click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
| Location (Address) | 215 JEFFERSON ST |
|---|---|
| County | Waupaca |
| City/Village | Waupaca |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1862 |
|---|---|
| Additions | 1882 |
| Survey Date | 1998 |
| Historic Use | bank/financial institution |
| Architectural Style | Greek Revival |
| Structural System | |
| Wall Material | Clapboard |
| Architect | |
| Other Buildings On Site | |
| Demolished | No |
| Demolished Date | |
| Additional Comments | 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. The Henry C. Mead Bank is a one-story Greek Revival style commercial building. It features a gable roof that is decorated with a full pediment on the main elevation. The walls have clapboard siding and are punctuated by openings with simple cornice moldings nad period glazing. The storefront consists of two large four-light show windows flanked by pilasters. The central entrance is recessed and has two glass and wood doors. The Mead Bank was built around 1862 and sat on the corner of E. Union and Jefferson streets. It was moved to this location to preserve it. The bank was the site of the infamous murder of Henry C. Mead in 1882, a crime that produced two trials, but no answers on who really killed the man. The Mead Bank is a fine example of a small, Greek Revival building from Waupaca's pioneer era. These types of buildings were often the earliest constructed in a community, but were usually replaced by larger brick blocks. This building, with its high integrity, represents the pioneer era of commercial construction in the city. The building is also historically significant for its association with H. C. Mead, one of the earliest bankers in the city. Private banks were common during the pioneer era and Mead's bank was typical of this type of commercial enterprise. The building is also notorious as the site of Waupaca's most famous murder, a murder that was never really solved. |
| Bibliographic References | (A) Waupaca Historical Society. Take a Walk on Main Street: Historic Walking Tours in Wisconsin's Main Street Communities, Wisconsin Main Street Program, 1998. (B) "Waupaca." Waupaca Post, 6 October 1881, p. 1. |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | Mead Bank |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | May 30, 2003 |
| State Register Listing Date | Jan 17, 2003 |
| Contributing |
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
