Burlington Historical Society Museum

12/31/2024

You may want to start out the New Year by getting a fresh haircut in downtown Burlington.

12/26/2024

Could have been a "roundabout" if they tweaked it a bit.

I think this was in the 80's or so. I remember that it made it tight for trucks to get around.

12/18/2024

Did you ever buy your records at the Music Mart?

Bob Ruedebusch purchased the Music Mart on Washington St. across from Weimhoff Park from Stan Szydlowski in 1953.

The Music Mart moved from that location in 1982 and was then occupied by the Burlington Launderette.

12/16/2024

This photo view of the easterly side of N. Pine St. was taken about 1950 or so.

The Hotel Burlington with the Plush Horse Club is at center. Reineman Hardware store is at right.

What was later John's Main Event tavern adjacent to the hotel was at that time Luhn & Runzler's Tavern.

North of that was David & Poritz Plumbing & Heating.

12/15/2024

These 2 postcard views of downtown Burlington show an easterly view of Chestnut Street near its intersection with Pine St.

The first one was probably taken about 1915 or so. Notice the popcorn wagon on the left side of the photo.

The second photo was probably from about 1925 or so. Looks like they had angle parking along the "loop" back then.

12/12/2024

'Tis The Season -

A few Christmas time photos from the archives of the Burlington History Museum.

12/06/2024

Simpler Times in Burlington -

A few photos from 1953 newspaper articles showing the less hectic days in Burlington's past.

12/02/2024

The "Buell Block" on the west side of the Chestnut St. Loop, was rebuilt in 1895 after a fire nearly wiped out that part of the block.

In later years the building was occupied by Pieters Brothers dry goods and department store which was there until 1965. Barton's Store was the next occupant there until 1985.

Later occupants included The Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Something Special, A Cut Above beauty shop, Annie's Confections, Perfect Gift and Hobby Shop, Chocolate City Confectionery, Unfle Bob's Sandwich Shop and Delights Sweet Shop.

The 1st photo from the early 50's shows Pieters Brothers store and upstairs tenants, Dr. Ketterhagen and Dr. Ryall, both dentists.

The 2nd photo shows the Maxwell Street Days sales in the later 50's.

The 3rd photo shows the building after Barton's moved out and the exterior facade that covered up that historic building.

The last photo shows a recent view after removal of that "facade cover-up".

Also notice that the "Buell Block" name on the upper front of the building was chiseled off by probably one of the recent owners of that historic building. (For what reason - I have no idea)

11/30/2024

Do you remember when Burlington had an "old fashioned winter storm"?

Last year was almost a no-snow winter. What is your prediction for this year?

This downtown storm photo was from the winter of 1947.

11/24/2024

These photos from the archives of the Burlington Historical Society are from our "People of Burlington" digital albums.

These are just a few of the thousands of photos added over the years that our history community is fortunate to have.

If you are related to or know some of these Burlington citizens, leave a comment.

11/23/2024

In reply to many messages I have received -

The Meinhardt House is included within the "Kane Street Historic District". That "district" is on the State Register of Historic Places.

As far as the house itself, we find no listing or designation that it is on any National or State Register of Historic Places.

Any additional information from viewers is welcome.

Dennis Tully
Past President
Burlington Historical Society

Send a message to learn more

11/22/2024

Here are just a few of the many photos of the Meinhardt house we have in our archives at the Burlington History Museum.

11/22/2024

It is a sad day for Burlington -

During the night, the historic Meinhardt mansion on Kane St. was destroyed by a fire.

Not much information to add at this time.

11/20/2024

This early 1950's photo shows Elaine Reinardy in front of her father's drug store on Chestnut St.

That busy area of Burlington's downtown had 3 drug stores within that "Loop" section of Burlington.

The Hotel Badger on the corner was renamed "The Coach Lamp" in 1968.

11/18/2024

Burlington's Tobin Drugs and Winkler's Sentry Store moved into the new Pinecrest Shopping Center in the mid 1960's from other locations in town.

Tobin Drug Store was originally located in the westerly half of the present day Zumpano's Pizza building on Chestnut St. shown in the 3rd photo which was taken in 1918. It shows a view from the rear of the store looking out towards Chestnut St.

Bob Winkler's Sentry store was just north of Pinecrest on Pine St. across from present day Napoli's Pizza.

11/15/2024

Back in the 50's or so, there were 2 national chain grocery stores side-by-side on the westerly side of Pine St.

National Food Store was on the corner of Madison St. and Winkler's Sentry Foods was next door to the south.

The National store was later occupied by Kentucky Fried Chicken and now it is the Pine Street Cafe.

11/14/2024

This photo from 1953 shows Gus Wuttke and Al Castleberg behind the bar at Al's Harmony Bar at 705 Geneva St. (Milwaukee Ave.)

Al purchased the business from Barney Pieters and the building from Cele Rose that year.

Some of the tavern names at that location over the years include:

Mickey Mouse Tavern, Lorrey's, Hap & Beanie's, PJ's Pub, Barrel House and Vintage Draft.