The Klein Residence, Tavern, & Boarding House

The Klein Residence, Tavern, and Boarding House. Built c. 1848. The first known owner of this building was Ferdinand Daemicke who started a general store here in about 1857, served as a village trustee from 1873-75, was a founding member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1863, and in 1876 would become both the assessor and the overseer of highways for the town of Worth. It was purchased from him in 1871 by Daniel and Theresa (Englehardt) Klein for themselves and their seven children. , , Daniel Klein died in 1878, and Theresa was remarried to John Busch the following year, who operated a tavern here. In 1893, John F., the only surviving child of Daniel and Theresa Klein, married Mary Gurrad, and in 1897 took over the tavern business of his stepfather, John Busch, also operating a horse and cattle buying business and a livery stable here. Due to its location and the number of services (and libations) provided, this building became a hub of activity during this neighborhood's popular market days of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. , , Following the death of John F. Klein in 1931, the business was carried on by his son, Wilbert, for many years, until he passed away in 1965. John's widow, Mary, lived here until her death in 1958., Historic Blue Island - Founded 1835.