Property Record
508 E MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Pabst Brewing Co. Saloon Building |
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| Other Name: | East Benders |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 5894 |
| Location (Address): | 508 E MAIN ST |
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| County: | Dane |
| City: | Stoughton |
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| Year Built: | 1902 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 199020132019 |
| Historic Use: | tavern/bar |
| Architectural Style: | Early Gothic Revival |
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| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Depot Hill Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 11/22/2021 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 11/22/2021 |
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| Additional Information: | Architectural Description: This unique two story cream brick building has a Pabst seal in the stepped gable. Defining the three bay elevation and the seven bay sites, most windows are crowned with radiating voussoir lintels. The tripartite center window on the second floor is topped by a shallow lancet arch lintel. Other details are also on the second floor of the main elevation. Of particular interest is the fortress-like segmentation of the parapet, and the projectings supported by scalloped bracing. The first story has been modified. Various construction features include a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a cream brick exteroir, a concrete and brick trim and a flat roof. The building is in good condition. George W. Becker, a builder from Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin constructed the tavern in 1902. Architectural Significance: The decorative detailing on this early twentieth century saloon is uniuqe amidst the concentration of transportation/agri-industrial - related buildings surrounding this building. However, it helps define the variety of styles found in the immediate area. Historical Background: A Planing mill was located on the site between 1884 and 1887 - probably Severson and Bronson's establishment. [B]. In 1892 the site was vacant. A one story office and scales are shown on the site in 1898. [C]. In February of 1892, the Stoughton Courier has a reference to Pabst building a refrigerator building near the depot. [D]. Such a building does not appear on the Sanborn Insurance maps of any year. The reference may be to this building, but not reflected on the appropriate Sanborn maps. Between 1898 and 1904, the present building was constructed. The two story brick saloon [C] was run by Gilbert Olson, who also lived in the building. [A]. In 1912, the building was occupied by a furniture store, and by a store in 1926. [C]. Historical Significance: It represents the broad range of commercial enterprises located near the transportation/agri-industrial center of Stoughton. The influence of the Pabst Brewing Company was significant in creating this building. August 2013: No visible changes. August 2019: Appearance unchanged. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. "G. R. Angell & Co.'s Directory of Dane County." G. R. Angell & Co., 1904. B. Sheath, Thomas. "A Directory of the City of Stoughton and the Village of Edgerton, Milton and Milton Junction." Madison, Wisconsin: Sheath and Wilson, 1882. C. Sanborn-Perris Insurance Maps: 1884, 1887, 1889, 1892, 1904, 1912, 1926, 1926-43. D. "The Stoughton Courier." 26 February 1992. E. Rebecca Sample Bernstein for the City of Stoughton Landmarks Commission and Downtown Revitalization Association, Historic Main Street: An Architectural & Historical Guide to Downtown Stoughton, 1991. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |