Property Record
326 N IOWA ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | JOHN H. FORD BUILDING |
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| Other Name: | BERG'S |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 49850 |
| Location (Address): | 326 N IOWA ST |
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| County: | Iowa |
| City: | Dodgeville |
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| Year Built: | 1888 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | hardware |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Iowa Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 9/6/1996 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 3/25/1996 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | This two-story commercial vernacular styled retail structure was built in 1888. (See Bib. Ref. A). It features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a brick exterior, and a gable roof with a false front. Projecting forward on the facade is an elaborate metal cornice, complete with brackets, finials, dentil trim, and starburst motifs. The name of the building and the date of its construction is inscribed on the partial parapet, just above the cornice. Stone window hoods appear above the windows on the second story. An intact lower storefront includes cast iorn columns, which flank the front entrance, and a detailed cornice. The structure, which is a potential tax act project, is in excellent condition. Architectural/Engineering Significance: Built in 1888, the J. H. Ford building is a pivotal element of the Iowa Street Historic District. The two-story red brick block is an excellent example of commercial vernacular architecture, retaining all of its original features, both exterior and interior. Historical Background: The J. H. Ford Building has housed a hardware store since its construction in 1888. (See Bib. Ref. C). An 1890 news article described this commercial enterprise and its owner in the following manner: "J. H. Ford is an extensive dealer in hardware of all kinds, agricultural implements, etc. Mr. Ford makes a speciality of the Garland Stove and Glidden's barbed wire." (See Bib. Ref. B). |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Date of construction: On building. B. "Sunday Telegraph," 4 May 1890. C. 1894, 1899, 1905, 1915, 1927 Sanborn Perris Maps. D. 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. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |