Property Record
401-407 N MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | BECKWITH HOUSE HOTEL |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 62772 |
| Location (Address): | 401-407 N MAIN ST |
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| County: | Winnebago |
| City: | Oshkosh |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
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| Year Built: | 1876 |
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| Additions: | 1881 |
| Survey Date: | 19942006 |
| Historic Use: | hotel/motel |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | WILLIAM WATERS |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | North Main Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 3/7/1996 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 8/4/1995 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| 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 State Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. This two story Italianate building is the only corner building of this type in Oshkosh. Elaborate pressed metal hood moldings cap all second floor windows. In general, the building is nicely articulated and dominates the site. Paired windows mark the main entrance. This Beckwith House was orginally built in 1876 following destruction of its predecessor in the Great Fire of 1875. It was originally four stories and had 75 hotel rooms. It was hit by a second fire in 1880 which damaged the upper floors. Samuel Beckwith tried to get funds to rebuild the entire building, but was only able to restore the ground and second floor. It has long since been adapted to commercial and office use. When it was built, it was considered the best hotel in the city. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Oshkosh Illus. 1887, part 1. (B) Guide to William Waters Work in Oshkosh. (C) Oshkosh Directory 1876, p. 53. (D) Weekly Northwestern June 29, 1876, p. 5. (E) Oshkosh Daily Northwestern May 18, 1929. “Architecture/History Survey: Replace N. Main St./USH 45 Bridge Over The Fox River In Oshkosh.” WHS project number 07-0894/WN. November 2006. Prepared by Heritage Research, Ltd. "North Main Street Historic District Walking Tour", City of Oshkosh Planning Services Division for the Landmarks Commission, ca. 2019 |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |