09/10/2026
The Spratt House, 1855 — A New Chapter
Today, the Spratt House officially goes live on the market.
Even writing those words makes me stop and catch my breath.
When Larry and I became the caretakers of this beautiful old home, we knew we were stepping into a story that had begun in 1855. What we could not have known was how deeply our own lives would become woven into hers.
We poured so much love into this house. We listened to her, cared for her, brought her back to life in places, and filled her rooms and balconies with memories of our own. Now we, too, have become part of her long history—and that is something I will carry with me always.
Perhaps Galena felt familiar from the beginning because both of my parents came from Burlington, Iowa, another Mississippi River town. There is something about a river town—the history, the architecture, and the generations of lives layered one upon another—that has always resonated deeply within me. Galena felt like a connection to my roots, even before I fully understood why.
But it was the people who made our years here especially meaningful. The friendships, the conversations on the sidewalk, the neighbors, and the many people who shared their own memories with us created a tether to this town that will never be forgotten.
Galena Homes Do Tell Stories began with a gentle nudge from a special historian and the encouragement of a few friends. One photograph became another. One house led to the next, and one story opened the door to so many more. Somehow, organically and one person at a time, this little page grew into a community of more than 5,000 people who also believe that old homes—and the people who passed through them—deserve to be remembered.
And to every one of you who followed this page—thank you. You did far more than look at my photographs. You shared your memories, identified people and places, offered pieces of history, encouraged me, and helped each story travel a little farther. You made this page feel like a gathering place for people who genuinely love Galena. I never took that for granted, and I hope you know how much your presence here has meant to me.
I am so grateful to the historians who answered my questions, corrected a date, uncovered a name, or helped me look more closely. I am grateful to Larry, who walked beside me, spotted details, took photographs, and patiently joined me on this unexpected adventure.
And I must thank the exceptional Henry Matthiessen III. He may not realize it, but through his example, he inspired me to pick up my camera, keep trying, and worry a little less about what other people might think. He gave me the courage to keep becoming.
This is not quite goodbye. In the days ahead, I hope you will allow me to share more memories—of the Spratt House, this remarkable town, the people we met, and the little page that became far more than I ever imagined.
We will always love Galena. A piece of us will always belong here, just as our small chapter will always remain within the walls of the Spratt House.
The adventures are not over. They are simply changing direction. My trusty Canon R6 will be coming along, and there will always be more stories waiting to be found.
And now, after 171 years of lives and memories, this old girl waits for her next caretaker—someone who will love her, listen to her, and add a chapter of their own.
If you would like to stay connected as our next adventures unfold, you can find me on Facebook at and on Instagram at .
With all our love and gratitude,
Katherine and Larry
