Property Record
81-87 FOREST AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Hamilton Park |
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| Other Name: | Hamilton Park |
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| Reference Number: | 53742 |
| Location (Address): | 81-87 FOREST AVE |
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| County: | Fond du Lac |
| City: | Fond du Lac |
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| Year Built: | 1917 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1988 |
| Historic Use: | recreational building/gymnasium |
| Architectural Style: | Octagon |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Wood |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 2008 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. Named after Woodmen C. Hamilton, a lumberman who operated sawmills in Fond du Lac and in the northern part of Wisconsin. Following his passing, Hamilton's family donated his residence and lot to the City in 1917 on the condition that the City acquire 2 other adjacent properties to create a public park and playground. The City purchased this additional land, razed the residence, and constructed the Hamilton Building as a memorial to those who fought in World War I. The Building was used by many community organizations and by families for holiday celebrations and reunions. In 1947, the Building was extensively remodeled and used as a youth center by many in the Baby Boomer generation. The later 1990s saw renewed interest in the area and Building with the first expansion of Hamilton Park through acquisition of several nearby homes and use of the Building as the first site of the Fond du Lac Boys and Girls Club. The part was again expanded in 2006 by acquiring the former Kohl's supermarket site across Sophia Street thereby giving Hamilton Park much more land and riverfront access. The massive flood of June 2008 contributed to decline of the Building which already suffered from obsolescence. The Hamilton Building was razed in December, 2008, with the land reused for additional open space. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Sanborn-Perris Maps - Fond du Lac. (B) Inscription. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |