Property Record
18 BRODHEAD ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | J.A. Schmitz Block |
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| Other Name: | R & S Carpet |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 5477 |
| Location (Address): | 18 BRODHEAD ST |
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| County: | Dane |
| City: | Mazomanie |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
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| Year Built: | 1879 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1979 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Mazomanie Downtown Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 8/19/1992 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 3/13/1992 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | BRACKETED CORNICE, MOULDED WINDOW HOODS. THE RINGLING BROS. BEGAN THEIR SHOW BUSINESS CAREER BY RENTING THIS 500-SEAT HALL FOR THE "CLASSIC & COMIC CONCERT COMPANY" BEGINNING ON NOV 22, 1882. TWO YEARS LATER THEY OPENED THEIR CIRCUS. "Built with an imposing red brick facade in the Italianate style, with side and rear walls of cut stone, the J.A. Schmitz Block was intended for use as a dry goods store and was used for that purpose unitl the 1960s. Additions made in 1895, 1904, and 1909 extended the building to the rear. The second floor was built with a large clear-span room known as Schmitz Hall. It served as the principal meeting and theater room for the village for many years. In 1882 it was the site of the first performance of the Ringling Brothers Classing and Comic Concert Company, and the forerunner to the Ringling Brothers' Circus. The hall was remodeled for office space and apartments in the 1950s. In later years the first floor has been used by grocery, restaurant, and carpet businesses. Born in Germany, John A. Schmitz also served the village as president, treasurer, and as a member of the board of trustees." Mazomanie Downtown Historic District, Mazomanie Historical Society, 1993. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Mazomanie Downtown Historic District, Mazomanie Historical Society, 1993. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |