Packinghouse Dining Co.

It’s First Friday time and that means Seminary Street Merchants are staying open late for you – til 8 -- so you can experience the charm of Seminary Street – After Hours! A train ride adventure is in store for the kids! Galesburg Railroad Museum’s Parade Train will be bringing children from Discovery Depot to First Fri...days! Meander down the brick street without the obstacle of vehicles!! – Enjoy the outdoor scenes – Stop by for samplings at various locations and say hello to the shopkeepers staying open late just for you. Unwind to the sounds of “Bittermen” playing live in the street and marvel over displays from visiting artists. Go ahead, discover that last minute gift, have dinner or place an order for carryout. Let the spirit of Seminary Street relax and entertain you as you Experience Unhurried Pleasures during Historic Seminary Street’s First Friday Events. Proudly sponsored by Pepsi from G&M Distributors and Blick Art Materials Retail Store of Galesburg. Read More

It’s First Friday time and that means Seminary Street Merchants are staying open late for you – til 8 -- so you can experience the charm of Seminary Street – After Hours! A train ride adventure is in store for the kids! Weather permitting, Galesburg Railroad Museum’s Parade Train will be bringing children from Discov...ery Depot to First Fridays! Meander down the brick street without the obstacle of vehicles!! – Enjoy the outdoor scenes – Stop by for samplings at various locations and say hello to the shopkeepers staying open late just for you. Unwind to the sounds of “Surprisingly Hip” playing live in the street and marvel over displays from visiting artists. Go ahead, discover that last minute gift, have dinner or place an order for carryout. Let the spirit of Seminary Street relax and entertain you as you Experience Unhurried Pleasures during Historic Seminary Street’s First Friday Events. Proudly sponsored by Pepsi from G&M Distributors and Blick Art Materials Retail Store of Galesburg. See you tomorrow night (tonight)! Read More

The Packinghouse Dining Company obtained the building in 1978 and converted it to a restaurant operation, opening in March 1979. During the renovation an effort was made to retain much of original interior. The main dining room was a large walk-in cooler and the original overhead refrigeration lines and meat rails have... been preserved. The old freight elevator by the entrance now serves as a coat room. The cooler doors, large scale and refrigeration gauges are authentic. The blackboard titled "High Voltage Club" located in the northeast corner of the dining room was used to record sales performance. Read More

The Packinghouse Dining Company is housed in an authentic turn-of-the-century meat packing plant which was constructed by Swift & Company. It is located in downtown Galesburg in the old commercial district which was once a center for meat, produce and grocery wholesalers and distributors. Pictured left is the grand ope...ning ceremony in 1912. A horse drawn delivery wagon can be seen in the left of the photo in the area that is now the entrance to the restaurant. Originally there was a stable for horses in this area. Until 1926, when the first trucks were introduced, Swift & Company made all of its deliveries by horse drawn wagons, serving butcher shops, restaurants and institutions up to fifty miles away. The building was used by Swift & Company until the Galesburg operation was discontinued in 1976. Read More