2015 Pubs Walking Tour

Walking Tour

June 13, 2015

River Lee’s
and

Emmett’s

Philip A. Aleo

Aleo Publications, Division of P.F.C. Supply Co. Inc.
P.O Box 1085

Dundee, IL 60118

www.aleopublications.com





East Dundee History

In 1837 Thomas Deweese (son-in-law to Elder John Oatman) laid claim
to most of what would become East Dundee. In 1837 Deweese built a
gristmill named the Spring Mills and soon after was among those respon-
sible for the installation of the first wooden bridge. 1

Newcomers who settled here were unaware of Deweese's claims and
either were forced to pay or were moved out by men hired by Deweese.2

On record is the case of Eaton Walker who came from the New England
States. He settled on the east side of the river in early 1839 and part of his
claim overlapped property previously claimed by Deweese. However,
Deweese had made no improvements what-so-ever on the property, and
therefore, had not the slightest right to it. 3

According to recorded history,
1. Deweese first told Walker to leave, stating that he was
trespassing.
2. He did not leave. Threats poured in.
3. The cellar of the house was completed, when a gang of 15-20
men headed by Deweese appeared on the scene. Walker was
working on the house along with his brother-in-law.
4. This escalated into a mob fight, Walker was a very strong and
powerful man. He defended himself with his knife, killing one
of the members of the Deweese mob. Deweese, a bold man in
his own right, and a ferocious fighter, attacked Walker with
a rail intending to level him. Walker caught the rail as it was
descending and stabbed Deweese twice upon the head.
5. The mob left along with their wounded and Walker remained,
warning that any other attackers would not leave with a breath
of air in their body.4

1. Encyclopedia of Chicago
2. The Past and Present of Kane County, Illinois: 1878
3. Ibid
4. Ibid

1

River Lee’s

6 East Main St, Dundee IL

In 1826, the American Temperance Society was organized. By 1838, there
were 8,000 local groups and over 1,500,000 members.
The organization became quite militant, organizing rallies, demonstrations and
marches to influence as many people as possible to "sign the pledge" of alle-
giance to the society and to resolve to abstain "from all liquors of an
intoxicating quality.
Alcohol related issues were prevalent back in the 1800’s and even had an affect
here in Dundee.

The Belvidere Standard Tue. Feb 12, 1878

In 1884, congress attempted to pass the “Harper Bill.” This would increase the
cost of a Liquor license from $125 to $500, thereby causing many saloons and
bars to shut their doors.
The Chicago Tribune of April 9, 1884 spoke specifically of East Dundee and
the effects this law would have, if passed:

Chicago Daily Tribune Wed. Apr. 9, 1884

It was not ratified into law. The drinking establishments were relieved.
East Dundee was predominately German. The immigrants brought with them
their traditions and way of life. Beer making was a historic tradition of German
culture.

2

River Lee’s was among that saloons that were in East Dundee in the 1800’s.
The first man to own and operate this Saloon was Herman Arndt.

Evidently, he had a very strong personality

The Inter Ocean Fri. Nov. 28, 1884

Mr. Arndt was an enterprising man. He owned and operated a farm that was
located 1/2 mile south of Route 72, Higgins Road, and 2 miles north of Elgin
on Rt. 25 (source- Herman Arndt Farm Sale - The Daily Herald Fri. Jul. 12,
1946. — Possibly the area that is today Santa’s Village.

The Inter Ocean Wed. May 2, 1888

Arndt owned and operated a saloon in Elgin, up until 1890, when he sold it.
Based upon the available data, he then moved his place of business to 6 East
Main street in East Dundee. We know for a fact that he was established here by
1896.

3

Herman Arndt (in the buggy) in front of his saloon with his son
William standing beside him.

In 1905, he also rented another saloon in Palatine, named Rappolt’s:

Cook County Herald, Fri. Oct. 27, 1905
4

Prohibition became law nationwide on January 17, 1920. This was enforced
until December 5, 1933, when the 21st amendment repealed the 18th amendment.
By 1939, this establishment (Today River Lee’s) was named
Staehler’s Tavern, owned and operated by Charles Staehler. (b.1886– d.1948)
Highway Tavern 1949—1955
Hi-Way Tap 1958—1969
Coleman’s
Bootlegger’s
In 1988 Richard Schuring purchased the business and named it
River Lee’s Pub

5

We will now croos over the bridge and walk into West Dundee.

Even Before Automobiles... Accidents Occurred !

In Feb. 1881 there was an accident on the bridge in Dundee, crossing the
river…..

An example of a “Cutter”

Another name for a Sleigh

The Belvidere Standard
Tue. Feb. 22, 1881

The Decatur Daily Review
Mon. Feb. 21, 1881

The Inter Ocean
Fri. Feb. 18,1881

6

View of Main Street Dundee and the bridge over the Fox
River in the 1800’s

Looking East

7

Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Co

128 W Main St

Constructed in 1871, the Hunt's Block building was a relative skyscraper among
the wooden structures of West Dundee.

8

It was built, using “Haeger brick” made with river clay from the nearby Fox
River.
It was named Hunt’s Folly by local’s.
It was the first building in Dundee to have an elevator.
The corner store section closest to Second Street was the site of
the First National Bank, established By H.E. Hunt and his Son-In-Law
Edgar Hawley in 1872 .

The interior of Dundee’s First National Bank, 1909. The Bank was located in the Hunt
Block. In the photo are Frank C. Pundt, Rosa Wendt and George B. Irick.

It was the only bank in Dundee for many years.
Sadly, in 1903, the bank went into receivership and closed.
The rest of the first floor was used by Hunt as a Dry Goods Store. Over the
years, the building has been used as a billiard hall, a ballroom, doctors' and law-
yers' offices, a general store, newspaper printer, paint shop, and Masonic
lodge.

9

Chicago Daily Tribune Thu. May 9, 1878

Evidently, noting the Chicago Daily Tribune newspaper the Hunt Block held the
offices of some of the Town’s officials as well.
In 1913, The H.A. Sternberg Dry Goods and Grocery Store opened.

10

The Sternberg Store Interior at 126 West Main

In 1998, Andrew and Matthew Burns and their father, Timothy, purchased
Hunt's Block. They completely renovated the classic building and crafted it into
a restaurant and named it after Timothy's father, Emmett Burns.
Today, Hunt's Block is home to Dundee's first small brewery, where award-
winning handcrafted beer and outstanding food is created and enjoyed
every day.

11

12

In 2004, Emmett's won the prestigious Richard H. Driehaus
Foundation Landmarks Illinois Preservation Award for Adaptive Use for the
work done on restoring Hunt's Block.

(http://www.landmarks.org/awards_2004_3.htm)

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Dundee Township Facts

 East and West Dundee were never joined as one town.
 Originally, East Dundee was predominately German and

West Dundee was predominately Scottish.
 The government sale of lands in Dundee Township opened on

September 2, 1840.

 The earliest settler of West Dundee was Jesse H Newman,
who in 1834 erected a log cabin at the location that is today the
“Big Lots” store on Rt. 31, just north of the cemetery.

 In 1836, West Dundee was platted and surveyed.
 The first post office was established in 1836.
 The Village of West Dundee was Incorporated on April 4, 1867.

 The earliest settler of East Dundee was Joseph Russell, who
was traveling with Newman in 1834.

 The first school in Dundee was taught in 1838, upon the hill on
the east side of the river.

 East Dundee was platted in 1842.
 The Village of East Dundee was Incorporated on May 20,

1871.

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2015 Dundee Historical Walks

Dundee Historical Walks are being offered throughout the
summer season as part of the Discover Dundee campaign
for the downtown district.

Scheduled Historic Walks

June 13th River Lee’s And Emmet’s Tavern & Brewing Co.

July 11th The Haeger Mansion on Hill St. and Haeger
Potteries,

August 8th The Immanuel Lutheran and First Methodist
churches.

Departing from The Depot at 319 N. River Street in
East Dundee at 11:00 a.m.

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http://www.discoverdundee.org