Property Record
537 N MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | GIBSON TIRE CO. |
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| Other Name: | Gibson Chevrolet and Cadillac |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 62807 |
| Location (Address): | 537 N MAIN ST |
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| County: | Winnebago |
| City: | Oshkosh |
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| Year Built: | 1925 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19942006 |
| Historic Use: | automobile showroom |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Terra Cotta |
| 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: | 3/7/1996 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 8/4/1995 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| 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 State Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. The form of this building is characteristic of the car dealership buildings, however, the building is faced in terra cotta and includes details classically derived. The building is significant as an example of the classic Revival, here on a small scale. 3 Gibson Tire Company (537 N. Main St.), erected in 1925, exemplifies the ancillary businesses that came on the scene to serve the growing ranks of American automobile owners. Classical egg-and-dart and bead-and-reel moldings, an ornate cartouche, and urn finials atop the corner pilasters distinguish the terracotta facade. Today’s Automobile Alleys are typically found well outside of downtown areas, in lower-density suburbs and commercial strips. Functional glass-and-steel buildings and football-field-sized display lots have become the distinctive architectural form of the car dealership, replacing the stylish showrooms of an earlier age. "This building was one of tow Main Street buildings built by Alenor Gibson, the other is 570 North Main Street. Initially, it housed Gibson Tire Company and from 1961 until 1982 it was Gibson Auto Exchange. This building features a glazed terra cotta veneer enriched with urns, egg and dart, and bead and reel moldings, volutes and a catouche." (B) |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Oshkosh City Directories 1920-1926. “Architecture/History Survey: Replace N. Main St./USH 45 Bridge Over The Fox River In Oshkosh.” WHS project number 07-0894/WN. November 2006. Prepared by Heritage Research, Ltd. Buildings of Wisconsin manuscript. (B) "North Main Street Historic District Walking Tour" Prepared by the City of Oshkosh Planning Services Division for the Landmarks Commission. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |