Property Record
10409 COUNTY HIGHWAY E
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Bit and Spur Club |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | Bit and Spur Club |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 120726 |
| Location (Address): | 10409 COUNTY HIGHWAY E |
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| County: | Eau Claire |
| City: | |
| Township/Village: | Union |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | 27 |
| Range: | 10 |
| Direction: | W |
| Section: | 19 |
| Quarter Section: | NW |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: | NW |
| Year Built: | 1938 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2001 |
| Historic Use: | meeting hall |
| Architectural Style: | Rustic Style |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Log |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | March/June 2001-The Bit and Spur Club consists of three particular resources, the most prominent of which is the clubhouse. A single story structure that was built in 1938, it was erected using the log cabin-type of construction that was common to many rustic, recreation facilities of the period. The main portion of the building is oriented on an east/west axis and is a side gable block. At each end of the block and projecting to the south (so that they are perpendicular to the main block), are two, short, gabled wings. The west end of the building is dominated by a large, stone fireplace and chimney, which is flanked by casement windows-each with three lights. The front entrance is centered in the north side wall and sheltered by a gabled, screened-in porch. Other windows are generally placed symmetrically around the building. A tornado damaged the building in 1940, after which it was rebuilt with a new kitchen addition. Water service was installed in 1942, the same year that the clubhouse was winterized. The general integrity of the structure is fair, although the formerly open area defined by the main block and its two projecting wings was subsequently enclosed and integrated into the facility. Although this very well could be the 1940 kitchen addition, the sheathing used is not consistent with the log cabin method of construction. Additional structures on the property include a modern pole barn and a pair of stone pillars with concrete coping at the club's entrance on CTH E. The pillars at one time were topped by electric light globes, neither of which is presently extant. The Bit and Spur Club was reportedly organized in 1933 with fifteen members on an old, five acre polo facility. The club had seventy-five members by 1938, and acquired nineteen more acres of land in 1945. Riding rings were developed for practice and competition, the latter activity of which has held for quarter horses, paint horses and miniature horses, as well as for jumping. As recently as ten years ago, nationally ranked horses and competitors were said to have been shown at the club. Shows in the spring and summer months continue today, although they are decidedly low-key and focus on young and hobby-oriented riders. |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |