Vertins/Insula

E. Sheridan Properties, LLC

Vertins Cafe has been an institution in Ely for decades. This building prior to Vertins was originally the Piggly Wiggly grocery store, the Western Union office and the Bus Station, and is featured in two paintings by the famous local artist Carl Gawboy.

The building has undergone extensive interior and exterior renovations and now houses Insula Restaurant on the main level and Arbor Assays on the terrace level.

History

This large building at the top of the hill covers two lots. In 1900 there were two buildings here, a grocery store on the east side and a butcher shop on the west. In 1906 John Bartol ran the butcher shop and lived on site with his family; after the Bartols moved to Virginia, Minnesota, both buildings sat vacant by 1914.

Around 1917 the Kovall family opened Kovall and Sons Grocery and Meat Market here. The building was built to last, with 4-by-12 floor joists set just 12 inches apart.

The Project

Now home to Insula Restaurant, the building is enjoyed by visitors, travelers and locals once again.

Postcard view down Sheridan Street with 1940s cars, globe street lights and the Piggly Wiggly sign at right — “Street Scene, Ely, Minn.” The Piggly Wiggly is at right.

Piggly Wiggly on Sheridan

A Corner Grocery at the Top of the Hill

In this old postcard view down Sheridan Street, the Piggly Wiggly sign hangs beside a globe street light and striped awnings shade the sidewalk. Look above the awnings: the same arched brick parapet still crowns the building today.

Over the years the building also held the Western Union office and the bus station before Vertins Cafe made it an Ely institution.

The Vertins Years

Shingles, Stone and Green Booths

For decades the brick was hidden behind a shingled mansard roof, fieldstone and wood panels. Tap any photo to see it larger.

The Work

Uncovering the Brick

Off came the mansard and paneling, revealing the original brick, patterned piers and parapet. New storefront glass and tall windows went in, and Insula stayed open through the side door while the work went on.