Property Record
1807 BARTON AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Fraser's Store |
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| Other Name: | Otten's Store |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 28807 |
| Location (Address): | 1807 BARTON AVE |
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| County: | Washington |
| City: | West Bend |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1865 |
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| Additions: | 1877 1970 1967 |
| Survey Date: | 1987 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Boomtown |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Barton Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 3/5/1992 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/22/1992 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | This one story Boomtown styled retail building features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a stucco foundation, a clapboard exterior, a wood trim and a flat roof. Wooden frames surround the windows as well as the front door; a moulded cornice further distinguishes a large front window. A new building was constructed in 1967, and an addition was made in 1970. The retail structure is in fair condition; it was built in 1865 and in 1877. (See Bib. Ref. A, B). Individuals associated with this building and the dates of thier associations include the following: Peter Fraser, from c. 1865 to 1881; and Henry Otten, from 1901 to 1917. (See Bib. Ref. B). Historical Background: Peter Fraser, one of Barton's earliest residents, erected this commercial building in 1865 for use as a general county store. Fraser operated the store until at least 1881, then sold it sometime thereafter to a Mr. Nye who ran the store until 1901. That year Henry Otten pruchased the property from Nye. In 1908 Henry's son Anthony pruchased either full or part interest in the family business. When World War I broke out Anthony enlisted. Before his departure, he sold all stock to Henry Barens who ran the store throughout the duration of the war. When the young Otten returned to Barton after the war he again acquired full control of the building and the stock. Over the next several years, Anthony Otten expanded the business. The Otten family still runs the store today. (See Bib. Ref. B). Architectural/Engineering Significance: This property meets criteria C of the National Register requirements because the property retains enough of the character that it had when the town of Barton was growing and developing. This building contributes to the whole character of the Barton Historic District. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. City Assessor's Files, No. V.1-400. City Hall, West Bend, WI. B. Paul Hensler, "History of the Otten Business." Washington County Historical Society, West Bend, WI. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |