Mamie DeGrushe purchased an empty lot in April, 1899 and had a one-story structure built. Mrs. DeGrushe’s restaurant was well-known for her homecooked meals. In September of 1900, the building survived a disastrous fire that demolished most of the buildings on this block. The doors and windows on the north and east sides of the DeGrushe Building were destroyed. The north wall did not burn and citizens were able to put out the fire, thus saving the remainder of the building.
In 1901, Mamie DeGrushe purchased an adjacent strip of land. This allowed for the expansion of the building, including adding a second story. By 1906, the first floor restaurant, which seated 35, was reportedly doing very well. The second story hotel, which had 10 rooms, provided one of the best accommodations around. The cost was $1.50 per day.
Today, the first floor of the DeGrushe Building is home to Labemi’s Restaurant and Bar, and the second floor continues to have rooms to rent.
Join us as we celebrate Historic Preservation Month! Be sure to walk around Downtown Crystal Lake and learn more about our local history. Thank you to the Crystal Lake Historical Society for the information presented here!
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