Property Record
1647 S 76TH ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Wadhams Gas Station |
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| Other Name: | Frank Seneca Service Station |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 9088 |
| Location (Address): | 1647 S 76TH ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | West Allis |
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| Year Built: | 1927 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2007 |
| Historic Use: | gas station/service station |
| Architectural Style: | Other Vernacular |
| Structural System: | Balloon Frame |
| Wall Material: | Stucco |
| Architect: | Alexander C. Eschweiler; C.B. Danielson |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Wadhams Gas Station |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 8/11/2004 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 4/16/2004 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' titled "Wadham Petroleum Co." 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, Division of Historic Preservation. JAPANESE PAGODA STYLE GAS STATION. ORIGINAL FENESTRATION INTACT. SEE WRL FILE. WADHAM OIL CO. This unique style building dates from 1916 when the Wadhams Oil and Grease Co. commissioned Alexander C. Eschweiler to design a proptotype service station for a projected chain throughout the Midwest. The first such station was constructed at Fifth and Wisconsin streets in Milwaukee. By the late 1920s it was estimated that over 100 "Pagoda" service stations were in operation in the Milwaukee area. This building remained in Wadhams ownership until 1938. It then was owned by SOCONY (Mobil) until 1958. BECAME THE Frank SENECA SERVICE STATION IN 1958. In 1978, the City of West Allis took ownership of the property. Previously surveyed in 1980; no apparent changes; listed in the National Register. |
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| Bibliographic References: | "Project aims at refurbishing historic filling station," West Allis Star, September 12, 1996. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, p. B1, 4/29/1997. Building permit. Milwaukee Journal 11/16/1978. Review (Eastern Airlines) 1/1978, pp. 42-43. Wauwatosa News Times 5/18/2000. Greenfield Observer 5/18/2000. West Allis Star 5/23/2002. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |