Property Record
230 S KNOWLES AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | |
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| Other Name: | Well's Electric and Gift Shop |
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| Reference Number: | 47555 |
| Location (Address): | 230 S KNOWLES AVE |
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| County: | St. Croix |
| City: | New Richmond |
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| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1900 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1983 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | Unknown |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Brick is the exterior fabric on this 2 story commercial building. Plate glass windows and a metal awning are on the 1st story. Second story windows are 12 pane. The brick wall forms a parapet. There is corbel brick work and vertical brick work on the 2nd story faced. There are also 3 brick pilasters. The roof is hipped with a wide flat top. Alterations have changed this building so that is has no architectural significance. In 1882 this site was a one story frame clothing and dry goods store. It has a slate roof. By 1892 a millinary and grocery store shared the space with a hall (Opera House). The building was destroyed in the 1899 tornado. It was rebuilt as a 2 story brick building with a slate roof. A barber and confectioneer were in the front. The opera House, with space for stage and scenery was the rest of the building. By 1912 the building has been altered and there was an entry to the building has been altered and there was an entry to the Opera house from S. Knowles Avenue. The roof was compsite over the Opera house but not over the barber shop and confectioneers in the front. In 1927 all of teh building has a composite roof. The Opera House is there yet and a printers occupies the front of the building. The opera house was John Hagan's Opera House. In 1895 he was also a grocer. Johnson Motos was here from 1929-1960's. Joyce Johnson Began the company in 1925, selling autos from his home. Albert Wells began Wells Electric in 1915. He manufactured and sold farm lighting plants. He also sold these to small villages. In 1917 Percy Harmon joined him. Wells died in 1918 and his widow bought the shop. Gift sales were begun in WW II. In 1960 their grandson bought the store. This building is not associated with any significant people or events. It is not significantly associated with the development of the city any more than other main street buildings. It has no outstanding historical significance. |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |