D.B. Searles in downtown Saint Cloud - an interesting History complete with Spirits

In 1886 a brick structure was built by Dolson Bush Searle in downtown St Cloud Minnesota. That brick building still stands today in the form of D.B. Searles, a popular dining and entertainment venue on 5th Ave S. in historic downtown St Cloud.

D.B. Searle was born in New York in 1840 and served in the Union Army in the Civil War and fought at the 2nd battle of Bull Run. A prominent businessman and attorney he served the area as the St. Cloud City attorney, the Stearns County Attorney and also as the U.S. District Attorney. D.B. Searle was also in attendance at the Ford's Theatre when President Lincoln was shot.

From 1886-1897 the building was home to the German American Bank, and the safe still rests in the rear of the main floor bar area. D.B. Searle's office was in the building from 1886-1888, and the Masonic Hall was located upstairs between 1886 & 1912. The D.B. Searle building occupants have included the Farmers State Bank, Pan Motor Company, St. Cloud Musicians Association and others. Between 1939 and 1970 the building was home to the Colbert Funeral Home, and this period of the buildings history gives rise to some of the best lore about the Building. Ghosts are said to be roaming the building and items have mysteriously moved, and alarms set off. In the early 1980s I spent a few years tending bar at Searle's, and have indeed witnessed some strange things, usually after midnight.

There are several strange stories about the building that have nothing to do with ghosts, just altered people. Like the story of the customer who lived on the 2nd floor in the 1960s while attending college who used to ride his motorcycle up the front steps, usually after drinking.

In 1975 the building was condemned by the city. Bill Naegle bought it, restored the building and opened it up as D.B. Searles in 1978. Today the building remains much like it was 30 years ago. They have made a few improvements and currently the 2nd floor appears to be undergoing an extensive face-lift, but the historic nature of the building is being well preserved. 

D.B. Searles in downtown Saint Cloud offers great food, live entertainment, and all the local history you care to soak up. Pictures and historical memorabilia line the walls, including a large staff photo in the back stairwell on the main floor. Pick me out in the picture, if you can, and I will happily buy you a beer.