South (Front) Elevation
The museum is currently (as of this visit) closed for renovations and repairs.
Photo taken by J.R. Manning in August 2013
This wood-frame building is one of four storefronts that remain as reminders of the early commercial era in downtown West Branch. It was constructed in 1894 by two prominent businessman: Mayor S.C. Gruwell and J.C. Crew, a dry good store owner.
Originally leased for a music store, it underwent several changes of ownership and commercial uses. In 1960 it was sold to a local physician, Dr. R.G. Stuelke, who leased it for use as a variety store.
Eventually deeded to the West Branch Heritage Foundation to house a museum, it retained most of its original features. The exception was the front steps that were added during the 1964-65 museum conversion.
The storefront was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 as an example of a well-preserved small town commercial structure.