Galena, IL
Population: 3,429
Community, that is the core of Galena. However, it isnt exclusive. Everyone is welcome at the table, so come eat your fill and bring some stories of your own. Galena has plenty for you.
Welcome To Galena
They mean it when they say welcome. The people here are incredibly friendly and love to talk with tourists as they work. I spent tons of time in the town hall and just talking to as many people as I could. If I had a question that someone couldn't answer, they would point me in the right direction, or occasionally phone up the people I needed and tell them I'm coming.
Lemfco Foundry - Dirk, Hunter, and Sue
Dirk and Sue operate Lemfco Foundry, which specializes in gray metal castings for natural gas, petroleum, hydraulic, and exercise equipment. They've been independent since the business was started back in 1912 four generations ago.
Dirk and Sue love Galena because it's a really nice place to raise a family. The community is very supportive and kind to one another.
While the three of us sat in the office their grandson, Hunter, played outside building a home out of bark for his toy gnome and a frog he found hopping in the flower bed.
Dillon's - Bobby
Born and raised here in Galena, Bobby grew up on the family turkey farm. He used to walk 2 miles to play at his cousins house from sunup till well past when it got dark.
He says its not the same anymore; Galena is pretty much the same, except more tourists, but the world is changing. He loves living in Galena because of the community.
He has brothers and sisters all across the country, but he's the oldest and only one who stayed near home. After he graduated from high school he went to work for Louie at Louie's Trenching Company, that was 27 years ago.
He and Louie stop by Dillon's every day for drinks after work, and Bobby now owns half the the place with another local after Dillon left town.
As we were sitting and drinking, Bobby gave me an example of how strong the community spirit is. A woman named Jenny had tumors throughout her brain, and needed money for surgery to remove them. The community came together and held an auction and fundraiser at the Galena Golf Course. They raised over $100,000. This is a town with less than 4,000 people in it.
Bobby looked at me and said, "That's why I never left"
Vinny Vanucchi's - Joey Z's Shells
Served with the best garlic bread I've ever had, and a killer side salad, this was filling yet not grossly so.
I felt satisfied and refreshed after my meal and had room for ice-cream later in the day.
I enjoyed it so much I forgot to take a photo, guess you'll just have to go eat it for yourself.
DeSoto House
One of many historical buildings and landmarks around Galena, the DeSoto house is the oldest and most famous. Opened in 1855, it was considered the most luxurious hotel in the west at one point. It housed 240 within its 5 stories, including the campaign of President of Ulysses S. Grant. He learned he had one the election via telegraph while sitting in the lobby. Lincoln also gave a speech from the balcony 5 years before he took office.
The top 2 stories were removed, but the builiding still commands the main street next to art galleries, popcorn and candy sotres, and many restaurants and other unique tourist attractions like Poopsies Toy store. You can make a reservation to stay in the DeSoto House while in Galena, but spaces are limitted so you may need to check out some of the other great options.
Galena, IL
In 1891 a Statue of General and President Ulysses S. Grant was dedicated and Grant Park was officially opened. Other monuments to Galena and the history of the United States were added to the park over the years. Today it features cannons from the American Civil War, WWI, and the Spanish American War. The sign you see spelling out GRANT PARK was made by Dylan, the son of Dirk and Sue at Lemfco Foundry. The original sign was damaged by a mudslide that was caused by a large storm. To keep the signage historically accurate, Dylan poured the concrete using the same technique as when the orignal sign went up in 1920. He used the project to complete his Eagle Scout, and it was a huge event in the town.