Property Record
1651-5 S. Bear Lake Lane
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Bear Lake School |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 241056 |
| Location (Address): | 1651-5 S. Bear Lake Lane |
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| County: | Polk |
| City: | Dresser |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | 33 |
| Range: | 17 |
| Direction: | W |
| Section: | 5 |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1921 |
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| Additions: | C. 2010 |
| Survey Date: | 2020 |
| Historic Use: | one to six room school |
| Architectural Style: | |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Concrete |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | N |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | 2020: The Bear Lake School is a one-story, 1921 schoolhouse built on a raised foundation. It is clad in ceramic tile blocks that have been covered with pebble dash stucco coating. The hip roof is covered in asphalt shingles and features a central brick chimney. Windows are a combination of single and multi-light, replacement, vinyl sash. Double-hung windows with fixed transoms, wood surrounds, and concrete sills are located on the side (east and west) and rear (north) elevations, and multi-light fixed windows are located on the front (south) facade. The schoolhouse has a central square tower on the front facade that features a pyramidal roof with flared eaves. The main entry is located on the front facade within the tower and is surrounded by a decorative brick arch with a central keystone; above the door is a modern canvas awning. A lunette window with brick surround and concrete sill is located above the door. The tower, which historically served as the bell tower, now has infill sliding and double-hung, vinyl, replacement windows. A c.2010 shed-roof addition with horizontal wood siding and a secondary entrance and modern deck extends from the side (west) elevation. A freestanding sign that reads “Bear Lake School, 1921-1962” is located along STH 65 on the east side of the property. The school was built in 1921 and opened to students that fall as a replacement for the former Bear Lake School building at this location (nonextant). Its original interior included a basement with restrooms, a wood and coal furnace, and hardwood floors. A conference was held to dissolve the school in May 1962, and the school closed that summer. It has since been converted into a single-family home. Research did not reveal whether its interior had a one- or two-room configuration. |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |