10/21/2026
DB’s 2026 Bluelight Special #42
19 West Spring Street
Another old West Spring Street location. In 1874 a long building covering at least three lots, including 19 West Spring Street, is shown on the aerial map of Chippewa Falls. Judging by the shape and size of the structure it was likely associated with a livery - storage for horse feed perhaps.
The first verifiable business here was the Peter Morris & Son general store in 1883, dealing in groceries, dry goods, hardware, etc. By this point in time a new building had been constructed and the second floor was occupied by Ludger Gaudet, a lawyer.
In April of 1887 the Lange Brothers confectionary began operations but lost their entire stock to a fire in October 1890. They rebuilt and reopened as the Charles G. Lange confectionery, grocery, and fruit dealer. Yet another fire destroyed his business in March 1904,
but he eventually prevailed with a new building and remained solvent until selling the structure to Louis Amdurski in April 1906. Mr. Amdurski then opened The Boston Clothing House , a business many of us baby boomers remember well. (Fun fact: The Boston originally opened in 1891). The business remained active at this location until moving to 224 North Bridge Street in September 1934.
Next up was the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, commonly referred to as the A&P and opening in June 1935. Strangely, they rented part of their store to Francis Seyforth in November 1937 who opened Seyforth’s Market there. Unusual to allow your competitor to operate within your own store. Francis added Jacob Gosbin as a partner in July 1940 and their venture became Seyforth & Gosbin IGA ( Independent Grocer Association) until moving in 1957.
February 1958 welcomed Lorens ( yes, with an S) Simpson Plumbing & Heating as the next occupant. He remained here until the Abel Cable opened their office in February 1961; I didn’t realize Abel Cable was that old.
Exactly two years later, February 1963, Gus Katz moved his grocery and meat store here, then eventually closed in January 1966. In April Albert and Doris Richards moved Richard’s Electric Sales & Service into the building, remaining in business until Roger Roder opened Rogers Radio & TV in November 1976.
As you’ve noticed, there have been a diverse selection of businesses in operation at 19 West Spring Street, and it continued when Mr. Roder was succeeded by Balloons Because early in 1989, owned by Bonnie Staves.
Ashton Enterprises Ltd. ( AEL) purchased the building next in November 1989 and opened three
separate businesses; AC Floral and Crafts, owned by Patti Chmelik, and two businesses owned by Brian Skone- Ashton Formal Wear and Brian’s Music.
Gene Stodola of Rice Lake began the Barnabas Ministries Coffehouse, in July 1991 at 19 West Spring Street and they remain active as of this writing.
Thanks much for following this wordy post and be sure to contact me with any additions or corrections.
Respectfully, Dennis Brain
Chippewa County WI Genealogical Society and Old Chippewa Falls Facebook site
