Mealy's Gift and Sauna Shop

In 1900 through 1914 and possibly later, this lot was occupied by outbuildings for the boarding house to the North. The first documented record of a significant building on this site, appears in 1924.  The original occupant is uncertain although there is evidence that in 1920, Sam Cohen, owner of the Boarding House, used this building to collect and store fur pelts purchased from local trappers. Once collected they would be transported to Duluth to be made into expensive mink and fox coats, and beaver hats. By 1930 Mr. Cohen and his family had moved to Duluth where he managed Master Furriers. A series of businesses followed until 1987 when the current owners opened their gift and sauna shop at this location. Read more to learn about the history of this building.

In 1932 (about) after the Cohens left, Frank Lawich opened his barber shop and residence at this location. He worked here for about ten years until he moved to Chapman Street in the 1940s. Mr. Lawrich believed in providing value for his services and so was sometimes referred to as Hair Hungry Frank.

 ‘Hair Hungry’ was the first of several unique and sometimes colorful bachelors to run their businesses in the building. After Mr. Lawrich, Bob Wild ran his electric repair shop in the building for over two decades. Bob Wild’s name belied his slow and quiet speaking style which made even the most fascinating electric repair topics seem uninteresting. Although a solid technician and kindly person, passersby ducked into alley ways to avoid a lengthy conversation about electrical repair with Bob.  In 1970 Bob moved his business across the street to 105 North Central. Soon after Henry the Shoemaker ran his business here before later moving to West Sheridan Street.

In 1987, Jim Mealey and Terry Murphy opened their gift and sauna shop on this site. It’s a perfect place to pick out that unusual item for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. Also stop by the shop in the building to the north which includes furniture and decorative accessories for the northern home. 

1914 – Empty lot  

1920 – Sam Cohen, owner of the building to the North, collected fur pelts at or near this site

1924 (or earlier) – The building you see today was at this location

1930 – Sam Cohen moved to Duluth to start Master Furriers; Matt and Theresa Obestar own the building to the North and probably this building

1932-1940 (or longer) – Frank Lawrich had his barbershop and residence at this site before moving to Chapman Street

1940 Ely Paint and Decorating (possibly)

1957-1969 – Bob Wild’s Electric Repair Shop

1970 (about) – Brandt’s Used Goods

1973 – Henry Held’s Leather Repair Shop

1985-1986 Canoe Country Crafts

1987 – Mealey’s Gift and Sauna Shop

The Sanborn Insurance Maps 1900-1924.

1900 and 1907 Ely City Directories.

Ancestry.com. Accessed April 8th, 2022.

Ely Phone Directories from 1949 to 2020 (available at the Ely-Winton Historical Society.

The Ely Miner, Ely, Mn (1968)