| 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 Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office.
This building housed a shoe store throughout its historic period. Between 1880 and 1911 it was the Fred Kurzweg shoe store. Between 1915 and 1921 Oscar Kurzweg operated the shoe store and then Ida Kurzweg operated it until about 1930 when it became the George Spohn shoe store.
Although a long-term business was housed here, this building has only historical interest. It contributes, though, to the overall development of commerce in the Main Street Commercial Historic District.
A long time shoe store, this small cream brick building was built around 1880 for F.W. Kurtweg to replace his earlier one-story frame shoe and boot store. Featuring a raised molded brick cornice decorated with rows of dentils and drip molding, the Kurtzweg building also features projecting segmental arched brick window heads resting on consoles over long arched windows on the second floor. A blind arch is located in the west bay over the entrance door to the upper floor of 400-402 E. Main at the west end of the storefront.
Retaining the refractive glass transom window extending across the storefront and the brick end pier, the somewhat remodeled storefront with recessed entrance and window aprons continues the historic character of the building.
A partially enclosed second story porch is located at the rear of the building.
The F.W. Kurtzweg building is a commercial vernacular building characterized by a wide brick cornice and Italianate eyebrow window heads. Although this building is not architecturally significant, the Kurtzweg building contributes to the historic architectural character of the proposed Main Street Historic District.
The Kurtzweg building is very similar to the adjacent commercial vernacular buildings at 400 (63-31), 402 (65-34) and 406 (65-36) East Main. However, it, particularly the storefront, is not as well preserved as the two buildings at 404 (64-26) and 406 East Main (65-36).
From a descendent of Sphon: "Derived in part from Watertown Daily Times, 06 20 1955 With its closing out sale completed, one of Watertown's old business establishments has closed its door and gone out of business. The Weber Shoe Store, operated by George D. Weber at 402 Main Street, has been closed. Mr. and Mrs. Weber have made no immediate plans for the future, but plan to do a little gardening and do some traveling from time to time. Their home is at 905 South Ninth Street. Mr. Weber operated the business since March, 1936, but previous to that was in company with his father-in-law the late George W. Spohn, the business dating back to October, 1927. Mr. Spohn died in 1938. His widow, Mrs. Anna Spohn, died in 1960 at age 93. Both are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. Cross-References:No 1: Spohn's Shoe, 1917, 215 Main, "Wear Spohn's Shoes" image, WHS_004_NT_113
The upstairs was an apartment where my family lived from at least 1950 until May 1960. My parents, Rosemary and Harold Kuckkan had taken ownership of the store when the Webers retired and rented the store out until I believe the music store moved into the retail space.
Also attached is a photo of the back of the building as described in your site."
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Tax Records, City of Watertown, 1860-1910, Area Research Center, Library, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
(B) "Revised tariff of Rates for Watertown, Wis.," National Board of Fire Underwriters, April 13, 1876.
(C) Watertown City Directories, 1866-1930, Watertown Public Library. |
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