Property Record
244 MAIN ST E
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Teare Block |
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| Other Name: | Yankee Peddlar |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 44599 |
| Location (Address): | 244 MAIN ST E |
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| County: | Dunn |
| City: | Menomonie |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1922 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1978 |
| Historic Use: | small retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Menomonie Downtown Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 7/14/1986 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | In 1900, B.R. Teare bought the shoe and clothing store at 244 Main Street from Oliver Ohnstad. Unfortunately, 22 years later, a fire burned down the old wooden structure and several surrounding buildings, including a saloon and the New Opera House. No one was hurt in the fire, but Teare's building was severely damaged: the business lost $15,000 of stock and $18,000 for the building. There is speculation that the fire was started intentionally. Earlier that night, the fairgrounds were set on fire, and the firefighters were called to put out the blaze. Shortly after, the firefighters received word that Teare's store was also on fire. While it has never been proven, many believed the first fire was started as a diversion to take attention away from the fire at Teare's building. Nevertheless, Teare did not waste time in constructing a new building. Within the same year, both the Teare building and the structure behind it were completed. The structure behind it used to be a dry cleaner, but today it is used primarily as apartment rentals. Records of this building show that it was often assessed with the Teare building and is considered an extension of it. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Menomonie Historic District Walking Tour brochure, 2015. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |