Property Record
126 N MAIN ST, 5 OTTER AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | German American Bank; Stringham Building |
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| Other Name: | Sullivan Insurance Agency |
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| Reference Number: | 70723 |
| Location (Address): | 126 N MAIN ST, 5 OTTER AVE |
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| County: | Winnebago |
| City: | Oshkosh |
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| Year Built: | 1875 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19782006 |
| Historic Use: | small retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Joseph Weber |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 0 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | This two story brick building is situated ona corner lot, the entrance is located in a bevelled corner. Paired windows are set into a blind arch over the entrance. This is the best example of the late 19th century Italianate style in Oshkosh. The second story is finely delineated with pilasters separating the round arch windows. This building was erected in 1875 by local real estate investor Joseph L. Stringham. Stringham subdivided several large portions of the South side and, in 1864, built the Seymour House Hotel which he operated until it was destroyed by fire in 1894. Stringham's real claim on history however, is that he was twice elected Mayor of the city - in 1870 and 1875. Thus, he was in office at the time of the Great Fire. Demolished prior to 2006 survey. The building is also interesting in that, in 1890, it became the first home of the German-American Bank. This later dropped the "German" with World War I and became the New American Bank. This is now the Valley Bank and has several branches throughout the Fox River Valley area. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Oshkosh City Directory 1891. (B) Sanborn Perris 1890. (C) Weekly Northwestern June 25, 1891. (D) Harney, R.J., History of Winnebago County, Oshkosh, 1880, p. 159. (E) Oshkosh Today - Oshkosh, 1898,pp. 107-108. “Architecture/History Survey: Replace N. Main St./USH 45 Bridge Over The Fox River In Oshkosh.” WHS project number 07-0894/WN. November 2006. Prepared by Heritage Research, Ltd. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |