Hoerster Bldg - 1906

114 & 110 Moody

Occupant: Gift shop and County Appraisal District

This site, where the majestically restored facade now stands, once held a building erected about 1869 by Dan Hoerster. Hoerster became brand inspector for the county and was shot near here in 1875 during the Mason County War (commonly called the Hoodoo War). Hoerster's brother Fritz built a new building on this site in 1906, known locally as the Leifeste building due to the business that was located in this building for so long.

The elevator that was used to lift buggies to the second floor can still be seen on the 2nd floor. Leifeste's elaborately decorated pressed metal front had been mostly obscured by multiple coats of paint over the years. When the old paint was stripped and the designs were discovered, the decision was made to highlight the decorations by hand, a project that took three months. Afterwards, this building had the most striking storefront on the Square.

Market Square (114 Moody), a wonderful shop offering a wide variety of unique gifts and furnishings, is well worth a visit.

The north part of the building houses the Mason County Appraisal District (110 Moody). Property records here provide delightful research into the origins and storied owners of many of Mason's treasured homes and businesses.