Property Record
SW SIDE OF MAIN ST, 150' W OF BEAN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | KEARN'S GROCERY STORE |
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| Other Name: | |
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| Reference Number: | 66691 |
| Location (Address): | SW SIDE OF MAIN ST, 150' W OF BEAN ST |
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| County: | Lafayette |
| City: | Benton |
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| Year Built: | 1867 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | grocery |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stone - Unspecified |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | A random width covered stone and rubble commercial two story structure with a dressed stone facade and a simple wooden cornice and that has a flat sloping roof. Smooth stone lintels over the window and a full length lintel through the center of the facade characterizes this commercial and residential structure. The rock for the building came from the Aetna quarry ad cost $5,000 to build in 1867. The store front that has classical columns framing the recessed entrance has been little altered over the years. Access to the upper floor is gained through a stairway entrance door to the right of the facade. This rock building is architecturally important because it is a good representative of 19th century native stone construction, the only example that remains in the commercial interest of Benton. It is one of three stone structures in Benton, and one of two architecturally significant buildings remaining in the commercial district of the village. In addition, it has become a visual landmark for the citizens of the area. This store is significant to the commercial development of Benton and to the Kearns family who have owned the store for over one hundred years. James Kearns immigrated to Benton from Ireland by way of St. Louis in 1852, but from 1852 to 1855, he operated a store first in Warren, Illinois and then Kazel Green, Wisconsin. In 1855 he moved back to Benton and bought Captain Domran's store and house. In 1870, Kearns built this rock store and continued his general store there. He was regarded by Benton's citizens as one of the foremost businessmen in the community. He also served as Town Treasurer for several years. After Jams died in 1891, his sons, Samuel and John P. continued the business. In 1899, John sold out his interest to Samuel who continued the store alone. Samuel also served as Town Treasurer for many years. He died in 1943. Samuel's son Francis carried out the family tradition in the store. It is still owned by the Kearns family, but it has been a restaurant for a number of years. The town marshall was shot in the alley here while chasing bad guys. The bullet went right through the dilapidated buliding in back. Later made into a stove factory. Also served as a post office. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) SHRS. (B) Interview with Wacker Bainbridge 10/12/82. (C) Butterfield, History of Lafayette County, 1881, p. 558. (D) Benton Advocate Sept. 17, 1954. (E) Darlington Republican Journal Oct. 14, 1909. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |