The Skaer Brothers

From Bunker Hill Revisited

1892-1900 Volume Three

December 13, 1899: (Advertisement) SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS FOR EVERYBODY IN OUR END OF CENTURY PRICES---SKAER BROTHERS.  This is the first mention of the approaching new century.  It turned out to be the only mention in the Gazette of the coming of the New Year.

December 20, 1899: Skaer Brothers are newcomers among us since last year, and now are engaged in business, formerly conducted by D.H. Johnston.

October 17, 1900: As we are going to press comes the sad news of the killing of Henry Skaer by the railroad cars at East Alton.  He had gone to St. Louis to buy goods on Tuesday.  When returning, they train, No. 6, due here at 6:08, made its usual stop at East Alton.  Mr. Skaer got off the train, caught hold of the railing with one hand, clutched with the other, but missed his footing and fell under the train.  Death was instant.  Mr. Skaer was just 24 years of age.  he came among us but a year ago and established himself in the dry goods and clothing business.

From Bunker Hill Revisited

1901-1910 Volume Four

January 31, 1902: A disastrous conflagration visited Bunker Hill last Wednesday morning and wrought its fearful work.  About 3 o'clock, night watchman Schreier discovered smoke issuing from the Skaer Brothers store.  A fire alarm was immediately turned in and the fire company responded promptly.  In a short time, a number of citizens were called out and every effort was put forth to quench the flames.  It was soon evident that the Skaer Bros. store would be consumed.

...Read more about this and other Bunker Hill, IL historical stories at https://bunkerhillhistory.org/

--Cite this story: Stanton, Carl, ed. Bunker Hill Revisited: From the Files of The Bunker Hill Gazette and The Bunker Hill News. 1892-1900 ed. Vol. 3. Bunker Hill: Stanton, 2000. 290-291, 326-327. Provided by the Bunker Hill IL Historical Society.  

Stanton, Carl, ed. Bunker Hill Revisited: From the Files of The Bunker Hill Gazette and The Bunker Hill News. 1901-1910 ed. Vol. 4. Bunker Hill: Stanton, 2003. 19-20.  Provided by the Bunker Hill IL Historical Society.