Property Record
N88 W16444 MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | I.B. Rowell and Co. Agricultural Works Warehouse |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | No |
| Reference Number: | 8086 |
| Location (Address): | N88 W16444 MAIN ST |
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| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Menomonee Falls |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
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| Year Built: | 1890 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | warehouse |
| Architectural Style: | Front Gabled |
| Structural System: | Balloon Frame |
| Wall Material: | Aluminum/Vinyl Siding |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 0 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Main Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 9/21/1988 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of Menominee Falls |
| Additional Information: | The I.B. Rowell Agricultural Works was first erected by Ira and Gifford Rowell and Anson Bradley in 1868 as the Menomonee Falls Agricultural Works. By 1870, it had produced 400 plows and 180 cultivators as well as offering repair services. The Company was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire in 1871. It became known as the firm of I.B. Rowell and Co. in 1879, including I.B. Rowell, Charles Schlafer, and Walter T. Camp. This company produced implements, plows, cultivators, and seeders on a regional basis. In 1890, it erected a new warehouse, the one remaining building, to help meet statewide demands for hay tedders. I.B. Rowell sold his share of the business in 1894 and died in 1902. By 1910, the physical plant included a foundry, blacksmith shop, machine shop, carpenter shop, lumber storage area, engine shop grinding room, and storage and office space. The I.B. Rowell Co. moved its operation to Waukesha in 1912. John Andrecet and Henry Kranz operated it as a foundry after its departure. The Auto Sales Co. Buick Garage replaced all but the 1890 warehouse in 1919. It was then used as auto storage. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Historic name, date of construction: Waukesha Freeman, 10/30/1890. 1910, 1925 Sanborn-Perris maps. Johnson, 1985: 59. Butterfield, 1880: 986. Menomonee Falls News 4/17/1902. Waukesha Freeman 6/12/1890. M.T. Platt, 1873: 146-147. Menomonee Falls News 4/15/1899. Menomonee Falls News 12/7/1915. Hartford Press 3/9/1893. Waukesha Freeman 1/19/1888. Menomonee Falls News 12/10/1938. Waukesha Freeman 10/29/1891. Menomonee Falls News 4/24/1902. Hartford Press 3/23/1894. Goode, 1955. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |