DOWNTOWN-Steve and Denise Maghielse invited the business community to the offices of Maghielse & Company on Monday, July 13 for a Chamber After Hours event.
AND THE MYSTERY—What is this thing? It was in the basement of the building at 117 Courtland, which used to be a barber shop. Patented 1918, this is labeled a press, but the Magielses would love readers to identify it, perhaps even help them with the history of their building.
Now is a great time to invest in real estate, and on Monday, July 13, Steve and Denise Maghielse showed off a recent investment of their own. The building at 117 Courtland is the newly remodelled office of Maghielse & Company and was the location of July’s Rockford Chamber After Hours.
In a short speech, Steve told business men and women of the Rockford area about their decision to purchase “the smallest office in Rockford,” and how pleased they are to own their own downtown location. Steve said now is a historical low in interest rates and buying power-a great time to purchase a business building or home.
He said many people know that first-time buyers get an $8,000 tax credit for their purchase. “Most people think of that as kids with their first home, but an older couple who have been enjoying the country by RV for the past three years also qualify. Most people don’t know that,” he said.
The Mahielse’s also showed off a “first-generation window display” that is installed on the window of the office. Available 24 hours a day, the automated display is interactive and provides a audio and video of available homes. Just enter the code and listen and watch the discription. The couple plan to include their properties in the west coast of Florida so future snowbirds can see what is available there right from the Rockford office front.
Finally, Denise said she knew from old pictures that the building at one time was a barber shop. However, in the basement they found an old piece of equipment that has intrigued them. With a patent of 1918 and a plaque calling it a press, the old hand-geared item is a puzzle. If anyone (except Squire reporters Cliff and Nancy Hill, who already figured it out) can correctly identify the item, they will be entered into a drawing for a dinner to Grill One Eleven.
The item can be seen behind the office at 117 Courtland. If you think you know what it is, write the information down and drop it off in the office on Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours, put your guess in the brouchure box next to the item in the back of the building. Also, any information on the history of the structure itself would be appreciated. If you missed the big night, stop in and see this cute little downtown office.
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