231 North Main Street
est. 1888
An Intriguing History
A varied array of proprietors, from tobacconists and meat shops to plumbers and clothing companies, have occupied 231 North Main Street over the years. Several notable community members have operated stores at this property.
Earliest known image circa 1910
Tobacco & Meat Years
The first known business at the site of 231 North Main was P. Rauch, Tobacconist, who offered “first class” smokes, as proclaimed in advertisements in the Urbana Daily Citizen throughout 1889.
There are no clear records that indicate what the building may have looked like in its early days, but we believe it was approximately in the same style as the first photograph from 1910.
1889 - 1914
The Tobacconist was not at the property long before moving elsewhere. Records indicate that a meat market operated at the location for the next couple of decades. At one point, William Hedge operated the meat store before selling it to R.J. Rasmussen in about 1911.
Pat Heatherman owned and had built several buildings nearby and became one of the plaintiffs in a case filed against Rasmussen in July of 1912. Heatherman and others alleged the smell generated by rendering lard at the market, an activity Hedge had done offsite, was disturbing nearby businesses. Numerous affidavits were filed on both sides. Rasmussen claimed he kept the store immaculately clean and that meat stores had operated at the location for 25 years without issue. Rasmussen alleged that Heatherman was colluding with Hedge, who had supposedly wanted to buy back the store. It seems Rasmussen eventually relented and went to work for a local meat packing company at a different location.
Someone else briefly took over the business and named it the National Market Co., discontinuing lard rendering at the location. The business only remained a couple of years and had closed by 1914.
The longest known occupant of 231 North Main was Hegele Plumbing (later Hegele Co.), founded by Harry W. Hegele in 1914. Only two years after starting his business, Hegele became part of the local intrigue when Plumbing Inspector Beverly threatened to take away his license.
Hegele showed up to the local health board meeting on Monday, March 6, 1916. According to coverage in the Urbana Daily Democrat, it seems Hegele had accused Beverly of intentionally delaying projects. After Hegele dismissed an employee, who was a partner of Beverly’s, for taking far too long to complete work it appears the threat to revoke Hegele’s license was made.
Fortunately for Hegele, he was working on many projects for prominent property owners – such as the Morgan’s, Carey’s, and Brown’s – many of whom showed up to the meeting to support Hegele’s version of events. Ultimately, Hegele kept his license and continued work.
1914 - 1954
The Plumbing & Appliance Era
Hegele Plumbing in the Merchants Building - circa 1935
Hegele continued to build his business and in 1923 won a substantive contract to provide a split steam system for the local high school. By 1934 the Urbana Daily Citizen reported that Hegele was “very well pleased with the amount of jobs now coming into his shop.”
In 1935, the business had a display in the Merchant’s Building at the Champaign County Fair to showcase their products and services, just as many community businesses do today.
An Urbana Daily Citizen article from July 19, 1938, reveals that Richard (Dick) Hegele had started working in the business as general manager for his father, Harry.
The “master” firm had been in the plumbing and heating business for over 24 years at this point and had served over half the homes and businesses in Urbana. They employed more men than other similar business in the multi-county area.
Hegele Plumbing installed and serviced all kinds of “modern” heating plants including steam, vacuum vapor, hot water and hot air, together with cooling units.
The business continued to evolve, and the store began carrying a varied selection of appliances including refrigerators, fans, sweepers, radios, washers, ironers, ranges, and various other Westinghouse products.
Oldest recorded Ad from 231 North Main Street, from the Urbana Daily Democrat, July 1914
1955 - 2005
The Apparel Decades
In 1955, Hegele Company was still in business, but had moved to a new location and Young World Dashery had moved into 231 North Main.
The store offered a line of youth clothing products until it was purchased by Charlotte Hupp in 1974 and renamed.
For the next three decades, the Main Street Clothing Company occupied 231 North Main, offering women and menswear of various styles. The business became involved in local parades and in 1976 provided the apparel for a fashion show held at the Urbana Country Club that was organized by the Mother’s Study Club.
Hupp later added two other businesses, Country Gentleman and Sweet Annie. She was devoted to improving Urbana and was part of starting the Downtown Business Association, which laid the foundation for the Monument Square District. Hupp was also involved in the Historical Society and was the originator of the Oktoberfest.
Ad in the Urbana Daily Citizen, January 1955
Ad in the Urbana Daily Citizen, January 1955
Ad in the Urbana Daily Citizen, January 1955
Ad in the Urbana Daily Citizen, June 1984
2006 - 2021
The Modern Era
By 2006, J&L Music was located at 231 North Main and co-owned by Linda Richards. In 2013, Farrah Linkenhoker opened Knick Knacks and Wax. Yankee Candle ended up adopting seven of her original scents.
Local woodworker Daniel Clarkson moved his business, Alder Design Co., into 231 North Main in 2018. By 2021, his business needed better space to suit his needs, and he moved the operation across town.
A New Era
Sustainable - Transformational - Outstanding
2022 - Present
On October 20, 2022, Middle of the Wood opened its doors. At the helm of this creative venture are Andy and Margaret Mitterholzer.
According to the couple their German roots inspire not only their work but also the values of quality and tradition that they uphold. Each item crafted in their workshop is imbued with a sense of history, inviting the customer to become part of their narrative.
In 2023, Urbana Tomorrow purchased the property and renewed Middle of the Wood’s lease. The new partnership brought a much-needed facelift to the property in 2024. Today, the Mitterholzer’s work tirelessly to give back to their community, helping organize various downtown groups and events, while offering unique and enchanting Christmas experiences at their store.
Urbana Tomorrow partners with organizations like Middle of the Wood to foster development, bold thinking, and transformational change.
231 North Main Street before renovation - 2024
Acknowledgements
This narrative history and some of the images were made possible and/or were provided by the Champaign County Historical Society and the Champaign County Library, to whom we are grateful for their contribution to this initiative.