| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office.
Classical detailing including shallow colossal piers; arcuated window bays.
2018 survey report write-up: Rising three stories from a raised rusticated basement level, this Stripped Classical structure is constructed with a reinforced concrete frame and clad with brick. Stone trims both the top and bottom of the basement level, as well as forms the cornice and parapet and outlines each of the entrances. Four brick pilasters divide the primary (south) elevation into five bays; a sixth (original) bay is set back from the main block, while an elevator addition (1999) extends from that sixth bay. Aside from the stone trim, the only other ornamentation is the decorative brickwork panels that are located between the windows of the central three bays of the entrance elevation. Windows throughout the building are generally rectangular openings with replacement windows; however, the central three windows of the third floor along the south elevation are round-arched examples, as are three windows on the east.
Completed in 1924, this was originally built for, and continues as the home of, Wausau Lodge No. 248, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. The organization was established in 1892 in the former First National Bank building, a total of nineteen men were present. After meeting at no less than two different locations thereafter, the group purchased in 1917 the John C. Clarke home at 414 Scott Street. Designed by Oppenhamer & Obel, construction of their new club house began in Spring 1923, at which time the cost of the new building was estimated at approximately $80,000. The contractor was William Anderes. The cornerstone was laid in early July of 1923, by which time the estimated cost for the building was at $95,000, less furnishings. It was nearly a year before its completion and dedication was held the first week of September 1924, at which time the cost of the building, along with furnishings, totaled approximately $130,000. The clubhouse was built with six bowling lanes in the basement, while the lodge room was on the first floor. The remainder of the facility includes an auditorium/ballroom, kitchen and dining facilities, as well as member lounges. In 1999, an elevator addition was added to the west side of the building. In 2002, the group re-landscaped the property and, two years later, the windows were replaced. Today, the Wausau Elks group is just one of thirty-two such organizations that remain in the state of Wisconsin. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Wausau BPOE, No. 248, "History and Dedication Program, Wausau, 1924."
Aucutt, Hettinga & Jansen, "Wausau Beautiful," (2nd edition, 2010), page 31.
Citations for 2018 report information below: “Open Bids for Elks Club House,” Wausau Daily Record-Herald, 28 February 1923, 1/4; “Wausau Elks to Place Coins and Records in Cornerstone Tonight,” Wausau Daily Record-Herald, 5 July 1923, 1/4-5; “Will Dedicate New Elks Temple in September,” Wausau Daily Record-Herald, 22 July 1924, 4/1; “Elks Dedicate Great Temple September 3-7,” Wausau Daily Record-Herald, 5 August 1924, 1/3; “Prepare for Grand Opening of Elks’Home,” Wausau Daily Record-Herald, 26 August 1924, 1/4-5; “Nineteen Men Started Wausau Elks Lodge,” Wausau Daily Herald, 30 June 1972, Centennial Edition, 14/3-4; “Wausau Elks Lodge Dedicates Elevator,” Wausau Daily Herald, 12 December 1999, 4D, 1-2; Wausau Elks Lodge website, Available online at http://wausauelks.com, Accessed July 2018; Malaguti & Norton, “Final Report: Intensive Historic Survey,” 198. |
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