GEORGE GALBRAITH, EARLY BUSINESSMAN

When thumbing through a scrapbook belonging to the Kossuth County Genealogical Society, a news clipping of George Galbraith and his store caught my eye.  It appeared that he had been a leading merchant from the time of his arrival in 1870 until his passing at the age of 81.  I knew of the “Galbraith block” in downtown Algona, but had to admit that I knew virtually nothing about the man it was named for.  I found a few mentions of him in the 1913 edition of the “History of Kossuth County,” but he seemed a bit of a mystery man.  I put on my detective hat and went to work.

WHO WAS GEORGE GALBRAITH?

George Galbraith came to Algona at the age of 21.  By the time he died on July 21, 1930, he had amassed a large fortune and left an indelible mark on the city which had become his home.

The son of Scottish immigrants who settled in Wisconsin in 1844, George was born there on April 2, 1849.  George’s parents, William and Isabella Galbraith, had four other children:  Mary, John, Jane and Isabella.  When the family moved to Algona in 1870, his father began farming but also opened a dry goods store in partnership with George.  John eventually replaced his father in the store, but the two brothers later parted and each ran separate businesses.

After moving to Algona, George met Mary Ellen Cordingley whom he married in 1876.  The two became more than marriage partners—Mary ran a millinery department for many years in the Galbraith store. 

THE STORE

The first Galbraith store was located on Call Street, but as more businesses opened on State Street, George decided to construct a new building on the southwest corner of the intersection with Dodge in 1886.  It was the first double front brick store in town.  In addition to housing the Galbraith Store, sections of the building were rented to others such as barbers.  In fact, George Galbraith dug a cistern in the back and had soft water piped into the building for the comfort of the barbershop customers.

George and an unidentified woman employee are pictured in the accompanying photo of the inside of the store circa 1892.  You will note that the woman pictured is seated on a J.P. Coates thread case.  The young lady is holding a palm leaf fan which was the only “air conditioning” available in those days.  One can only imagine how warm those sultry summer days were in those long sleeves, corsets and full length skirts!

Many bolts of fabric lined the walls and notions of all kinds were sold.  Clerks would bring fabric to the piece goods counter for perusal by customers seated on stools there.  The store provided alterations and sewing in the back.

Women’s undergarments were sold in the store but were not put on public display.  You will see a picture hanging above the seated woman showing women in the various styles of intimate garments for customers to use to choose the item needed.

Advertisements through the years touted the varying supply of dry goods offered by the “mammoth” establishment including everything from groceries to hats and caps and boots and shoes.  Kerosene lamps are shown hanging from the ceiling to provide the necessary lighting.  It must have been fun to light those each day when opening the store.  Plus there would seem to be an element of danger with kerosene lamps so close to fabric and other flammables.

OTHER INTERESTS

George continued to expand his real estate ownings.  He purchased several properties in the downtown area which he rented out. Farmland also became an investment of choice.  He acquired over a thousand acres, much in southern Kossuth County.  When the Northwestern Railway built its tracks diagonally through Sherman township, a station called “Galbraith Switch” was built in Section 9 named for the owner of the land—to this day that area is known as Galbraith.

Active in the community from the time of his arrival, George served as the first treasurer of the town of Algona beginning in 1872.  He was a stockholder and director of the Algona State Bank. He was also instrumental in bringing Swift & Company to the city by constructing a building for use as their production plant on one of his many properties. 

THE PICTURESQUE GALBRAITH HOUSE

In 1894 George purchased a house and large lot located at 502 East State Street in Algona.  Remodeling soon began.  The house was lifted, moved slightly to the southwest and a new basement excavated.  A new front was constructed expanding the living area which included a tall turret.  A large wrap around porch was added and its entrance near the front door of the house had an almost gazebo-like appearance.  One can imagine many lovely hours spent relaxing and entertaining in this outdoor space as the northwesterly breezes helped to keep the mosquitoes in check.

The following spring the Galbraiths graded the yard and laid a wooden sidewalk.  The couple carefully preserved the majestic elm trees which graced the grounds.

The two enjoyed their roomy new home and celebrated by hosting a large group of relatives at a New Year’s dinner in 1896.  No children had been born to them, but they delighted in entertaining their friends and extended family members.  Their beautiful home was featured in “Picturesque Algona” a few years later and it was their pride and joy.

By 1905 Mary Galbraith was suffering from debilitating asthma.  It was recommended that she move to a warmer and drier climate. The couple then relocated to San Antonio, Texas.  It became Mary’s permanent home, but George traveled back and forth to take care of his business interests.  He found managers for the store and eventually downsized and moved it first to a location farther east on State Street and then to a site on North Dodge.

After a few years, he transferred ownership of the house to his brother, John.  During his visits to Algona George would stay with various relatives in the area.

 
THE PASSING OF THE GALBRAITHS

By 1930 both Mary and George were in failing health.  Asthma had taken a toll on Mary’s body and she passed away on January 20^th of that year.  Much of Algona was saddened at the news of her death as she was well liked and her charming personality made her a social favorite in her younger days. 

George was too ill at the time to accompany her body back to Algona for burial.  Her brother escorted her back where she was placed in the burial vault at Riverview Cemetery for storage until her husband could regain his health and travel back to Algona for her funeral.  Sadly, that was not to be.  State law required that burial take place within a prescribed time period and so on July 19^th Mary Galbraith’s body was laid to rest.  Two days later in San Antonio, George himself departed his world, bringing his story to an end.  He was interred next to Mary a few days later.  His obituary published in the Upper Des Moines on August 6, 1930, states:  “He was known for his honesty, integrity and business acumen.  He was always kind to unfortunates often taking tramps home and feeding them from his own table.”

 
THE PROPERTIES TODAY

The Galbraith house passed to many owners before being purchased in July of 1968 by William and Arlene Hood.  It had served not only as a private residence but as an apartment house as well.  The house was razed to provide space for an addition to the west side of Hood’s Super Valu store and additional parking which took place in 1971.  The site is now occupied by American Marine.

Although much different in appearance today, the Galbraith block still stands as an anchor in downtown Algona, a legacy to a well-known and well-respected businessman.

Until next time,

Jean, a/k/a KC History Buff

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