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Frank Erd
In 1860, Frank Erd built this two story building of brick and stone. The lower floor housed Erds mercantile business. The second floor provided space for County offices. This original structure extended back from the sidewalk about twenty-five feet.
During the Battles of New Ulm in 1862, the substantial structure provided refuge for many women and children. A keg of gun powder was place in the basement of the building to be ignited should the Sioux capture the downtown area. In charge of the lighting the fuse was twenty six year old Mary Schmitz Ryan.
A telescope placed on the flat roof of the building was used to observe the approach of the Sioux.
The building was purchased by Willibald Eibner in the 1880s and used for many years as a restaurant and bakery. It has been enlarged and remodeled several times.
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