Property Record
200 WATSON ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Pratt's Block |
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| Other Name: | Village Outfitters |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 28898 |
| Location (Address): | 200 WATSON ST |
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| County: | Fond du Lac |
| City: | Ripon |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1885 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1989 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Watson Street Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 9/27/1991 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 7/26/1991 |
| 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. Fire played a major role in the development of this block. In its 111 years of existence, Pratt's Block has housed a millinery story, tailor shop, the former First National Bank, and a U.S. Express office. From 1905 to 1940, the corner space housed Steinbring's Busy Corner. During that time, many local children knew Mr. Steinbring as Santa, who often helped spread holiday cheer to those less fortunate. The building stood vacant for many years until being purchase din 1995 by Ripon Main Street, Inc., a non-profit economic development organization. Renovation was completed a year later, returning the building to its early-1900s appearance. |
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| Bibliographic References: | RIPON COMMONWEALTH PRESS 9/7/1995. WISCONSIN MAIN STREET NEWS, VOL. 6, #4, 1996. Oshkosh Northwestern 3/8/1997. Take a Walk on Main Street: Historic Walking Tours in Wisconsin's Main Street Communities, Wisconsin Main Street Program, 1998. Ripon Commonwealth Press 12/10/1998. Ripon Historic Walking Tour brochure, 2015. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |