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The Story of DB Searle's: the business, the building and the man.
In The Beginning: A little bit of Africa right here in St. Cloud
The site where now stands D.B Searle's, a genial public house with which the reader is doubtless acquainted, was first developed in the year 1861 as a restaurant. "The African Saloon and Barbershop," it was called, and above stairs a person could be shaved, shorn, or shampooed in the most approved style. Such service having been rendered, Bon Vivants of both genders could repair to the basement, where Professor R. Cromwell (a "genuine" African) had available "a cold lunch anytime; and beef roast, mutton, or a veal cutlet, on short notice."
Things went along in this fashion until 1886, when a gentleman of greater substance realized that the community would be better served by a brick building than the aging structure that was there. This worthy's name was Dolson Bush Searle, whom it is our pleasure to introduce at this time.
Here Comes the Judge: Washington's loss is St. Cloud's gain
Young Dolson Searle, having fought with the Union forces in the Great Civil War, undertook (upon cessation of hostilities) to study the law. He did right well, too, and applied himself diligently to the curriculum at Columbia Law School, Washington, D.C. The only vice he allowed himself was an occasional evening at the theatre.
On one such outing, he suffered to attend a play of renowned dullness. The rumor was that the President of the United States might populate a private box at the theatre this night. And so he did. Master Searle was treated to a good look at him, too. But midway through the program, a single loud report turned every eye to the presidential box. From the smoke swirling there, a wild-eyed man leaped down, and as he hurried through the crowd, Searle recognized him: he was the actor; John Wilkes Booth. "All the world, it seems, is but a stage," mused Searle. And with these and similar thoughts, he boarded a stage and set out for a new world: St Cloud, Minnesota.
D.B. Searle found a young St. Cloud and judged it full of promise. He got admitted to the Minnesota Bar, and in less time than it takes the student of history to read these words, he became a pillar of society. He served as city attorney; Stearns County Attorney; U.S. District Attorney; and ultimately, Seventh Judicial District Judge, in which capacity he distinguished himself until his death in 1906.
In his spare time he also practiced law, amassed a fortune in real estate, and built a splendid brick building known, appropriately enough, as the D.B. Searle Building.
The Building: A Checkered Career
It would be hard to imagine a more useful or versatile structure than that built of brick by Dolson B. Searle in the year 1886. In its time, it has seen service variously as a funeral home, a communal sleeping parlor, a rehearsal hall for musicians, a Masonic Temple, a bank, and a tailor's shop. Around 1917, the top two floors were leased by Sam Pandolfo, manufacturer of the estimable Pan Motor Car (The Pan Motor Car is no longer with us, but as is often remarked, if St. Cloud were in Detroit, you might very well have a Pan in your driveway right now. But while that would doubtless be nice, today's dairy produce would certainly be more expensive; for if St. Cloud were on Lake Michigan, Wisconsin would be in Lake Michigan!).
These days, of course, the D.B. Searle Building houses a restaurant of the same name; and a cheery and gracious restaurant it is. It's interesting to reflect that this selfsame plot of land was originally developed as a restaurant, called "The African Saloon and Barbershop."
But this is where the reader came in. And for brevity's sake, though it violates a cardinal rule, this history will not repeat itself.
Afterword
As Someone has remarked (Herodotus, if memory serves) "There is nothing like the reading of history to raise an appetite for good food and drink." And he was right, too. So if there's anything we can get you in this connection, please signal your waitress.