Oldest Commercial Building
in Chippewa Falls
29 W. Spring Street, Chippewa Falls

The building to your right is the oldest commercial building in Chippewa Falls. It was built (Circa 1859) by Peter Morie (Morey) and was used originally as a Saloon and Boarding House for lumberjacks and others. In 1861 at the start of the Civil War, the young men who enlisted for service in the war did so in the basement of this building. At the time it had an open stairway to the basement where the covered front porch is now located.

Local historian, Thomas McBean, reported that "Old Abe", the famous Civil War Bald Eagle, was home on veteran's furlough in the summer of 1864. During his stay, "old Abe" made his home in the hay loft of a barn in the rear of this building.

Chippewa County Historical Society
Historic Sign #37