The Home of Judge Gale Written by: Keith Cook
50 years ago Galesville lost one of its landmarks. On the morning of February 8. 1964, the large home of Mrs. Fanny (Parker) Garlick burned to the ground. The house was also occupied by Mrs. Garlick’s daughter Julia, (Juan) Vasquez and 3 sons.
The 18 room mansion was built by Samuel Luce for Judge George and Gertrude Gale in 1857. Gale was founder of Galesville, Trempealeau County and Gale University. Mr. Gale occupied his home for 11 years. He died on April 18 1868 at the age of 51. After the Judge’s death, Mrs. Gale remained in the home for another 26 years. In 1894 she sold the home and moved to Winona, MN to live near her son William. The mansion was purchased by William and Helen Parker. The mansion remained in the Parker family until it was destroyed by fire in 1964.
It’s been said that Gale would spend many hours in the glass cupola, look out over his beloved City and University.
The mansion was located on County Road K near Gilbo Road.
The 18 room mansion was built by Samuel Luce for Judge George and Gertrude Gale in 1857. Gale was founder of Galesville, Trempealeau County and Gale University. Mr. Gale occupied his home for 11 years. He died on April 18 1868 at the age of 51. After the Judge’s death, Mrs. Gale remained in the home for another 26 years. In 1894 she sold the home and moved to Winona, MN to live near her son William. The mansion was purchased by William and Helen Parker. The mansion remained in the Parker family until it was destroyed by fire in 1964.
It’s been said that Gale would spend many hours in the glass cupola, look out over his beloved City and University.
The mansion was located on County Road K near Gilbo Road.
Residents of the Mansion Were:
- Judge George and Gertrude Gale: 1857-1894
- William and Helen Parker: 1894 -
- Fanny (Parker) and Herbert Garlick: Fanny was the daughter of William and Helen Parker.
- Julia (Garlick) and Juan Vasquez: Julia was the daughter of Fanny and Herbert Garlick.
Photo of the William Parker and Family