He emigrated with his family to Pottsville, Pennsylvania in 1852, where he studied and worked in the dry goods business.

After being wounded in service in the Union army during the American Civil War he moved to Burlington, Iowa to work in a clothing store.

A permanent building at 203 2nd Street followed in 1872, which also housed Laramie's Masonic Lodge, of which Durlacher was a member.

In 1878 Durlacher made a buying trip to the East Coast and was introduced by friends to fellow German immigrant Hannah Gross (b.

Upon their arrival in Laramie they bought the house at 501 South 5th Street from Charles and Ella Klingerman for $2000.

[2] Simon and Hannah's daughter Hilda lived at the house with husband Neale Roach from 1905 to 1941.