Property Record
307 S BARSTOW ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Phillip Otte & Co.; Elbert Printing Co.; Herold Publ. |
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| Other Name: | Computer Software; Hair Affair |
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| Reference Number: | 40905 |
| Location (Address): | 307 S BARSTOW ST |
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| County: | Eau Claire |
| City: | Eau Claire |
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| Year Built: | 1870 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19972019 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | A simple two story brick commercial structure distinguished by three large bays on the second story. The bays are accented by fine stone lintels and sills. On the ground floor the storefront area has been totally altered. An original photo of the building, which shows the structure with a metal cornice, is available at the Chippewa Valley Museum (the building is included in a street scene). In 1883 a saloon and billiard hall occupied the lower floor of the building. The 1884 directory lists Phillip Otte & Co. as the proprietor. On the second floor were offices and a photo gallery. Similar occupanats were located there in 1885 and 1889. In 1897 a store is listed along with a hand printing business. The 1898 directory records the "store" as a saloon operated by Anton Hessel, and the printing establishment as the Elbert Printing Co. In 1908 Mertes & Co., saloon, and the offices of the Herold Publishing Co. and the Der Herold newspaper were located in the building. The Der Herold, a German language paper, was founded in 1886 by Leopold Kortsch. In 1914 the paper was described as "the only German newspaper published in the northwestern part of Wisconsin, and it commmands a strong circulation among the thrifty German population this part of the state" (A, B, C,). |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) 1883, 1885, 1889,, 1897 Sanborn-Perris Maps. (B) 1884, 1898, 1908 Eau Claire City Directories. (C) History of Eau Claire County, 1914, p. 504. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |