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| Original fireplace in foyer |
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| Hellman House, built with Galena brick in 1895, is named after John V. Hellman, a wealthy merchant, who built the home and lived in it with his wife, Wenona, and their three daughters, Pauline, Irene, and Eleanor. Both John and Wenona’s fathers were self-made men.
John’s father, John H. Hellman, left his family at age eleven, worked on a farm in Iowa, and finally moved to Galena, where he found success in the retail grocery business. Wenona’s father, Captian Daniel Smith Harris, was one of Galena’s most important steamboat magnates. With their roots firmly planted in Galena, and John V. a success in his own right, the Hellman family lived in late Victorian splendor in their nine room home. Their legacy remains for you to enjoy.
The third floor, was originally built as a ballroom where the Hellman family entertained guests. From there, you can enjoy miles of scenery that include a breathtaking view of farms dotted along the JoDaviess countryside, trees dressed in a rainbow of colors, especially in the fall, and the historic downtown Galena.
The home retains its original stained glass windows, original woodwork, five fireplaces and sliding pocket doors. The original dining room set was recently brought back to the home.
The Hellman Guest House is proud to have been on several community tours: Taste of Christmas 2004, The Bed and Breakfast Garden Tour 2005, Taste of Christmas 2005, Bed and Breakfast Garden Tour 2006, Galena-JoDaviess Historic Museum Garden Tour 2006, (featuring local artist Mark Skidmoor), Tour of Christmas Past 2006; to name a few.
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