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NW CORNER OF PEARL ST AND WOLF RIVER AVE | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society

Property Record

NW CORNER OF PEARL ST AND WOLF RIVER AVE

Architecture and History Inventory
NW CORNER OF PEARL ST AND WOLF RIVER AVE | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society
NAMES
Historic Name:Southside Opera House
Other Name:John's Bar; Radio Shack
Contributing:
Reference Number:71599
PROPERTY LOCATION
Location (Address):NW CORNER OF PEARL ST AND WOLF RIVER AVE
County:Waupaca
City:New London
Township/Village:
Unincorporated Community:
Town:
Range:
Direction:
Section:
Quarter Section:
Quarter/Quarter Section:
PROPERTY FEATURES
Year Built:1890
Additions:
Survey Date:19792020
Historic Use:retail building
Architectural Style:Queen Anne
Structural System:
Wall Material:Brick
Architect:
Other Buildings On Site:
Demolished?:No
Demolished Date:
NATIONAL AND STATE REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
National/State Register Listing Name:Not listed
National Register Listing Date:
State Register Listing Date:
NOTES
Additional Information:Metal cornice, brick details; storefront alteration.

This building was built for John Schantz, the first opera house in New London, originally known as the Southside Opera House. Opening night was October 7, 1890 with a production by the James H. Brown Celebrated Theatre Company. Many popular entertainers of the time performed here, and many local events were held as well, including: masquerade balls, high school graduation, basketball games, and weddings. In 1893, Anton Werner purchased the building from Schantz. As time passed, the building became known as Werner Hall.

In 1917, Edison Company employees formed the Edison Athletic Association. The following year, they rented the building and it became known as Edison Hall. The entire inside was remodeled at this time. In 1922, it was again remodeled and again in 1928 when Martin Kubisiak and Alvin Trambauer opened the Kozy Korner restaurant here. This establishment shifted owners in 1946 and was renamed Ebert's Bar until 1976.

2020 - Not resurveyed. Loss of integrity. Update photo.
Bibliographic References:Walking Tour of Historic Downtown brochure, 2008.
RECORD LOCATION
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin

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