Property Record
14282 N. STH 122
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | J J DEFER BLOCK |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | SAXON GENERAL STORE |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 18610 |
| Location (Address): | 14282 N. STH 122 |
|---|---|
| County: | Iron |
| City: | |
| Township/Village: | Saxon |
| Unincorporated Community: | SAXON |
| Town: | 46 |
| Range: | 1 |
| Direction: | E |
| Section: | 6 |
| Quarter Section: | SW |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: | NW |
| Year Built: | 1916 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19752024 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | This two-story, rectangular-plan, commercial building was constructed c.1915. It has a flat roof with parapets at the center and corners and a stone cornice. The name “J.J. DeFer” is set in stone at the center parapet. The building is clad in brick with a fieldstone foundation. It features detailed brick work, quoins, and a belt and soldier course under the second-story windows. The front (south) facade originally featured two storefronts and an entrance on either end. They have been infilled and altered. One entrance now features a wooden vestibule addition and metal awning with metal chain supports. Windows are a combination of glass block and fixed metal replacements. Many windows on the facade feature stone lintels and sills. Various styles of brick have been used to infill and downsize a number of window openings. Multiple windows with brick arched hoods are on the side (east) elevation, some have been infilled with wood. On the side (west) elevation is a ghost sign; entrance; and wood, one-over-one sash window with a brick sill. Adjacent to the side (west) elevation, the concrete foundation from a large one-story addition clad in wood siding remains. The J.J. DeFer Building was constructed c.1915 to replace an earlier building owned by DeFer that was destroyed by fire in 1912. Joesph J. DeFer was a prominent politician in Saxon, serving many positions beginning with County Chairman for the Town of Saxon in 1892. This building originally served as a general store owned and operated by Defer and has housed multiple businesses since. Although it has several alterations, it is one of the only extant commercial buildings in Saxon dating to the early twentieth century. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |