| 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.
Locally designated landmark.
Another map code for this building is DA 40/10, found on the DOT Stoughton Map A.
Architectural Description:
Designed by Claude and Starck (see Bib. Ref. E), the Carnegie Public Library is constructed of brick and stone in the Neo-Classical style. The original main block is three bays wide and three bays deep. A 1990 Post Modern addition, also of brick and stone, abuts the south and west walls. The main rectangular shaped body is situated on a heavy stone foundation and capped by a flat and gabled roof. The wall mass is dominated by thick brick pilasters and piers, upon which rests a heavy entablature with pediments over the entrances. The cornice is accentuated by modillions. Scrolled keystones accent the round entrance arches and the window lintels. Decorative applied trim highlights the window and door transoms. Brickwork and quoins are also visible. Simple stairs lead to the old main entrance located between heavy piers on the east elevation. The structure is in excellent condition.
While the new, non-contributing addition triples the space of the library, it does not significantly alter the main elevations, and attempts to reflect the spirit of the building in massing, materials, and composition. It is joined to the original block by gabled glass sections which though compatible, clearly reflect the architectural trends of the late 1980s and early 1990s. This addition was designed by Potter design group.
Architectural Significance:
This property is significant as an example of a small neoclassical local library, common throughout the United States as the embodiment of Carnegie Libraries. Ues of the neoclassical is unusual in Stoughton, and is interpreted in this case by one of Madison's most accomplished architectural firms.
Historical Background:
On December 4, 1905, the Stoughton City Council voted to contribute $2,000 annually toward support of a Carnegie Library in Stoughton. (See Bib. Ref. A). On March 19, 1906, the Council voted to accept a $10,000 gift from Andrew Carnegie for a new Library and to provide a site. (See Bib. Ref. A). In May of that year, the east forty-four feet of the Nels Thomson corner was acquired for the Library site. (See Bib. Ref. C). On February 14, 1907, the Library Board reported that Carnegie increased his offer by $3,000 to $13,000 for a suitable building. (See Bib. Ref. A). Claude and Stark of Madison executed the design. (See Bib. Ref. E). Fred Hill was the contractor for the project. (See Bib. Ref. D). In March of 1907, the Library was dedicated. (See Bib. Ref. D).
During the late 1980s the residents of Stoughton recognized the importance of a downtown library. They chose to keep the same location rather than to relocate the library to the outskirts of town.
Historical Significance:
The Carnegie Public Library is significant as an example of the Library element of Education theme for Stoughton. The continued importance of the building to the community is evidenced by the efforts to construct a compatible addition.
August 2013: no visible changes since 1990.
August 2019: Appearance unchanged. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Hanson, Rolfe H. A History of Stoughton Government, Village and City 1868-1983. Stoughton, Wisconsin: The Auditorium Restoration Committee, n.d., pp. 24-26.
B. Sanborn-Perris Insurance Maps: 1884, 1887, 1889, 1892, 1904, 1912, 1926, 1926-43.
C. "The Stoughton Hub." 6 May, 1906.
D. "The Stoughton Hub." 13 March, 1907.
E. Survey Card, Wisconsin Inventory of Historic Places, DA 40/13, completed 11/20/79.
F. "Stoughton Weekly Courier Hub." 3/13/1908.
G. December 1998 phone conversation with Pat Erickson, Director.
H. Rebecca Sample Bernstein for the City of Stoughton Landmarks Commission and Downtown Revitalization Association, Historic Main Street: An Architectural & Historical Guide to Downtown Stoughton, 1991.
I. Prepared by Landscape Research, Ltd. for the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission, Dane County: A Guide to the Rural Landscape, 1978. |
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