Property Record
285 S W FRANKLIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
Historic Name: | Imperial Glove Co. |
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Other Name: | WC RUSSELL MOCCASIN CO |
Contributing: | |
Reference Number: | 49531 |
Location (Address): | 285 S W FRANKLIN ST |
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County: | Green Lake |
City: | Berlin |
Township/Village: | |
Unincorporated Community: | |
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Year Built: | 1940 |
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Additions: | |
Survey Date: | 2002 |
Historic Use: | industrial building |
Architectural Style: | Astylistic Utilitarian Building |
Structural System: | |
Wall Material: | Rock-Faced Concrete Block |
Architect: | |
Other Buildings On Site: | |
Demolished?: | No |
Demolished Date: |
National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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National Register Listing Date: | |
State Register Listing Date: |
Additional Information: | In the mid 1950s, the W.C. Russell Moccasin Co. moved here from its previous location just east of the Fox River and north of Huron Street. The W.C. Russell Moccasin Co. was founded in 1900 by William C. Russell after acquiring the Wright Shoe Company, from local businessman Stillman Wright. Unlike large, commercial shoe manufacturing companies, boots and moccasins at the Russell firm were individually hand made for customers. Customers would send in lasts of their feet, along with a few additional measurements and the footwear would be custom made. Russell boots were also sold at retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch and advertised in sportsman's magazines. High profile persons such as former President Eisenhower, Charles Lindbergh, and King Edward VIII are said to have been former customers of Russell. The establishment continues the custom made trade out of the three ivory-covered buildings. |
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Bibliographic References: | Architecture and History Survey. July 2002. Prepared by Traci Schnell, Heritage Research, Ltd. |
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |