Red Bud in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The North County News Building
124 South Main Street
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 7, 2026
1. The North County News Building Marker
According to a local newspaper, Kalbitz Jewelry opened in the building in 1880, originally operating in the Max Huth building on South Main Street. The business later moved to the Schrieber Block in 1883.
The property was later owned and occupied by Amand Streicher, who advertised himself as a licensed embalmer and undertaker. He sold furniture, coffins, and caskets. In later years, he expanded his offerings to include Hoosier Kitchen Cabinets with a Sanitary Flour Bin, sewing machines and supplies, felt mattresses, and bed springs.
Over time, the building housed several other businesses. From 1919 to 1920, it was home to Koch Bros., a furniture and undertaking business. Clara Streicher operated the Tri-Me Cafe, a restaurant and tavern, in the building. It's said that Tom Mix, a well-known western movie star, once dined there. Other businesses over the years included a grocery store, Ace Hardware with Paul Krause, and Western Auto operated by Les Kirsch. The Western Auto was well known for its holiday toy displays and model train set that ran in the front window each. Christmas season.
Roger and Marlene Cowell later owned the Red Bud Dollar Store here. which operated until it closed in 1977. Since then, the building has been home to The North County News, founded by Vic and Trudie Mohr along with Olin Kettelkamp. It is still owned today by Vic Jr. and Helen Mohr.
Erected 2025.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 38° 12.675′ N, 89° 59.638′ W. Marker is in Red Bud, Illinois, in Randolph County. It is on S Main Street 0.1 miles south of E. Market Street,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois — Little Egypt. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cowell Building (a few steps from this marker); 1860 Building (a few steps from this marker); YMCA Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Ziebold Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 1860 Building & 112 East Market (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Ziebold Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Brumleve Building (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 7, 2026
2. The North County News Building Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
