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Summary
Mabel Tainter Memorial Building
205 Main Street, Menomonie, Dunn County
Architect: Harvey Ellis
Construction Date: 1889
People who developed and profited from Wisconsin's enormous lumber-related enterprises in the nineteenth century also endowed the northern part of the state with lasting examples of public generosity. None is more outstanding than the remarkable building Captain Andrew Tainter built in Menomonie as a memorial to his eldest daughter, who had died while away at college.
The Mabel Tainter Memorial Building was constructed in 1889 to house a public library, public meeting rooms and a theater. Harvey Ellis, a gifted architect who was then working in the offices of Minneapolis architect Leroy Buffington, designed the building in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The Tainter building exhibits the massive scale, heavy appearance and rough stone construction typical of the style. Doors and windows are deeply set into arched openings that have an exaggerated appearance due to the heavy masonry that frames them. Ellis's brilliant design is also notable for the four short but massive towers placed at the corners of the building.
The imposing nature of the building is lightened somewhat by the elaborate use of decorative stone carving around and above the monumental, arched main entrance. But, it is the interior of the building that is truly extraordinary. The interior of the Tainter Memorial Building, with its use of Middle Eastern Moorish design motifs, and naturalistic ornament inspired by Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, is one of Wisconsin's finest nineteenth century interiors. Elaborate chandeliers, curved balconies and a highly detailed proscenium arch over the stage highlight the spectacular theater interior.
The building's architect, Harvey Ellis (1852-1904), was a talented designer and illustrator. Unfortunately, he built far fewer projects than he designed. Of those that have survived, the Mabel Tainter Building is one of the finest. It has been restored and continues to serve the people of Menomonie. It is open to the public during normal business hours and for special weekend and evening events.
Property Details
Resources Within The Property
Designations
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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Interior of Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater
1975
The interior of the Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater. The Mabel Tainter Memorial building was a facility erected in 1889-1890 with funds provided by Andrew Tainter, part owner and manager of the Knap...
Interior of Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater
1975
The interior of the Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater, designed by architect Harvey Ellis. The Mabel Tainter Memorial building was a facility erected in 1889-1890 with funds provided by Andrew Tainter...
Mabel Tainter Memorial
1912
The Mabel Tainter Memorial building designed by Harvey Ellis. Caption reads: "Mabel Tainter Memorial, Menominee, Wis."
Mabel Tainter Memorial Building
1900
The Mabel Tainter Memorial building was a facility erected in 1889-1890 with funds provided by Andrew Tainter, part owner and manager of the Knapp, Stout and Co. Lumber Co. It was designed by archi...
