Red Bud in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Boekhoff Building

105-111 East

Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 19, 2026

1. Boekhoff Building Marker

Inscription. This building was completed in 1897. This historic structure has been a silent witness to the town's evolving story. A remarkable discovery during renovations - a note in a bottle signed by three carpenters dated October 1897.

The building's earliest known role was as a printing office, home to the Red Bud Pilgrim newspaper. From 1897 to 1909, Mr. Guy Seely served as its publisher, chronicling local news and events. In 1911, Mr. A.E. Aubuchon took the helm, continuing publication until 1946. Over the years, several other editors carried on the newspaper tradition within these walls, including Robert Koonce, Paul Schutte, and Olin Kettelkamp, who continued publishing until 1959. The building even saw the birth of a new publication - The North County News - founded by Kettelkamp along with Vic and Trudy Mohr before the paper eventually moved to a new location.

The building's history is equally rich in retail tradition. In 1939, Gertrude Schrader opened a dress shop offering ladies' and children's wear, which became a staple of the community. In 1959 Schrader's Dress Shop expanded into both sides of the building.

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The business changed hands in 1973, becoming Gerry's Closet under the ownership of Gerry Weir, followed by Lada's Dress Shop, operated by Lada Tang until its closure in 1988. Other businesses that called the building home include Horn's TV, Kaskaskia Brewing Co., and Neal and Son Flooring. The current occupant is Grace's Closet, operated by Joann Stotz.

For decades, the second floor served as a residence, providing a home for families until 2008. That year, it was carefully restored with period furnishings and transformed into the Boekhoff Guest Suites-a charming "Bed and No Breakfast" lodging option that delighted visitors with its historic charm. Purchased by Alan- and Karla Mueth, it has undergone extensive remodeling, breathing new life into its storied walls while preserving its unique character. This landmark continues to stand as a testament to the resilience and evolving spirit of our community.

Erected 2026.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1897.

Location. 38° 12.709′ N, 89° 59.623′ W. Marker is in Red Bud, Illinois, in Randolph

Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 18, 2026

2. Boekhoff Building Marker

County. It is on E. Market Street (Illinois Route 154) 0.1 miles east of N. Main Street (Route 3), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 E Market Street, Red Bud IL 62278, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: 1855 Building (a few steps from this marker); Brumleve Building (a few steps from this marker); 1860 Building & 112 East Market (within shouting distance of this marker); 1860 Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Cowell Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Ziebold Building (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker

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also named Ziebold Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The North County News Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Red Bud.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 20, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.