Property Record
501 N 4TH ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Fred Bittner Saloon and House |
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| Other Name: | Al & Mary's Tap |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 7092 |
| Location (Address): | 501 N 4TH ST |
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| County: | Jefferson |
| City: | Watertown |
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| Year Built: | 1900 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1986 |
| Historic Use: | tavern/bar |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| Additional Information: | This was the home and business of Fred Bittner, a saloon keeper until prohibition, when he operated a soft drink shop. It was a saloon between c. 1907 and c. 1920, and a soda fountain between ca. 1920 and c. 1930. This house has some historical interest as the location of the Bittner saloon and home. Initial research indicates that his business was not significant, therefore, this building does not meet the criteria for local historical significance. In the proposed historic district for this area, however, this building would be considered contributing to the overall historical significance of the district under criterion B, association with significant persons as a group and under criterion A, development of retail businesses n the district. Dominated by the three story octagonal turret with a metal covered bell shaped roof over the corner entrance, the turn of the century Bittner Saloon and Residence is further ornamented by a dentil trimmed and metal "shingle" trimmed oriel window covered by a metal roof on the south elevation as well as one the west elevation. Stained glass transom window remains on the west oriel or bay window. The cream brick surface are divided by applied plain brick and metal entablature. Plain metal cornices and refractive glass transom windows remain on the storefronts. The Bittner Saloon is significant under criteria C as one of the three most elaborate of the Queen Anne influenced commercial building remaining in the city. The other two most elaborate and best preserved examples of the Queen Anne style are the Christ Staats Saloon at 201 S. 3rd (73-10) and the commercial building at 823 E. Main (52-5). |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Watertown City Directories, 1907-1930, Watertown Public Library, Watertown. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |