Property Record
212/214 E MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Bertram, Cordes and Platz Building |
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| Other Name: | Ray's Shoe Store |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 76357 |
| Location (Address): | 212/214 E MAIN ST |
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| County: | Jefferson |
| City: | Watertown |
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| Year Built: | 1862 |
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| Additions: | 1986 |
| Survey Date: | 19862020 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Twentieth Century Commercial |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | James Kersbergen |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Main Street Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 6/2/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | This double storefront building housed several retail stores. German immigrant Henry Bertram had 212 built for his boot and shoe shop. Later, that business was taken over by Henry Mayer, who operated a shoe store and saloon there. Later Eugene Meyer operated a shoe store at this location and today the double storefront continues to house a shoe store. In the other half of this building, 214 E. Main, a long-time saloon business was located between c. 1885 and prohibition. After prohibition, the business became Schott's Cafe and was located there until at least 1930 This building has some historical interest as the location of several retail businesses. None of the businesses are individually historically significant, but they contribute to the overall development of commerce in the Main Street Commercial historic district. Originally a cream brick building constructed in 1862 after a fire destroyed the earlier building on the site, this small three-bay commercial building was remodelled in the early 20th century in an early modern style. Exhibiting a simple brick surface, the facade is ornamented by raised brick panels accented by a white diamond shaped tile a features a three-bay rectangular "Chicago style" window on the upper story. Originally built for Henry Bertram to house his shoe and boot store, this store originally had a facade similar to 208, 210, and 214 E. Main Street. A recesed brick bay with an oval window and an entrance door to the upper stories links the facade with the adjacent building (214 E. Main), a historic building also remodeled in an early Modern style. Recently remodeled in 1986, the storefront featuring a recessed entrance and window aprons is styled in keeping with the historic character of the building. Presently this building is part of a business incorporating the space of 210-212-214 East Main Street. The Henry Bertram building remodeled under the influence of the 20th century contemporary-early modern style is characterized mainly by decorative brick and tile patterns inset in the flat brick surfaces. Although this building is not architecturally significant, the Bertram building contributes to the historic character of the Main Street District. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Tax Records, City of Watertown, 1860-1910, Area Research Center, Library, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. (B) C. Hugo Jacobi, "Reminiscences of Early Days in Watertown," Watertown Daily Times March 19, 1924. (C) Photograph, Folio, City of Watertown, 1887, Archives, Octagon House, Watertown Historical Society. (D) Watertown Daily Times Sept. 11, 1986. (E) Watertown City Directories, 1866-1930, Watertown Public Library. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |