The Hinsdalean - Community journalism the way it was meant to be

This building at the southwest corner of First and Washington streets, numbered 2 W. First, was built in 1888 to house the successful tailoring business of German-born John Papenhausen. It was the first commercial structure built on the south side of First Street, according to "Images of America - Hinsdale" by Sandy Williams. Papenhausen lived on the second floor with his wife and their six children, Williams wrote. Walter Davidson, plumber, was also a tenant, as the sign indicates. Today the building looks very similar and has retained its diagonal entrance, which now opens to retailer Alixandra Blue. (photos by Jim Slonoff, Hinsdale Historical Society)