| Additional Information: | This two story retail building, designed in the commercial vernacular style, features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a reddish-brown brick exterior, a stone trim and a flat roof. Distinguishing the roofline is a bracketed metal cornice with a triangular pediment upon which is inscribed "J. L. Green 1885." Corbel brickwork appears directly below the cornice. There are seven second story bays, arranged so that a set of three windows flank the left and right side of a center window. This center window was bricked over, while the other openings were made smaller than the original openings. Three red and white stone arches (with sunburst pattern under arch) over windows are placed so that the three windows on each side of the facade resemble Palladian windows. The window sills and heads combine to form continuous lines. The rear is brick with flat arch brick windows. A c. 1902 photo shows the pediment on the cornice was capped with a finial. (See Bib. Ref. G). In 1888, iron posts were put in to replace wood ones. (See Bib. Ref. K). The building, which is in good condition, has had its interior remodeled at an unspecified date.
Historical Background:
Joseph L. Green built this block in 1885 and immedialtely leased it to Gale, Siefert and Company Hardware for five years. The dimensions given at the time it was built were approximately 33' x 80'. (See Bib. Ref. C). Reedsburg Building & Lumber built the block. (See Bib. Ref. J). This company included E. M. Hackett as an owner and architect. He designed the Free Press block (SK 8/14, 272 Main Street) in 1888 and since both buildings are similar in design details he may have done this one also. A basement, an "elaborate plate glass front," iron pillars on a brick foundation and J. W. Reedy elevators were put in the building. (See Bib. Ref. J). The shelves, floor, and counters were made of hardwood and finished with oil. The northwest corner had a 12'x 18' office and a tin shop was on the second story. (See Bib. Ref. J). Green was in Reedsburg c. 1848-1864. He worked on the saw mill and became a merchant until he left to become a hop farmer. In 1868 he went to Rudd's Mill's, Monroe County to help the Rudd Brothers run their saw mills. In 1882, he returned to Reedsburg and bought part of the flour mills (gone). He lived at 612 Main Street (SK 8/7), in what had been the house E. M. Hackett designed for himself (and lived in). Green died in 1885 before the business block was complete. Ownership then passed to his wife.
August Siefert was in the hardware business since the 1870's. (See Bib. Ref. H). In 1885 it was called Gale & Siefert and in 1889 the company was Siefert, Edward Blank and Ernest Siefert. (See Bib. Ref. L). In 1905 August Siefert Hardware was incorporated with August Siefert (President), A. H. Fisher, Louis J. Fisher, and A. F. Schultz (See Bib. Ref. H, M). In 1912 the dimensions of two buildings the company occupied were given as 56' x 82 1/2' and 80' x 132' so it probably was in another location. (See Bib. Ref. H). The building is used as a retail store today.
The commercial/industrial historic uses of this building include the following: Gale, Siefert, and Co. Hardware, Siefert and Blank Hardware, Siefert Brothers Hardware, August Siefert Hardware, 1885-1894+ (see Bib. Ref. B, C); Tin Shop and hardware, 1885-1918+ (see Bib. Ref. D); Heine Hardware, Stacey's Hardware, c. ? (see Bib. Ref. E); Kochs Hardware, c. 1977 (see Bib. Ref. F). |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. "Reedsburg Free Press," May 7, 1885.
B. "Reedsburg Free Press," December, 1894 - January, 1895.
C. "Reedsburg Free Press," March 19, 1885.
D. Sanborn-Perris Maps at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison.
E. Arline Hahn, Reedsburg, fall, 1983.
F. 1977 Reconnaissance Survey.
G. Schuette, W. J., and Freer, Theo., Reedsburg Directory (Reedsburg, Free Press Printing House, 1902-1903).
H. "Wisconsin Industrial Review," March, 1912 (Vol. XIII No. 147).
J. "Reedsburg Free Press," October 15, 1885.
K. "Reedsburg Free Press," December 20, 1888.
"The Reedsburg Times," November 17, 1927.
L. "Reedsburg Free Press," March 28, 1889.
M. No bibliographic reference given.
N. On building.
O. WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL 2/4/1996. |
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