The home’s first owner was George W. Campbell, a wholesale grocer, followed by banker, Nathan Corwith, in 1861. Mr. Corwith became a director at the National Bank of Galena. In the early years the Galena River was wider and little obstructed the view from the house. Mr. Corwith’s friends and neighbors often gathered on the veranda to watch the boats come into Galena.

The home is owned by Maj. George S. Avery and his wife, Elizabeth. In their years here they would see their children become adults. Daughter Agnes would marry B.F. Felt Jr. in the house in 1887. In 1891, George would serve as Grand Marshall in the parade dedicating Grant Park. In 1903 the west end of the home was remodeled to add the grand oak staircase we see today and to raise the dormers to expand the second floor.

Maj. Avery died here in March of 1923, followed by his wife less than a year later. They are buried just up the hill at Greenwood Cemetery.

The home remained a private residence and was owned by only two families in this 60 year period.

The home is converted to a guest house by Roger & Flo Jensen to serve the burgeoning tourism industry in Galena.

The guest house has had seven innkeepers, operating successfully for 40 years. Currently owned and operated by Shane Wilkinson and Dawn Gardner.