Property Record
228 ELM ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Van Buren School/Gilbert Shoe Company |
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| Other Name: | Secur Stor |
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| Reference Number: | 124921 |
| Location (Address): | 228 ELM ST |
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| County: | Ozaukee |
| City: | Thiensville |
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| Year Built: | 1866 |
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| Additions: | C. 1950 1904 1928 |
| Survey Date: | 2003 |
| Historic Use: | industrial building |
| Architectural Style: | Astylistic Utilitarian Building |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 2004 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| Additional Information: | Van Buren School shown at center of photo 77/3 The main block of the school (stone) was built in 1866. In 1904, the first addition was made to the east. In 1923,a new school was built on Grand Avenue and the old school was sold to the Allen-Spiegel Shoe Co. In 1926, the Gilberts purchased the shoe factory from Allen-Spiegel and they began manufacturing children's shoes under the name of Kali-Sten-Iks. THey had an initial workforce of 15 and had a daily production of 300 pair. By 1929, they were making 1,200 pair/day with approximately 200 workers. In 1966, Gilbert sold to Robert W. Kasten and the factory closed in 1978. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Mohr, ed. History of Thiensville, 40, 104-106; "Kasten's Shoe Firm Closes ITs Doors," Unnamed newspaper article, 22 July 1978. See 2003 Village of Thiensville Survey |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |