HISTORY OF THE BUILDING

Kreisel Hardware Store

This building was erected in the late 1800's to house the new hardware store of August Kreisel. Mr. Kreisel's store went up on the corner of First (now Junge) and Maple, which was within a few hundred feet of the new railroad depot. To the south of this building a metal shed was erected. The shed housed the wagon and implement business, which Mr. Kreisel operated in conjunction with his hardware business. After the death of August Kreisel the business was continued by his widow, Ricka. Later Bill Kreisel, a nephew, ran the business, followed by Rudolf Meyer and later by Herman Hinck. The latter two hardware stores were each moved, by their respective owners, to new sites on Maple and Second Streets (now Main).

This building became vacant for a while, but the implement business continued in the metal shed to the south. The two implement dealers during the period of about 1910 to 1915 were John O. Monsees and Fred Kreisler.

In 1919 the metal shed portion was occupied by a new partnership known as W-K Garage. The owners of this business were Walter C. Weymuth and Joseph A. Kreisel. The business continued to operate at this location until 1932, when it moved to the present location on Second Street.(Main)

For a short time in the early 30's Herbert Hinck operated a cleaning shop in the back of the building.

The metal shed also had a unique operation in the late 30's. There was a shooting gallery that was ran by Art Granneman. The gallery was well used by the youth of the era. The metal shed was torn down in the early 1940's.

The vacant lot at this site was used for a variety of purposes through the years. One of the most unique uses of the lot was that of providing an open air theater during the late 1930's. The movie theater, known as the Cole Camp Airdome, was owned by Bob Egender for a time. When the climate was unfavorable, the theater was moved inside the Kreisel building on the first floor. The lot is now used for parking cars for the various businesses downtown. During the Cole Camp Fair the lot provides space for some of the rides.

The Kreisel building was again occupied by a business enterprise in the late 1940's. This hardware, plumbing, electrical service and appliance store known as Farm and Home Appliance was opened by Oral Schnackenberg. Mr Schnackenberg ran this business until he retired in August of 1988.

The second floor of this building offered space for a variety of uses. The hall was used as a meeting place for the Cole Camp Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star. It also provided storage during Oral Schnackenberg's stay at this site. The second floor is now a residence for the current owners.

In May 1993, Mary and Celina Detrich (mother and daughter) purchased the building and parking lot from Kenny Siegal, who was operating an electrical and hardware business.

On March 28th, 1994, Mary Detrich and Gary and Celina Richeson opened the Cobweb Corner, an antique store. The building has been extensively renovated. Some of the original shelving, floor and interior walls have been kept in the store. The ceiling is new tin, installed in early 1994.

On April 26th, 2008 a new retail establishment called Prairie Mercantile Company opened its doors. It features discount hardware,electrical supplies,plumbing and as a bonus has a wide array of surplus merchandise for the folks in the surrounding area. A large antique coffee grinder collection is on display for your enjoyment.

Prairie Mercantile Company L.L.C.