| Additional Information: | Current research (2006) indicates that this building was a livery from circa 1887 to at least 1919. The livery's original owner and operator was Andrew Anderson, who died in 1911. It was later used for auto sales and eventually as the Rankin Tractor & Equipment Co. The structure now serves as offices for no less than three businesses/agencies.
The original, large livery door is along the alley elevation and has been downsized and infilled with human-scale, metal double doors.
June 2006-This circa 1887, two story brick building is rectangular in plan and topped with a slightly sloped roof that is obscured by a brick parapet along the side walls. The building's entrance is centered along its east facade and is fronted by a double stair approach from the north and south. The central modern doorway is flanked to either side by a single, replacement double hung sash window. A paired opening exists at the southern end of the first floor, while two single sashes occupy the space to the north. The second level is comprised of five, regularly spaced sashes. Decorative brickwork divides the first and second levels, while all windows are topped with segmental-arched window hoods that are connected via a line of brickwork. All openings along the first level appear to be downsized and infilled with brick, while the upper level windows are rectangular replacements. The visible south side wall includes five openings; the westernmost three remain as their original size, but have been boarded over. Both the central doorway and remaining window were originally topped with an arch. The rear, alley elevation consists of one opening along each level; the first floor entrance has been downsized and fitted with a modern metal, double door, while the original, upper level hay door opening is boarded over. A third opening is evident along the first floor, but has since been infilled with brick.
This building was erected circa 1887 as a livery stable, which was owned by Andrew Anderson. Anderson was born in Norway in 1841 and came to New York at the age of twenty. By no later than 1865, he moved to Sturgeon Bay, where he married his first wife Nicoline Nelson; together they had two sons. Following the death of Nicoline, Anderson married Christina Johnson in 1887; they had three children and the family resided at 143 S. 3rd Avenue. After farming, Anderson pursued the occupation of liveryman and erected the subject brick building in circa 1887; he died in 1911. Widow Christina then sold the structure to Edward Pfeil, who continued to operate the building as a livery for the next five years. Sanborn maps identify the structure as a livery as late as 1919; however, by 1928, and reflective of the changing times, the structure was owned by George Rankin Sr. and used for the sale and storage of autos (by his sons Fred and George Jr.). By no later than 1938, George Jr. utilized the building for the sale of farm implements (and known as the Rankin Tractor and Equipment Co.). The building is currently utilized as offices for at least three different businesses. |
|---|
