Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
JEFFERSON HOUSE
JEFFERSON HOUSE. The original Jefferson House was constructed in July, 1837 at Main and O'Connell STREETS. The business was operated by T. Fanning and Company.
In 1852, during the excavation for a new building the body of Joseph GEHRIG, the body of Patrick O'CONNOR was discovered. The construction of the Jefferson House was completed in 1854, and the hotel was opened to the public. The successful business venture later was taken over by Henry Gehrig, one of Joseph's four sons.
The 1874-1875 Dubuque City Directory stated that this business was located at 696 White.
The 1875-1876 Dubuque City Directory placed the business at 697 White.
The 1909 Dubuque City Directory gave the address of this business as 695 White. This address was used again in 1916-1917 and 1918.
In 1921 the SANITARY MILK COMPANY bought the property for a creamery and stayed there until 1936. By 1962 the structure was reduced to two stories.
In 2011 property owner William Feyen approached the county about selling the building. On January 19th the Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission granted a demolition permit. A review of the site by the State Historical Society had found the building had been changed so dramatically it had no historical significance.
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Source:
Dubuque City Directories
Mandel, Eric. "County Eyeing Historic Property." Telegraph Herald, January 20, 2012
Oldt, Franklin T. History of Dubuque County. http://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/franklin-t-oldt/history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl/page-6-history-of-dubuque-county-iowa-being-a-general-survey-of-dubuque-county-histor-tdl.shtml
