Kress, like most downtown merchants, intends to preserve the underground facade as an important part of the community's history.

People got to see parts of the buried business district on tours sponsored by the historical society the past two summers.

"But it's easier to understand what happened when you can see the old buried facades beneath today's storefronts," Goins said.

Early downtown merchants "built according to their fancies and the inclines and declivities" of the unimproved main street, according to Harry and Katharyn Chappell, authors in 1914 of "History of Buchanan County."

According to Harrison, the grading and elevation of the street in 1864 began the burial process of the initial business district. After fires in 1873 and 1874 destroyed the above-ground structures, merchants rebuilt on the same limestone foundations, which are now the hidden basements, she added.

The historical society will lead tours of the underground business district July 21 and Aug. 18. Proceeds will help pay for badly needed repairs on the roof of the Wapsipinicon Mill, the community's foremost historic treasure.

Harrison said the roof and other repairs will be done this year if the historical society can raise $480,000. The society is collecting donations while awaiting word on its application for a state Community Attractions and Tourism grant.

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