Property Record
167-171 S MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | William Nietmann Harness Shop |
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| Other Name: | Hamm Appraisal Service/Bonded Credit Co./H&R |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 54386 |
| Location (Address): | 167-171 S MAIN ST |
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| County: | Fond du Lac |
| City: | Fond du Lac |
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| Year Built: | 1896 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1988 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | Unknown |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | South Main Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 3/11/1993 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 2/8/1993 |
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| Additional Information: | Photo code #2: 74FD-27/15. This three storefront business block is a fine example of the Commercial Vernacular style of architecture. It is a two story building constructed of red brick with accents in stone. The building at 167-169 S. Main Street was built first, with the building at 171 S. Main Street constructed later with details that harmonize with its neighbor. The cornice of the building is done in brick corbelling in a pattern that suggests brackets. On 171 S. Main Street there is a gable peak at the center of the building. The windows have been enclosed with wood and modern sash windows. Decorating them on 167-69 S. Main Street are stone lintels that are jkoined together to form a belt course. On 171 S. Main Street the windows are decorated with stone lintels resembling jack arches. The storefronts of 167-69 S. Main Street consist of modern show windows and two recessed entrances. The transom is enclosed by a panel of vertical boards. On 171 S. Main Street, the transom is also enclosed with wood paneling that is decorated by a brick panel topped with astone cornice. The storefront of 171 S. Main Street has large show windows and a recessed entrance. This building group is of interest because it is a good example of the Commercial Vernacular style of architecture. Commercial Vernacular buildings re simply designed nineteenth and early twentieth century commercial buildings. Details include large show windows on the first floor. Upper stories feature simple details such as plain windows with simple trim, and plain cornices of metal or brick corbelling. Details on Commercial Vernacular buildings often reflect the architectural styles popular at the time a building was constructed. This three part building housed William Nietmann's harness shop, the Christian Lange hardware store, and a saloon during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Lange hardware remained in the building until the 1950s. In the other storefronts were a clothing store and a saloon. This building has some historical interest as a general commercial building because of the historic commercial activity that took place in this building throughout its history. |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |