The Spirit of Community in Delano is defined by the
Creativity, Resilience, and Community Investment of its people.
120 River Street North
Built 1897
Built around 1897, the building at 120 River Street North has served a remarkable variety of Delano businesses for more than a century. One of its earliest occupants was a confectionery, followed by a jewelry store by 1909; in 1925, watchmaker and jeweler Peter Magdzas purchased the business, and Peter’s Jewelry remained there for sixteen years. In 1941, Don Bartlett and Ray Kiefer purchased the building and moved their popular tavern there, followed by Shelly and Sterling Robson, who operated the bar until Delano established its Municipal Liquor Store in 1956. The building later housed the Delano Chiropractic Office, the Perkins and Grinley Law Office, and optometrist Dr. Dale R. Petersen. Continuing its long history as a downtown business location, Delano Floral & Gifts has occupied the building since 2014.
Built in approximately 1897, one of the first businesses in it was a confectionary.
1929
There was a jewelry store in the building as early as 1909, as shown on the Sanborn maps. In 1925 Peter Magdzas, watchmaker and jeweler, bought the store and business from T.C. Jones. Peter’s Jewelry remained there for sixteen years.
In 1941 Don Bartlett and Ray Keifer, who had been in business together since 1932, bought the building from Magdzas and moved their tavern there from across the street. It was described as one of the finest taverns in the state. Bartlett and Kiefer were both hospitable and efficient and had many friends and customers in the vicinity.
Shelly and Sterling Robson had the bar after Barlett & Kiefer. They were there from 1952, until 1956, when the Municipal Liquor Store was approved, and all other liquor licenses in Delano were eliminated.
The Delano Chiropractic Office opened in the Sterling building.
The Perkins and Grinley Law Office was in the building in the 1970’s, and Dr. Dale R. Petersen, Optometrist.
Delano Floral & Gifts has been in the building since 2014.
The content of this page is brought to you by the Delano Spirit of Community Trail Committee in honor of Delano's 150th Anniversary.