The Spirit of Community in Delano is defined by the
Creativity, Resilience, and Community Investment of its people.
Leiter’s Livery and Auto
SE corner of Bridge Ave. and 2nd St.
The corner of Bridge and Second streets tells a remarkable story of Delano’s changing transportation, business, and community life. From schoolhouse and livery barn to automobile garage, factory, civic center, and commercial corner, this site reflects more than a century of change in the heart of Delano.
The building in the background is the old two-story frame school which was moved to the corner of Bridge and Second streets. The Swedish Mission church can be seen in the far background.
This photos shows both the livery barn in the background, and the new brick building for Leiter’s Auto business.
In 1910, Frank Leiter’s occupation was listed as the proprietor of a livery. The 1915 History of Wright County, Vol II, lists Frank Leiter as having a livery service, with Frank Leiter and Milo J Hall proprietors of an automobile garage.
1924
In 1870 a two-story frame school building was erected at the corner of Elm and Second streets. That building was moved to the corner of Second and Bridge streets when a new brick school building was erected in 1882.
The frame building was bought by F. A. Flood, who dealt in general farm machinery. A pen sketch drawn in 1898 of the Delano businesses shows a cigar factory in the building.
But in May of 1908, Leiter and Walker announced that they were ”now occupying our new home opposite the city hall and have added new rigs and horses to our equipment and are ready to accommodate the public with first-class, up-to-date turnouts. When in need of livery give us a trial. Will do our best to please you and treat you right.”
Home Motors and Case dealer, on the corner of Bridge and Second streets.
From the “Mainstreet’ special edition, 1946
Takor Inc. purchased the Leiter Garage building in September of 1959. They did an extensive remodeling of the existing building and the construction of a new adjoining building in 1962. The company manufactured photo developing tanks and other items out of plastic.
The building was again remodeled, and became the city offices, senior center, and off and on sale municipal liquor store from 1983 - 2003.
It was torn down in 2003, and a new commercial building erected by the city. The corner currently houses Brickside Grill and Tap, American Farm Insurance, and Fran Stein’s barbershop.
American Farm Insurance, Stein’s Barber Shop, Brickside Grill and Tap- 2021
Ironically, the current City Hall and Senior Center now stand where Leiter’s livery barn once stood, on the northeast corner of Second and Bridge.
The content of this page is brought to you by the Delano Spirit of Community Trail Committee in honor of Delano's 150th Anniversary.