This historic photograph shows the original Simonet Furniture Store on Nelson and South Main in Stillwater around 1880. A horse-drawn wagon is parked in front of the building, with two unidentified men standing nearby. The store’s name, “S. Simonet Furniture,” is visible on both the side stairs structure and a sign above the entrance. Next door, the “Farmers Home Saloon” can be seen, and the dirt road reflects the era before paved streets.
Sebastian Simonet, a Swiss immigrant and skilled cabinetmaker, arrived in Minnesota in 1857 and settled in St. Peter before moving to Stillwater in 1864. He opened this furniture store near the site where the Commander Elevator now stands. In 1904, the business moved to a new building on the site of the old Grand Opera House at 301 Main Street South, and the Simonets expanded into rugs and carpets.
Simonet also began making coffins alongside the furniture business, laying the foundation for the Simonet Funeral Home, which continues to operate today. The funeral home was run from the furniture store until 1904, moved next door, and later relocated to South Third Street in 1931. In 1966, the family built a new facility at Fourth and Orleans streets in Stillwater.
Through generations, the Simonet family has maintained the business, passing it from father to sons.
This image comes from the John Runk Historical Photograph Collection and can be viewed in the St. Croix Collection Room during regular library hours.