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Property Location
| Location (Address) | 313 E MAIN ST |
|---|---|
| County | Jefferson |
| City/Village | Watertown |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1870 |
|---|---|
| Additions | |
| Survey Date | 1986,2020 |
| Historic Use | small retail building |
| Architectural Style | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System | |
| Wall Material | Brick |
| Architect | |
| Other Buildings On Site | |
| Demolished | No |
| Demolished Date | |
| Additional Comments |
Between 1885 and 1911, this building was the location of William Gruetzmacher's fancy goods store known as "The Fair Store." After that time it was Carl Nowack's furniture store until at least 1930. This building has some historical interest as the location of the Fair Store and the Carl Nowack furniture store. Both businesses were secondary retail firms to other, larger firms, although they were long-lived and successful. Further research may indicate they may have individual historical significance, but they do contribute to the overall development of commerce in the Main Street Commercial historic district. A two-story, three-bay building built in 1870 for John Heymann after fire destroyed the previous frame building on the site, this vernacular cream brick commercial building is characterized by a raised brick cornice featuring molded brick, a row of dentils, corbelled brick that is divided vertically by applied brick pilasters. rectangular windows with straight lintels and articulated keystones are located in the east two-bays. The projecting west bay has a blind arched window and a blind oculus on the upper story and an entrance door to the upper story on the lower facade. The former Heymann Saloon and restaurant building has been altered by the removal of the original window frames, which have been replaced by smaller metal sashes and a wood panel. In addition, the storefront has been completely altered in a contemporary manner. The John Heymann 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 Heymann building contributes to the historic architectural character of the proposed Main Street Historic District. |
| 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) C. Hugo Jacobi, "Reminiscences of Early Days in Watertown," Watertown Daily Times March 3, 1924. (D) Watertown City Directories, 1866-1930, Watertown Public Library. |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | Main Street Commercial Historic District |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | Jun 02, 1989 |
| State Register Listing Date | |
| Contributing | Yes |
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