Property Record
1108 CENTER AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, AND ST. PAUL DEPOT |
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| Other Name: | Brodhead Historical Museum |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 67932 |
| Location (Address): | 1108 CENTER AVE |
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| County: | Green |
| City: | Brodhead |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1882 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | depot |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Exchange Square Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 11/15/1984 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| 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 Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. The cream brick railroad depot (now painted yellow) was constructed in 1882 on the site of the original depot. The gently pitched gable roof has widely projecting eaves, extending well beyond the walls and supported by large wooden brackets. Although simply rectangular in profile and massing, the building is ornamented with stilted, segmental window hoods above each opening. In addition, a small arcade of three round-headed windows appears in the west gable, a rose window ornaments the east gable, and a bay window projects from the north wall. A frame structure, covered with one layer of cream brick, the depot has been partially restored to original condition, and is a significant example of late-19th century depots in Green County. Historically, the Brodhead depot was the symbolic and economic center of the city. Located on the site of the original depot built in 1856 (and later destroyed by fire), the depot was the conduit for the city's prosperous late-19th century rail traffic. Platted by railroad men (including the Milwaukee Road president Edward Brodhead), the city soon became a center for Green County and neighboring Rock County shipping. By the late 19th century, twice as many passengers passed through Brodhead as through Monroe, and one 19th century history declared that in Brodhead one never had to wait for anything. The current depot was constructed in 1885 by the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul railroad and served passengers until 1958. It then stood empty until purchase and restoration by the Brodhead Historical Society and the City. Since 1981, the building has served as the Brodhead Historical Museum. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Independent Register, 6/21/1956. (B) Monroe Times 8/16/1996. (C) Janesville Gazette Feb., 23, 1980. (D) Beloit Daily News June 19, 1956. (E) Bingham, Helen. History of Green County, 1877, p. 224. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |