DB Searle's

Paul Larson
Writing ACSC
Lynn Moore
12/1/08
House Research

D. B. Searle Building
In Stearns County, Minnesota, many buildings and houses display years of history and memories. Past beginnings and settlements established in the central location of the state are only shown in evidence by a few historic structures still standing. However, as historic as they may look, these structures are essential for communities. Stories and events dating back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, are rich, and they continue to haunt, or pass on through each generation.

The attraction of haunting ghost stories to communities is quite humorous and ironic. Storytellers tell a ghost story by using dramatic language and fearful tone for listeners to use their imagination. It is the listener’s imagination that determines a belief to the supernatural presences. I, too, allow myself to be seduced by such stories. For some reason, the stories that have been told to me, and the stories that I have read, are the closest I have come to any paranormal activity. However, I was finally given the opportunity to seek out and discover my first sighting of a haunted house. And who would have thought that this opportunity would be given to me through a college writing course; I was to choose a significant building located in Saint Cloud to research information. By chance, I chose a building that engages me. Stories have been told for the past few decades about haunting instances that swirl around in the building that is aging 125 years. I might add that this building continues to create more ghost stories today, which is exactly what I was hungry for in a building that is now a restaurant.

DB Searle’s Bar and Restaurant located on 18 5th Ave. S, in Saint Cloud, is considered a popular dining spot downtown. Sandwiching this tall, red brick building is a Jimmy John’s to the left and on the other side, a theatre known as Pioneer Place. Across the street are other dining restaurants, Red Carpet and House of Pizza. Just down the block is the Radisson Hotel. Although the urbanized atmosphere of these buildings appears to be a little aged at first glance, the actual appearance of DB Searle’s is quite nice and appealing for potential diners and even drinking customers—looking for a downtown bar to hop. On Fifth Avenue, this building stands out among the other dwellings. My eyes were caught by the pressed red brick exterior; the color makes the building appear rejuvenated compared to its surroundings. Also, my attention was captured by the blue lettering of DB Searle’s restaurant. The building floated its letters halfway-up, splitting the five high-glass windows on the third and fourth floors. Directly in front of the street level entrance is a street light to shine on the building at night. The unique feature other than the history, about DB Searle’s is that the building is three stories high. For a fine dining restaurant combined with a sports bar and pub, it is unique and attractive.

I wanted to pay a visit to DB Searle’s for an actual meal, rather than driving around the block and parking in the front lot of the restaurant. I began to feel like a stalker as I sat in front and stared at the downtown setting. I wanted to view the actual inside of this building, instead of touring the outside, imagining what it might look like inside. But before I could make my visit to the restaurant, I decided that it would be best if I researched the history of the building first. After all, this was considered one of the most significant buildings in the Saint Cloud area.

In the Stearns History Museum, I found information about DB Searle’s, which dated back to the days when the building had first opened. Dolson Bush Searle coined the name of the building after himself, in 1886. Although, he came to the Saint Cloud area as a community judge and attorney, Searle invested his money in the building as a bank. A German American style bank, it was considered the handsomest business building outside the Twin Cities. However, the bank became an insurance office, then a funeral home, tailor shop, mill works, apartment unit, brothel, and most currently, a restaurant.

The identity of the building had changed so many times, people must wonder what is going on inside. Oddly enough, the variety of tenants who lived in the building creates curiosity as well. Then, I stumbled upon newspaper articles stating the building was haunted. Excitement rushed through my body; I had to visit the building to witness what others were claiming. The haunted activities were frequent occurrences to employees at the restaurant. Hearing old fashion music from other floors, footsteps on stairways and pounding on walls, and reflections of unknown people on mirrors, were frequent occurrences. Also, doors inside the building were being locked, which did not even have locks. One employee even claimed that she had felt a hand move through her hair while working one night. To me, these haunted instances were typical stories that I would expect from a ghostly building. Nevertheless, I admit I was still spooked. There was good reason to be spooked: the restaurant was a funeral home and brothel years ago, which is enough evidence for me to be nervous.

After gathering my information, I felt apt to overcome my preconceived notions about DB Searle’s. Finally, I stepped inside the attractive red brick restaurant on Fifth Avenue. I did not bring anything to hunt for the paranormal, only my appetite and friend, who accompanied me for dinner on that Friday evening. I was very surprised as I first entered the building, there seemed to be hardly anything extraordinary. The walls framed pictures of the downtown setting, from past to present. I only noticed the building to have some dark corners and crannies, which I had read about from the newspapers. The building felt a little aged, which gave the restaurant its cozy feel. I thought DB Searle’s was very similar to any other pub or restaurant I had been to, but I was still on my lookout. The waitress seated us to an upstairs booth, which seemed quite comfortable. We sat on padded green seats, with a wood backing, and there was a dim lighting above us, which did not bother me. A few couples and dinner parties surrounded us, all seemed to be enjoying their meals. I grew hungry as my eyes inspected every inch of the floor and other people’s plates.

The waitress asked us for our preference of drink and I simply asked for water. She seemed very nice and welcoming, and I wondered if she knew the history of the building like I did. However, I did not dare to question her as she took our orders—I thought she might believe I was crazy for asking such a randomly odd question. Although I was very hungry, I spent little time scanning the menu for a meal, because my mind was occupied otherwise. My anticipation waited for an unusual sound, sight, or feeling, but nothing had happened yet. I quickly decided on the Western Burger with fries, it seemed like the best choice. Despite my hopes for experiencing something haunted, nothing had happened. The waitress came back out in what seemed like a few minutes with our food. At this point I forgot about where I was eating because of my appetite. All of the creepy sounds of old music, footsteps and pounding on walls, the images of apparitions, and the feelings of ghosts touching me were forgotten. The only thing that mattered was my food—my previous attentive lookout had vanished.

My Western Burger and fries were delicious; there was nothing more satisfying for my hunger at that moment. I enjoyed the rest of the meal and also enjoyed the company from my friend. We left DB Searle’s feeling full and pleased. The restaurant provided excellent service, the meal was commendable, and the price was reasonable. We could ask no more from this downtown dining spot, which filled up with people as we walked out of the entrance. Even though I did not experience what I came to witness, I did see the value of a historic structure in Saint Cloud. I am amazed the DB Searle building manages to stay upright and living inside and out, in a realistic and haunted sense, 122 years after it was built. Maybe the building is not haunted, and people only tell the stories for enjoyment. However, it is certain that the Dolson Bush Searle building will continue to pass or haunt future generations with ghost stories. As for now, it is certain for great food and hospitality.

All information was found from the Stearns History Museum in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, from the house files.