Property Record
120-128 S PINCKNEY ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | VAN BERGEN BLOCK |
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| Other Name: | BURROWS BLOCK |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 69044 |
| Location (Address): | 120-128 S PINCKNEY ST |
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| County: | Dane |
| City: | Madison |
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| Year Built: | 1856 |
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| Additions: | 1885 1858 |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Sandstone |
| Architect: | Peter Van Bergen |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 1996 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Main--King Historic District |
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| 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. MAP CODE IS 0709-242-0410-3. The First Settlement Neighborhood: A Walking Tour: Erected in 1856, the building housed the post office, offices, and stores. "In 1858, a fourth floor was added and the top two floors were developed as an auditorium. In 1871, the hall was remodeled by a Brooklyn theater man, R.M. Holley, and until 1885 the opera house was Madison's major theater. This is the only 19th Century building remaining in Madison connected with a pre-Civil War African-American family - George and Carrie Williams operated their tonsorial parlor and "Bazaar of Fashion" here for many years. The top two floors, including the opera house, were removed in 1885." "Madison's first theater, built in 1856, was on the third floor of Peter Van Bergen's four-story business building on Pinckney Street. General Tom Thumb's show played for the grand opening in what was then known as Van Bergen's Hall. The hall closed in 1868 after a troupe of actors refused to appear on its stage because they feared the roof was weakened. When reopened in 1871, the theater became known as Hooley's Opera House. A variety of shows, from La Traviata to burlesque, played until 1884. Noted personalities included Buffalo Bill, Edwin Booth, Lawrence Barrett, Ida Livingston, Fanny Davenport, and Thomas Keene. The structure was weakened by steam from a Turkish bath opened in 1882, and the top two floors has to be razed in 1885, ending the building's theater career. The lower two floors [remained in 1987]. The building is associated with an early minority family. George and Carrie Williams, barber and hair dresser, operated the Bazaar of Fashion in the building for many years. George Williams came to Madison in 1850, was a janitor and later manager of the opera house and Turkish baths. Carrie Williams manufactured hair goods. Her brother, William H. Noland, was listed on the ballot for mayor in 1866." Madison's Pioneer Buildings: A Downtown Walking Tour, 1987. Demolished in 1996 and replaced with a near replica. |
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| Bibliographic References: | WEEKLY WISCONSIN PATRIOT 9/11/1858, 5/17/1856, 8/2/1856. MADISON DEMOCRAT 2/23/1871. WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL 12/31/1885. DAILY PATRIOT 9/3/1858. Madison Landmarks Commission and Capitol Neighborhoods, The First Settlement Neighborhood: A Walking Tour, 1988. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |