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Property Location
Property Features
This building might be significant under National Register criteria A and B. It was the location of the store of Emil Gaebler, an important early merchant who helped found the Concordia Society.
The Concordia Society was the most significant German singing and performing group founded in Watertown. Many of the Germans in Watertown were educated and familiar with the arts. They established a number of German ethnic institutions that reflected this interest. The Concordia Society was a popular organization and provided high-quality entertainment to the public. Because Emil Gaebler founded the organization that was the leading music society in the community, his music store, probably integrally involved in the society, is significant. However, the building has lost considerable integrity, and little reflects its historic apppearance. Therefore, this building questionably meets the criteria. Gaebler's home, next door, has better integrity, and may be a better representative of his life and work than this store.
Built by Emil Gaebler, a manufacturer of pipe organs around 1867-68, this small three-bay commercial building presently exhibits a facade covered by vertical wood siding and cream brick rear and side walls. The building has a storefront featuring a pent roof and recessed entrance.
Originally the Gaebler building had a cream brick facade topped by a rectangular brick pediment. A one story addition is at the rear.
Although historically significant as the site of Emil Gaebler's Music Store and Craftshop, this building has lost considerable architectural integrity. As a result, the Gaebler building does not contribute to the historic character of the Main Street Historic District.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
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ROCK RIVER, TIVOLI ISLAND
79508
Located in Watertown, Jefferson County
