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Galesburg's Big 10 Liquors Gave Way to Freddy's and H&R Block
The iconic liquor store on Henderson Street had a rich history before its current tenants moved in.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:28pm
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Big 10 Liquors, a beloved liquor store in Galesburg, Illinois, operated at 1597 N. Henderson St. for decades before giving way to Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and H&R Block. The store was founded by Jerry Mower in 1958 and moved to its Henderson Street location in 1968, where it remained until its closure. The article includes rare construction photos of the new Big 10 Liquors building being built behind the original Drive In Liquors store, which was then demolished to make way for the modern liquor store.
Why it matters
The story of Big 10 Liquors provides a glimpse into Galesburg's retail history, highlighting how small businesses and local landmarks can give way to national chains over time. The article's focus on the store's construction and transition to new tenants offers a nostalgic look at the evolution of a community's commercial landscape.
The details
Big 10 Liquors was founded by Jerry Mower in 1958, originally located at 10 W. Main St. on the west side of Galesburg's public square. In 1968, Mower bought Galesburg Drive In Liquors from Steve Mingare and set out to build a new, modern liquor store on North Henderson Street. While the new Butler Building was being constructed behind the existing Drive In Liquors, Mower continued operating out of the original building. The new Big 10 Liquors was completed before Christmas of 1968 and the transition from the old store to the new one happened over a single weekend, with the original building demolished in time for Monday morning. The site is now home to a Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, which opened on March 30, 2026.
- Big 10 Liquors first opened in 1958 at 10 W. Main St.
- In 1968, Mower bought Galesburg Drive In Liquors and began construction on the new Big 10 Liquors on Henderson Street.
- The new Big 10 Liquors was completed before Christmas of 1968.
- The transition from the old store to the new one happened over a single weekend in 1968.
- Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opened at the site on March 30, 2026.
The players
Jerry Mower
The founder of Big 10 Liquors, who opened the original store in 1958 and later built the new location on Henderson Street in 1968.
Steve Mingare
The previous owner of Galesburg Drive In Liquors, which Mower bought in 1968 to build the new Big 10 Liquors.
What they’re saying
“Before Freddy's and H&R Block, 1597 N. Henderson St. in Galesburg was home to Big 10 Liquors, built by Jerry Mower in 1968.”
— Rick Heath, WGIL reporter
The takeaway
The story of Big 10 Liquors highlights how small, locally-owned businesses can give way to national chains over time, as Galesburg's commercial landscape evolves. The article provides a nostalgic look at the construction and transition of this iconic liquor store, offering a glimpse into the community's retail history.
