The Fox River House at 230 Main was a farmers’ hotel run by the Maurer family. Located on the north side of Main and just west of Racine Street, this hotel catered to farmers coming to town to mill their wheat. This particular photo doesn’t show it but other photos of this hotel revealed a sign above the door which labeled the inn as a German Gasthaus. The German influence was very evident in the late 19th century with the great influx of immigrants to America. Notice the Walters Brothers beer signs and the banner announcing “sample rooms,” which was a euphemism of the time for a drinking establishment.
This building still stands, although much different in appearance. It currently houses the Glass Slipper Styling Salon (women's fashion house).
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