Property Record
819 S MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Gilles Frozen Custard Stand |
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| Reference Number: | 200281 |
| Location (Address): | 819 S MAIN ST |
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| County: | Fond du Lac |
| City: | Fond du Lac |
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| Year Built: | 1949 |
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| Additions: | 1966 |
| Survey Date: | 2011 |
| Historic Use: | restaurant/supper club |
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| Wall Material: | Concrete Block |
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| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | This custard stand is comprised of a one-story, concrete-block structure built in 1949, and a aluminum canopy with angled supports that was added in 1966. Wooden signage rises above the concrete block component and reads, #28;Gilles Frozen Custard,#29; while a second illuminating sign is located at the west end of the canopy. Although the aluminum car canopy was replaced in 1998, it was replaced in kind, with the supports being original and no visible changes made to its form. Gilles Custard Stand originated in Milwaukee and was started by Paul Gilles in 1938. After working for his brother at the Milwaukee location, Tom Gilles moved to Fond du Lac and opened the subject stand holding a Grand Opening celebration from July 2nd -5th in 1949. Business was slow at first, however, by 1966, the car canopy was deemed necessary and remodeling was completed inside. While custard remained the key attraction, the menu was also expanded from hot dogs and hot beef sandwiches to include french fries, hamburgers, among others. As of 1981, Tom's son James Gilles assumed management of the facility; however the elder Gilles remains the owner and various family members were employed there. The business is seasonal and continues as such to date. The property stands as a good example of a property type, that of a restaurant drive-in. Such structures are becoming increasingly rare throughout the state. Although the business was started in 1949, the canopy, which is a defining feature of the structure, as well as truly makes the business a drive-in, was not built until 1966. Therefore, the resource (if no changes have been made) should be re-evaluated in five years, at which time it will be fifty years old. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Ad, Gilles grand opening, Fond du Lac Commonwealth Reporter, 1 July 1949. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |