The Big Four
Joseph Hartman built a brick building on the northeast corner of Depot and
Broadway (now East Pearl Street) in 1856. It was three stories in height
and became known as Mechanics Hall, and later as the Big Four. At various
times it housed the Herald Publishing and Manufacturing Company, the
Permanent Building and Loan Association, and John Bosse's general store.
It was the town's social center with its third floor hall being used for
lodge meetings, dances and parties, as well as concerts and comedy and
opera. An ad in the Herald on August 6, 1892, stated: "Big Four Saloon,
Aug. Bloemer, Prop. Fine whiskies, cigars & tobacco. Headquarters of the
German Landwehr Verein and Cleveland Club. Two good pool & billiard tables."
