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Summary
Hudson Public Library
304 Locust Street, Hudson, St. Croix County
Architect: VanRyn & DeGelleke
Date of Construction: 1904
In 1868, Carrie Martin and Elizabeth Jefferson formed the Ladies Literary Association to promote literacy and supply scholarly works. Jefferson offered her home as a meeting place for the association. Financed by annual dues, the organization purchased books and subscribed to many newspapers and periodicals. The Hudson Public Library was established under state law in 1903 and constructed a building the next year with a Carnegie grant. Upon opening the Ladies Literary Association disbanded and donated their collection to the library.
Noted Milwaukee architects VanRyn & DeGelleke designed the NeoClassical structure. A Bedford limestone parapet and cornice cap its flat roof. Fluted Doric columns support the projecting entry portico ornamented with a frieze and triglyphs derived from ancient Greek architecture. The double entrance doors are topped with a transom divided into three square lights with muntins that radiate from a central point. Rounded medallions featuring open books surrounded by wreaths of leaves are placed on either side of the portico.
The interior includes an entablature shelf, lintels, door frames, the circulation desk, and delicate spindle stair railing crafted by local artisan John A. Lee.
The library is still in operation and is open during regular hours.
Property Details
| Criteria | Event,Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture,Community Planning And Development |
| Period of Significance | 1900-1924,1925-1949 |
| Architectural Style | Classical Revival |
| Architect | VanRyn & DeGelleke,Kircher,Peter |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Library |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Oct 4, 1984 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jan 1, 1989 |
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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Email UsAttribution
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321 Main Street
07001330
Located in Black River Falls, Jackson County
Fond du Lac Public Library
Copy of an artist's line drawing of the exterior of the Fond du Lac Public Library. The library opened in 1904 and was funded by Andrew Carnegie with $30,000. Above the main entrance it reads: "Pub...
