The Show Room
Garrett and Rachael Janello bought the building in 2017 with one goal, to save a piece of Christopher's history. It had sat vacant for nearly 25 years. Most people saw an abandoned building on Main Street. They saw craftsmanship worth rescuing. Built in 1890 by Nelson Browning for $22,000, it was once home to Browning and Jones Company, a fashion retailer whose fitting room was called The Old Show Room, which is where the name comes from. The smaller building next door was the First National Bank of Christopher from 1909 until the depression of 1929. With help from City of Christopher revitalization grants they have restored it one project at a time, and every dollar earned from weddings and events has gone straight back into the next stage of the work. The main event room seats 150 to 200 under tall appliqued ceilings, with original stained glass that catches the sunset. Alongside it sits The Matinee, a bar and lounge blending Victorian elegance with New Orleans speakeasy, plus a private bridal suite and a gentlemen's lounge with a gaming bar. Both Garrett and Rachael work full-time careers, so the restoration continues as time and resources allow. This year their own daughter chose to hold her wedding here. Located at 117 West Market St, Christopher, IL 62822.
The Show RoomWebsite
Garrett and Rachael Janello bought the building in 2017 with one goal, to save a piece of Christopher's history. It had sat vacant for nearly 25 years. Most people saw an abandoned building on Main Street. They saw craftsmanship worth rescuing. Built in 1890 by Nelson Browning for $22,000, it was once home to Browning and Jones Company, a fashion retailer whose fitting room was called The Old Show Room, which is where the name comes from. The smaller building next door was the First National Bank of Christopher from 1909 until the depression of 1929. With help from City of Christopher revitalization grants they have restored it one project at a time, and every dollar earned from weddings and events has gone straight back into the next stage of the work. The main event room seats 150 to 200 under tall appliqued ceilings, with original stained glass that catches the sunset. Alongside it sits The Matinee, a bar and lounge blending Victorian elegance with New Orleans speakeasy, plus a private bridal suite and a gentlemen's lounge with a gaming bar. Both Garrett and Rachael work full-time careers, so the restoration continues as time and resources allow. This year their own daughter chose to hold her wedding here. Located at 117 West Market St, Christopher, IL 62822.