Property Record
116 S 4TH ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Tillman Brothers Furniture Store |
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| Other Name: | Leithold's Music Store |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 32202 |
| Location (Address): | 116 S 4TH ST |
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| County: | La Crosse |
| City: | La Crosse |
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| Year Built: | 1884 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1996 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System: | Unknown |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Stoltze and Schick |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | La Crosse Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 9/2/1994 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 10/8/1993 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Tall narrow structur visually dominated by colossal round arches that are eclued in the smaller arcade across the upper story facade; 2nd story oriel window (now filled in) ornamented by iron pilasters with iron cornice facade above and below the three sided window; small projectng cornice with parapet above and corbeled brick below at the tope of the facade; iron pilasters serve as window mullions; curvilinear metal mouldings above the colossal arches; store front has been altered for contemporary use, large plate glass window in the rear elevation. Designed by Stolze and Schick in 1889, the Tillman Brothers, now known as Leitholds Music Store, is the best brick interpretation of the Romanesque Revival in the commercial district of downtown La Crosse. Unfortunately, the store front has been altered for contemporary use. Furniture factory and store and mortuary owned by the Tillman family from 1889 until 1962 when it was purchased by the Liethold Music Company. The Tillman Brothers Furniture shop was at one time an important concern. Tillman, like Steven Gantert, produced furniture for the local and wholesale trade. During La Crosse's heyday 1884-1906, 1920-1930, the company did well. The Tillman Company represents the development of manufacturing and commerce as a result of the lumber industry with which furniture was originally associated. Because the building was so much taller than its neighbors, its upper sides were painted with advertisements over the years. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. L.P. Philippi, Phillippi Art Souvenir (La Crosse: Philippi Publishing Co., 1904; Reprint 1978), p. 80. B. Dr. L. Crocker, "A Report on Some Historic Structures in the Downtown Area of La Crosse, 1977. C. Harold Weisse, "Type of Architecture in La Crosse and Vicinity", Sketches of the La crosse Historical society, Vol. 5, p. 20. D. City Directories of La Crosse. E. Sanborn-Perris Maps, 1887, 1891. F. La Crosse Daily Press, July 4, 1891. LACROSSE TRIBUNE 7/27/1996. Crocker, Leslie. La Crosse Buildings through Time. La Crosse: La Crosse Public Library Archives Department, 2015. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |