Property Record
305-307 MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | TOWNSEND GARAGE AND KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS HALL |
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| Other Name: | HERITAGE MOTORS |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 58521 |
| Location (Address): | 305-307 MAIN ST |
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| County: | Sauk |
| City: | Reedsburg |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1910 |
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| Additions: | 1913 1916 |
| Survey Date: | 19832023 |
| Historic Use: | social recreational/fraternal hall |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Rock-Faced Concrete Block |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 1993 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Main Street Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 12/26/1984 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of Reedsburg |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the State Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. This two and three story commercial vernacular styled building features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a rock faced concrete block exterior, a stone trim, and a flat roof. Alterations and or additions took place in 1916 (see Bib. Ref. B, D, G) and in 1936 (see Bib. Ref. G), changing the original plan. The oldest portion of the building, constructed in 1913, is two stories in height, with a bracketed metal cornice. Below this cornice is a stone block with the initials "F.C.B." on it. The three story section follows the same design, with a metal cornice having a swag design and no brackets on the west side. The building is free standing and looks much the same on the exterior as it did in 1916, except for the different signs. (See Bib. Ref. H). The interior had a pressed metal ceiling and stenciling along the wall. (See Bib. Ref. H). These decorative elements were removed sometime before the building was demolished. Prior to its demise, having occurred on an unspecified date, the former automobile showroom and meeting hall was considered to be in good condition. (On July 2, 1991, the structure was tentatively scheduled for redevelopment). Historical Background: William and Clark Townsend, Frank Metcalf and William Kinney were issued a Ford franchise in 1910. (See Bib. Ref. A). In 1913, William Towsend and William Ray bought property from William Ramsey to build a garage. The Knights of Pythias would build the second story for thier hall. The Knights of Pythias insisted that no horses be kept in the first story before they would build. (See Bib. Ref. G). Will Hoefs and Company had just started a cement block factory and they did the cement block work. (See Bib. Ref. E). Townsend Brothers (William & Clark) did the rest of the building. They were builders and contractors who also had a planing mill, manufactured lumber for interior and exterior use and did plans and specifications. (See Bib. Ref. F, J, I). The "Castle Hall of Pythian Lodge" was dedicated in October, 1913. (See Bib. Ref. K). Floors were polished oak, furniture was "mission oak," walls were tinted buff and cream, and the ceiling was beamed. The hall had two parlors as well as the main meeting room and a "cozy corner." The ladies auxiliary would also use the hall. (See Bib. Ref. K). In 1916, Townsend Brothers built a three story addition to the west. The Ford franchise was then known as Townsend and Metcalf. They bought the former Ramsey Drugstore for $2,500 and demolished it to make room for the new addition. (See Bib. Ref. D). In April, 1916, William Townsend sold his half of the dealership to Glen Kleeber and Chalres Bohl. (See Bib. Ref. L). In May, the dealership (Townsend & Metcalf) was incorportated with Clark Townsend, Frank Metcalf, Charles Bohl and Glen Kleeber. (See Bib. Ref. B). They were in the new addition that June, although the third floor was still empty. (See Bib. Ref. M). Repairs were done on the second story and autos would be stored on the third. The three story addition was built so that it could be converted to retail use if the automobile business failed. (See Bib. Ref. G). In 1936, a 3500 square foot shop addition was added on the north side of the building. (See Bib. Ref. N). In 1946, the L. Groenweg lot (44' east of the garage) was bought and moved to 641 Vine Street (SK 35/34). The lot was used as a car lot. (See Bib. Ref. A, O). In May, 1947, the company became Kleeber Motor Sales, Inc. (See Bib. Ref. G). The company was at this site until sometime in the 1970's; the building was known then as Heritage Motors. The structure was most recently vacant. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. On building. B. "Reedsburg Times-Press," August 2, 1973. C. 1913 date of construction source: "The Reedsburg Times," May 30, 1913. D. "Reedsburg Free Press," January 6, 1916. E. "Reedsburg Free Press," March 27, 1913. F. No bibliographic reference given. G. Reedsburg Centennial Committee, "Reedsburg Remembers" (Historical Committee, Reedsburg Centennial, 1948). H. Photographs of Rueben Gade, Reedsburg (Gade was a partner in the dealership). I. Belkhap, T. Harry, Sauk County Directory, (Baraboo, Republic Print, 1898-1899). J. "Wisconsin Industrial Review," March, 1912 (Vol. XIII, No. 147). K. The Reedsburg Times, October 31, 1913 and "The Reedsburg Free Press," October 31, 1913. L. "Reedsburg Free Press," April 13, 1916. M. "The Reedsburg Times," June 6, 1916. N. "Reedsburg Free Press," June 30, 1936 and "The Reedsburg Times," December 18, 1936. O. "Reedsburg Free Press," January 1, 1946. P. REEDSBURG TIMES PRESS 3/25/1993. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |