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History

Old Buildings carry with them the story of an interesting past and connections to other stories in history.  When and why they were built, by whom, how they have survived these many years is a story worthy of telling and retelling.  These historical buildings promise a future of fascinating stories only if they are preserved and cared for so that others can experience their beauty and charm and learn about them.

Key to the preservation of old buildings is finding uses for them that make them valuable enough to justify the cost of preservation yet at the same time do not require so many changes as to erase the history.  Part of the responsibility of owning such an historical building is seeing to it that the history that remains, remains.

The Mineral Point Gallery Building

When John Falls O'Neill came to Mineral Point, it was not even a town.  He and his wife built their frame store and home in 1829 between the fort and the creek.  The stone portion was 'added on' in 1836.  The shopkeeps resided in the lower level that opens to gardens and the stream.  This level was finished off in back just like a street front, with doors and windows of the other shop owners and considered the 'front yards' to the homes.  The shop level faces Commerce Street, where coal was delivered and the lead mineral bought and assorted household staples and mining necessities sold.  The "Old Stand', as the general merchant's store was called, provided needed goods to both soldier of the fort and the miners.  The top level was rented out to others for their living space and had a separate entrance in the wooden front until the 1980's renovation by Jennifer and John Sharp.  Their renovation preserved the best of what remained of the history and made major structural restorations that stabilized the building to ensure its continue survival.  207 Commerce is the oldest commercial building in Mineral Point.  It features hand hewn posts and beams in the timber section and limestone walls in the stone section.  The original floors show where the room partitions were, where the heating stoves were, and even show axe marks where firewood for the fires was split.  The original oak ceiling joists are exposed in the gallery level.  The building now serves as living space and studio space to artist and owner, Karma Grotelueschen, and gallery space to Prairie Oak Artisans North.  The front gardens will feature prairie plants that remind us of what was on the land when Native Americans were the only inhabitants and bison still roamed.

Home | Nature | History | Artists | Mineral Point Gallery | Consulting

Prairie Oak Artisans
Gallery in Mineral Point, WI (608) 987-3757        Consulting in Warrenville, IL (630) 393-4598

email:  karma@REMOVEBEFORESENDINGprairieoakartisans.com