Annexed! O.T. Johnson addition made it the 'Big Store'

Tracking History

Saturday, January 21, 2006

The recent fire at the former O.T. Johnson Annex warrants a history lesson on the facility. The addition enabled Galesburg to have the largest full department store in downstate Illinois.

O.T. Johnson came to Galesburg from Altona in 1860 and was employed by Sage and Reed. Two years later he bought them out and launched the store bearing his name. He became a community leader and was elected Galesburg mayor in 1873. The fledgling Galesburg community prospered under Johnson's leadership.

In 1890, O.T. Johnson turned over operations of the Main Street store to Robert Chappell and moved to Riverside, Calif. His last appearance in Galesburg was during the O.T. Johnson store's 50th Anniversary celebration in 1912.

In July 1909 Robert Chappell announced plans to more than double the floor space of the O.T. Johnson store. The sales floor space would increase from 60,000 to 125,000 square feet. The enlargement became necessary by the ever-increasing flow that followed up-to-date methods of merchandising. The lot immediately to the rear of the Main Street facility, running a distance of 154 feet to Ferris Street, was chosen as the site for the five-story structure.

The building would be covered by Galesburg brick and steel exterior. The structure would include a full basement, with a total cost of $50,000. The ceilings were covered in metal, all windows were fireproof and a modern sprinkler system was installed throughout both buildings. A large wood and steel band water tower was installed on top of the new building to supply water for the sprinkler system. The water tower was taken down in 1988. Electric elevators were installed in both buildings.

J. Grant Beadle of Galesburg served as architect for the project. It was first thought that additional stories could be added to the Main Street store as it was originally constructed for that purpose. A warehouse and a one-story brick house were razed to make room for the new structure.

Construction was hastened to accommodate much needed space for furniture and carpeting. One floor of the annex contained a large dining room that featured an oriental motif. When completed, the "Big Store" contained a camera shop, toys, an elaborate section of chinaware, lighting fixtures, paints, a soda fountain, a bakery, a flower shop, jewelry and an elaborate book and stationery section. Men's and women's fashions and a large shoe salon that employed the father of future President Ronald Reagan were considered the finest in the state.

Ironically, what might have been a fire of large proportions was discovered in the annex during construction. The lime house, which was located in the basement area, was discovered to be the seat of the fire. Several joists were badly burned and had to be replaced. Like the recent fire, prompt action by the Galesburg Fire Department kept the loss to a minimum.

For some undocumented reason, the annex ceased being used for a sales area and was taken over by the Gross Uniform Company in 1929.

One of Galesburg's finest stores ever deserved the designation of the "Big Store."

Tom Wilson is a local historian. Write to him at wilsont29@insightbb.com or at The Register-Mail, 140 S. Prairie St., Galesburg, IL 61401.