Salina's Oldest Building: A Rich History

Anchored on 207 N. Front St., one of underlying gems of Salina's history lies edificed in its architecture, noted for being the city's oldest standing structure. This building, a remarkable testament to the city's past, has a rich and eclectic origin. Trace back to 1860, one finds the roots of this building as the rear part started life as the first ever carpenter shop in the city. The pioneer behind this establishment was Simeon Garlitz, the first documented carpenter in Salina, who strategically located the shop on the Northeast corner of Iron and Santa Fe. The structure was originally constructed from oak and walnut lumber, sourced directly from the banks of the Smoky Hill River, reflecting true local craftsmanship. However, the building evolved considerably through time, with its front part being converted into a broom factory in 1880, under the initiation of Andrew Ericson. The change was not only in its functional aspect but also in its name, as it was later called the Anderson Broom Factory. In a strategic structural shift in 1905, the original carpenter shop was physically relocated and attached to the rear of the broom factory. A unifying veneer of corrugated metal cover was applied to both parts of the building, merging them into one. Fast forward to 1917, the building found its current abode at 207 N. Front St., retaining its ages-old charm and historical value. Documentation from a Museum's Collection dated May 18, 2004, sheds light on the building's intricate backstory and significance, anchoring it as a lasting symbol of Salina's rich architectural and industrial past.