202-206 W WATER ST

202-206 W WATER ST

Lafayette

Shullsburg

1876

1982

bank/financial institution

Italianate

Brick

No

A white brick-veneered two story fram bank building that has a flat roof and a cast iron stairway to the second floor. The projecting cornice that encloses the building on two sides is characterized by modillions and a classical pediment design element in the center of the front cornice. Keystone hoods decorate the windows and flat keystone segmental arches accent the arcade of five arches across the front facade at street level. One of the more visually elaborate buildings in the district, this building is significant because the 19th century architectural characteristics of this building have been for the most part, completely retained. This is one of the most significant buildings in the commercial district. This building is significant to the development of the Shullsburg Commercial District. It is significant because it was the first successful bank in Shullsburg. G.W. Douglas, a druggist opened an Exchange and Collection business in his drug store, located in the Stephen's Block (Code 8/27) in 1871. An earlier bank had been opened in 1867, but failed after a few months. Douglas' collection and exchange business was so successful that he sold out to J.T. Brewster in 1877. Douglas moved the building and opened the Shullsburg Bank. It served the Community as the only bank until the Merchants Union Bank was built across the street in 1884. The bank was reorganized as the First National Bank in the late 1800's. The bank was closed for a few years between 1899 and 1911. It reopened again as the First National Bank about 1911, but closed permanently in 1933. The second story served as offices for a number of different businesses. Dr. William Law had an office there. Dr. W.R. Blackston had a dental office in part of the second story, followed by Dr. J.C. Hanifan. Judge J.B. Simpson and Attorney M.A. O'Brien had the front offices, followed by other attorneys, Harold Beardsley, Lloyd Rooney, C.O. Bergener, and Clifford Crowley. During the 1940s Calumet and Hecla Mining Company had an office there. When the Bank closed in 1933, the U.S. Post Office took over the space. The electric utility was on the west side for a time. The public library is located there now. The east side is taken up by the City Clerk's Office. The City Council also hold their meetings there.

(A) Seq. History of Shullsburg, 1827-1977, (Shullsburg, WI: Badger Historical Society, 1977), p. 133. (B) C.W. Butterfield, History of Lafayette County (1881), p. 575-576. (C) Pick and Gad Newspaper, 1884-86. (D) Sanborn-Perris Map, 1894.

Water Street Commercial Historic District

Jun 28, 1990

Jan 23, 1990

Yes