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Property Record

18 BRODHEAD ST

Historic Name:
J.A. Schmitz Block
Other Name:
R & S Carpet
Reference Number:
5477

Property Location

Location (Address)
18 BRODHEAD ST
County
Dane
City/Village
Mazomanie
Township
Unincorporated community
Town
Range
Direction
Section
Quarter Section
Quarter Quarter Section

Property Features

Year Built
1879
Additions
Survey Date
1979
Historic Use
Architectural Style
Structural System
Wall Material
Brick
Architect
Other Buildings On Site
Demolished
No
Demolished Date
Additional Comments
BRACKETED CORNICE, MOULDED WINDOW HOODS. THE RINGLING BROS. BEGAN THEIR SHOW BUSINESS CAREER BY RENTING THIS 500-SEAT HALL FOR THE "CLASSIC & COMIC CONCERT COMPANY" BEGINNING ON NOV 22, 1882. TWO YEARS LATER THEY OPENED THEIR CIRCUS.

"Built with an imposing red brick facade in the Italianate style, with side and rear walls of cut stone, the J.A. Schmitz Block was intended for use as a dry goods store and was used for that purpose unitl the 1960s. Additions made in 1895, 1904, and 1909 extended the building to the rear. The second floor was built with a large clear-span room known as Schmitz Hall. It served as the principal meeting and theater room for the village for many years. In 1882 it was the site of the first performance of the Ringling Brothers Classing and Comic Concert Company, and the forerunner to the Ringling Brothers' Circus.

The hall was remodeled for office space and apartments in the 1950s. In later years the first floor has been used by grocery, restaurant, and carpet businesses.

Born in Germany, John A. Schmitz also served the village as president, treasurer, and as a member of the board of trustees." Mazomanie Downtown Historic District, Mazomanie Historical Society, 1993.
Bibliographic References
Mazomanie Downtown Historic District, Mazomanie Historical Society, 1993.

National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings

National/State Register Listing Name
Mazomanie Downtown Historic District
National Register Listing Date
Aug 19, 1992
State Register Listing Date
Mar 13, 1992
Contributing
Yes
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Attribution

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