Seibel - Otte Building

Seibel - Otte Building. . This pair of storefronts is on part of the town's original Lot 43, which was transferred by the Commissioners of Perryville to Joseph Wimsatt in 1823. , , Early owner/residents of the building included Johnathan “J.J.” Seibel, and his wife, Matida. The Seibels lived in the building for many years. Mrs. Seibel, the former Matilda Theiss, operated a millinery and dress making business here. In addition to Mrs. Seibel's business, Mr. Seibel, who was lawyer and early editor of the Perry County Sun newspaper, had his law office here. Johnathan Seibel served as the county's prosecuting attorney and as a probate judge during his time. During the period 1900-1923, tenants included Halter and Hoehn's Harness Shop, Leo Herbst's Cleaning and Pressing Emporium, Dr. L.L. Feltz's Osteopathic Medical Office, and Peter Jung's Bakery. The building was purchased by brothers August John "Gus" and Robert “Bob” Otte in 1923. Gus Otte was a tailor by trade, his wife, Emily and Bob operated Otte's Cleaners, constructing a new brick double-storefront building in 1937. Bob Otte eventually left the business and Mr. Otte partnered with his son, Albert “Ab”. The company operated here for almost 50 years until 1972, when the business was sold to Vernia and Mildred Turley, in the west side of the building. Lydia Oehl, former employee at the Nationwide Grocery down the street, operated a women's clothing and accessory shop from 1947 until the store's closing in 1966; Perry County Farm Bureau then purchased the building. Michaud Realty leased one side for many years. Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance is the current resident.