take a tour of this important historical home by making an appointment.

Eighth Street Business District: The Heart of the Neighborhood

The Eighth Street Business District is like the main street of the South Side German Historic District. You can see it in the picture at the beginning of this article. Many important and interesting places are located along or near this area. These include the State Room, LaGondola's Spaghetti House, Gem City College, and the Salem Church. It's a busy and important part of the neighborhood.

Gem City College: Learn Unique Skills

Gem City College is a special school located at 700 State Street. It teaches unique skills like horology (the study of time and how to make clocks and watches) and cosmetology (the study of beauty treatments, like hair and makeup).

Quincy Public Library: A Modern Landmark

The Quincy Public Library is at 526 Jersey Street. It helps meet the reading needs of many people in the area. Unlike many buildings in this German-influenced neighborhood, the library has a modern design. Even so, it has become an important landmark in the city. In 2011, the library started expanding. This means it now has a bigger section for children and teens, plus more rooms for events and meetings.

Salem Evangelical United Church of Christ: A Historic Church

The Salem Church is a very noticeable building in Quincy's German historic district. This church started its services in 1848, thanks to a German mission group. While it's not in its first location, it moved to its current spot in 1877. The Salem Church is also recognized as a historical landmark.

The State Room: From Movies to Music

The State Room, located at 434 South 8th Street, used to be a large movie theater with 500 seats. Now, it has been changed to work as a place for concerts, parties, and a bar. You can still see the old ticket booth from its movie theater days. The outside of the building is decorated with many bright incandescent lightbulbs, keeping its classic theater look. The State Room first opened as a theater in 1938.

Woodland Cemetery: Resting Place with a View

Woodland Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the state of Illinois. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first burials in this cemetery happened in 1847. It's located on high ground, called bluffs, which offer a beautiful view overlooking the Mississippi River.

Images for kids

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  Dick Brothers Brewery Building

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  Dick Brothers Brewery Building from 9th and York Streets

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  Woodland Cemetery