Across from the Post Office on the north side of Dows Street you will notice
a row of wood frame commercial buildings with boom town fronts and cornices
supported by brackets, so typical of late Victorian commercial architecture in
the Midwest. Although they are plain and modestly sized, as was the
Bohemian, or Czech way, it is unusual for so many of these buildings to have
survived into the 21st century.
The largest building on the corner was built jointly by J.C. Dvorak and the
Independent Order of Oddfellows, Lodge #581, in 1901. Dvorak's business
downstairs was a hardware store and farm implement dealership. The
Oddfellows met upstairs. They were an organizing force in Ely with their
ethical precepts, community events, sports teams, and volunteer activities
aiding folks who had fallen upon hard times.
Next door to the west was another general store also built in 1901 which
remained in business until 1967.
Adjoining
that is a small building with a peaked facade (2nd from left in the photo) which
was recently rebuilt in the exact configuration of the old Telephone Office
previously on the site.
And finally, on the alley is a 1901 building, originally a livery stable and
then a butcher shop. (far left in photo)
