125 years ago – March 7, 1901
A fine building; F.A. Kruse block completed
The fine Kruse building, which is located on the south side of the Plaza, is about completed, and those who have rented stores and offices have moved or are moving in. The building is a substantial ornament to the town, being modern and up-to-date, constructed of the best brick to be obtained in this State.
The lower floor is divided into three fine store rooms with large show windows of plate glass. There are four sets of offices on the second floor and a fine broad staircase leading to them from the front of the building. All of the offices have bay windows. The entrance to the stores on the first floor is laid in ornamental tessellated tiling, presenting a neat and attractive appearance. Over the cornice in a semi-oval panel is the following legend in raised gold letters; “Kruse Building, erected in 1900.’’ The architecture is modern renaissance.
Mr. Fred Kruse superintended the entire construction of the edifice. The west room is occupied by Wells, Fargo & Co.’s office and the Western Union telegraph office. The middle store is occupied by Vitousek & Co., a first-class shoe store, and they have an elegant display of goods in their windows. The east and third store is rented but is not yet occupied. Ascending the easy flight of stairs, you enter the dental parlors of Dr. J. M. McClish which are fitted up very tastefully, and with the latest appliances for performing first-class work. A covered porch extends along the entire rear of the building, furnishing a fine outside view for the upper rooms, and a portico for the rear of the stores on the lower floor…