Property Record
200 N 4TH ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | John Krueger Building |
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| Other Name: | The Flower Box |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 74727 |
| Location (Address): | 200 N 4TH ST |
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| County: | Jefferson |
| City: | Watertown |
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| Year Built: | 1868 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19862020 |
| Historic Use: | grocery |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Main Street Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 6/2/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | During the 1880s and 1890s this building housed the J.F. and Charles Krueger grocery store. During the early twentieth century, the building was transformed into an automobile service station and the rear addition added for service bays. The Krueger store was a well-known institution in this area of Watertown and this building has some historical interest because of it. The building contributes to the overall significance for commerce in the Main Street Commercial Historic District. Built in 1868 for John Krueger to house his grocery store, this cream brick building is characterized by projecting triangular pediment shaped wooden window heads on the upper facade and on the east elevation and by an oculus in the gable peak. Although essentially well preserved, the Krueger Grocery used late in the 19th century and in the 20th century as a saloon was altered by the addition of the cream brick one-story car repair garage in the 1920s featuring four multipaned vehicular wooden servcie doors. Also the storefront presently exhibiting a corner entrance and pent roof has been completely remodeled in a contemporary manner. The John Krueger Grocery Store and Stable is significant under Criterion C as an example of a well-preserved typical mid-19th centtury complex comprised of a combination store and residence and an exceptionally well-preserved brick barn or stable. The Krueger complex and the commercial hotel at 115 South First are the only buildings in the district that have extant stables or barns. The John Krueger building characterized by Italianate window heads is a cream brick, gabled roofed vernacular building. Built in 1868, the Krueger building continues to be preserved along with its large carriage house and storage barn (62-26) located at the rear. Continually used as a commercial structure, an addition used for a car repair shop was built in the 1920s to accomodate changing customer demands. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Tax Records, City of Watertown, 1860-1910, Area Research Center, Library, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. (B) Sanborn Insurance Map, City of Watertown, 1884-1930. (C) "Revised Tariff of Rates for Watertown, Wis.," National Board of Underwriters, April 13, 1876. Archives, Octagon House, Watertown Historical Society. (D) Watertown Democrat Nov.. 18, 1868. (E) Tax Rolls for the City of Watertown, Area Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Library. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |