At the Galena Fair in 1911, the big attraction was an “airship,” a bi-plane piloted by Harry Powers.
Ulysses S Grant
Ulysses S. Grant came to Galena in April of 1860 aboard the steamboat Itasca. There was no fanfare when he arrived, although he quickly became a local celebrity…
Beth Baranski
After moving to Galena in 1989, Beth worked with others on community projects, completing the City’s Historic Preservation Guidebook, and preparing a report on Historic Lighting for downtown Galena. Beth served as Development Director for the City of Galena from 1991 to 1993.
Ely Parker
Born Hasanoanda on a Reservation in Indian Falls, New York, Ely Parker was a Tonawanda Seneca. Like so many Native American children, he was taken from his home at an early age and sent to a baptist missionary school.
Galena Rock Festival
In just two weeks time, a team of lawyers set up two corporations, bought a farm, built a stage and all the accompanying structures, and put on a festival for 30,000 – 50,000 people.
And it could have happened in Galena…
Lead Map
Galena is the Latin name for the highest quality of lead sulfide from which lead is produced. It was lead that brought people to the Galena area by the thousands during the early nineteenth century.
Corn Boil Photos
The first Corn Boil took place at Hughlett’s Bottom, at the end of Dewey Avenue. The Gazette reported an “estimated 800 persons” attended.
Corn Boil
The very first “Corn Boil” was held for the “Installation of Pup Tent and Initiation of Officers of the newly organized Military Order of the Cooties, Tarfu Pup Tent….”
Anna Felt
Anna Elizabeth Felt lived 93 productive years and made her mark as one of Galena’s most important historical residents.
By far, her greatest legacy is the Galena Public Library, of which she was a donor, founder, librarian, director, secretary, and president at various times. {more…}
Alfie Mueller
Alfred W “Alfie” Mueller collected tens of thousands of old photographs of Galena during his 95 year lifespan, a collection revered by Galena as the definitive visual history of our town.