Mortuary

To the left of Moe’s was Silver City’s Mortuary, but the building was originally built as a saloon by John Grete Senior. The saloon, hall, and overflow boarding rooms complemented the War Eagle Hotel he owned across the street. In 1900, John Grete Sr. sold the building to his son, Fred, who was serving as the undertaker for the town. Fred also built furniture and took over the Townsend and Upham business. His business was named the Leaning Tower: Undertaking and Upholstery Shop. He took on business partner V.F. Nettleton, but the partnership lasted just about a year. In 1906 Fred sold the business to his brother, John Jr. who served as the area’s undertaker and county coroner until the county seat moved in 1934. 

The building has always been crooked. Apparently a wind storm hit while the building was being framed, skewing the building. It was never fixed despite many attempts. Ratchets, cables, and luck have kept the building standing for many years.