Property Record
56 N MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Crescent Motor Company |
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| Other Name: | NAPA Auto Parts |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 54270 |
| Location (Address): | 56 N MAIN ST |
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| County: | Fond du Lac |
| City: | Fond du Lac |
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| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1910 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1988 |
| Historic Use: | automobile showroom |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | Unknown |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | North Main Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 3/6/2002 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 10/19/2001 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | This two story red brick building is a very simple example of the Commercial Vernacular style. The varied openings on the second floor include large openings that are undecorated and filled in with glass blocks. Another glass-block opening sits above the entrance. It is decorated with a raised brick label molding. Two small segmentally arched windows with raised arches flank this opening. They are also enclosed. Over the first floor entrance is an unusual elliptical arch. The remodeled storefront consists of small modern windows, a modern entrance and concrete encloseure walls. Four classically influenced pilasters are also seen on this level. This building was constructed for an early twentieth century automobile garage. It was an auto dealership until around 1950. It has been an auto parts store since that time. This building has some historical interest as an early automobile dealership and garage. These types of businesses were often first located on the fringes of commercial districts because the business desired a location where the majority of people shopped, but needed the space for dislay and storage of cars. After World War II, these dealerships largely vacated downtowns for more spacious quarters on the fringes of the community. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. City Directories for the City of fond du Lac, on file at the Fond du Lac Public Library, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. B. Sanborn-Perris Maps for the City of Fond du Lac, on file in the Archives of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. C. Tax Rolls for the City of Fond du Lac, on file in the Area Research Center of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Library, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |