Property Record
1002 N MEADE ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Wisconsin Wire Works |
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| Other Name: | Kurz and Root Co. |
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| Reference Number: | 74022 |
| Location (Address): | 1002 N MEADE ST |
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| County: | Outagamie |
| City: | Appleton |
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| Year Built: | 1908 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19812019 |
| Historic Use: | industrial building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | Concrete Beam |
| Wall Material: | Concrete |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | N |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| Additional Information: | Photo codes: OU:FRV 10/16A, 17A. See HAER form. OAHP INVENTORY (08/1981): In 1900 Wisconsin Wire Works had its beginning in the form of a small 40' x 80' wood frame building housing 4 looms and employing about 8 people. The building was located on the same site that the present plant occupies on the north end of Meade Street. The company grew with the paper industry. With increased paper production more wire woven cloth was needed. All of the looms were operated by hand which was a very slow process. In 1907 the company experienced labor trouble, followed by a fire which destroyed the building. the losses were far in excess of the insurance. The new building was constructed of concrete blocks, 40' x 80'. A few years later a 56' x 60' addition was built, followed by an addition every 2 or 3 years. In 1922 the plant had 5 additions. By then the looms were automated, and had a 198' width. They were unique in the industry because the looms would leave the life in the wire cloth during the drying period. In 1967 Wisconsin Wire relocated. The Kurz and Root Company moved in. They manufactured electric generators there until 1976. At this time they also relocated. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A.) "Wis. Wireworks overcame obstacles to achieve its success," Appleton Post Crescent, no date given. (B.) Wright's City Directory, City of Appleton, 1967, 1968, 1976, 1977 |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |