Property Record
444 N JUDGEMENT ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Shullsburg High School |
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| Other Name: | Shullsburg High School |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 75032 |
| Location (Address): | 444 N JUDGEMENT ST |
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| County: | Lafayette |
| City: | Shullsburg |
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| Year Built: | 1900 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | school – elem/middle/jr high/high |
| Architectural Style: | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stone - Unspecified |
| Architect: | Dr. C. C. Gratiot, Architect; Ellsworth Harris, Master Mason |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | A cream colored, cut stone Romanesque Revival structure that has multiple hipped roofs and roof dormers. The structure is highlighted by arched window and door openings that form arcades across the facade of the building. This three-story, symmetrical building is designed visually as having three succeeding rectangular forms, each with a separate hipped roof formation. The entrance bay projecting out from the facade is the more heavily decorated, giving the building a central emphasis. The stone was taken from the Pennich Quarry, about 2 1/2 miles south of Shullsburg. The building was erected at a cost of $27,000; although additions have been made to the school complex, care was taken to preserve the architectural integrity of the design. This building has obvious architectural significance because of the excellence of its design. In addition, it has great significance as an example of the architectural endeavors of a prominent member of the local community, Dr. C. C. Gratiot. The Shullsburg High School is significant for its association with the educational development of the community. Public education was not begun in Shullsburg until 1868.(C) Before that schools were conducted in homes and attended by those who could pay.(B) In 1861, the Lafayette County Courthouse and grounds were sold to School District No. 6 and converted into a school.(C) Districts No. 2 and 3 were consolidated with No. 6. In 1868, the first public school opened.(C) In 1900 the building had become antiquated. A day before the building was to be condemned by officials from Madison, the old courthouse building burned.(A,B) Immediately after, the present stone structure was built, due in large part to the efforts of Dr. C. C. Gratiot.(A,B) Gratiot, a local physician and architect, drew up the plans for the building.(A) He was also deeply interested in the education of Shullsburg children. Gratiot also served as the treasurer of the school board.(D) In 1935 the school gymnasium was built through funds from the U.S.-Works Progress Administration. The crew which had worked on the Badger Park complex was transferred to the gymnasium project.(A) |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. "Seq. History of Shullsburg, 1827-1977" (Shullsburg, WI: Historical Society, 1977), p. 106 B. Simpson, 'History of Shullsburg, 1827-1927," p. 21. C. C. W. Butterfield, "History of Lafayette County," 1881, p. 567-577. D. Dr. C. C. Gratiot, Obituary, "Wisconsin Necrology," Vol. 22, 43-44. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |