| Additional Information: | Located on a corner block, this two-story Italianate styled bank structure was built in 1884. (See Bib. Ref. A). It features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a brick exterior, and a flat roof. A decorative corner entrance bay is elaborately designed: It begins on the first story with a classically detailed entrance, flanked by panelled stone pilasters and a dentil trimmed cornice, and it ends in the uppermost story, with a gabled parapet. Dentils and corbeling run directly beneath the cornice. Window openings on the second and first stories have segmental hood molds, or in several instances, flat lintels with prominent keystones. Additions were made to the structure, including one located at the east. The drive up addition was built in 1983. (See Bib. Ref. B). These additions were not a detriment to the building's excellent condition.
Architectural/Engineering Significance:
One of the most prominent commercial blocks in the community, Strong's Bank, is a locally significant illustration of Italianate architecture, representing the style in its commercial rather that its domestic form. The well-maintained red brick structure, a feature of Dodgeville's business district since 1884, is distinguished by elaborate brickwork patterns, segmental arch openings, and a classically framed main entrance.
Historical Background:
Strong's Bank was established in 1881 (and incorporated in 1903) by Orville Strong, son of Luman Strong, a lawyer and county judge who settled in Dodgeville in 1859. The younger Strong entered his father's business (it also included collections, loans and real estate) after the Civil War and, following a number of successful ventures, organized this financial institution. A small frame structure (on the same site) originally housed the bank, but in 1884 was replaced by this prominent red brick block. A biographical record (1913) described Strong's establishment: "Strong's Bank of today is one of the most impressive business blocks in the city, built of brick with stone facings, and up-to-date in architecture and equipment. The appearance of the building is an accurate index to the character of the institution, substantial, strong and enduring, well deserving of the confidence in which it is held." (See Bib. Ref. C). Strong's sons, Throop and Arthur, who retired as bank president in 1967, continued the family business. (See Bib. Ref. D). The bank, still to this day, endures at this site.
The Strong residences are located at 202 W. Division Street, 44/23, and 106 N. Main Street, 44/24.
According to the Sanborn maps, several commercial establishments shared the building with Strong's Bank which occupied the southern one-third of the structure. A jewelry store was located in the northern third of the building from 1894 to c. 1927; the center portion housed a boots and shoes business (1894, 1899), a china shop (1905), and a shoe store (1915). A hall was also located above these businesses. In 1899 and 1905 the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) held their meetings in this second floor location. (See Bib. Ref. E). |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. George and Robert M. Crawford, eds. "Memoirs of Iowa County, Wisconsin," 2 vols. (Chicago: Northwestern Historical Association, 1913), 1:184.
B. Historic name and construction date: On building.
C. Crawford, 2:96-98.
D. "Dodgeville Chronicle," 8 January 1981.
E. 1894, 1899, 1905, 1915, 1927 Sanborn Perris Maps.
F. Walking Tour of Historic Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Dodgeville Historic Preservation Commission, 1995.
Take a Walk on Main Street: Historic Walking Tours in Wisconsin's Main Street Communities, Wisconsin Main Street Program, 1998. |
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