Baumann Block Listed in the National Register of Historic Places

OSHKOSH, Wis. - The Wisconsin Historical Society announces the listing of the Baumann Block in the National Register of Historic Places on August 29, 2024. The building was constructed circa 1894 as a grocery store and a nickelodeon theater, known as the Star Theater, built within the grocery space in 1910 in Oshkosh, Winnebago County.

The Baumann Block is a distinctive example of an intact Queen Anne commercial building that is not commonly found in this area of Oshkosh. It was constructed in 1894 by Charles Baumann to house a butcher shop and grocery market with a second-floor apartment. The building still retains key features of the style such as the rounded turret, corbelled brick pilasters, embellished cornice and decorative brickwork. Additionally, the interior is still reflective of a private residence that features original woodwork, doors and fireplace.

The building is highlighted by the Star Theater, a small neighborhood nickelodeon theater that was installed in 1910. Baumann operated the theater until the 1930s when it was continued by Lawrence Seidl to serve the neighborhood until 1955 when it closed. Locally known as “the Crackerbox,” the Star played second-run movies after they left downtown theaters, film serials, and lesser rated western films. It served as a casual venue frequented by children and adults. Today, it is one of the last remaining neighborhood theaters in Oshkosh that is largely intact with a projection booth, cast tin embellishments, ticket booth and swinging doors.

The building was recently restored by a privately owner in time for its 100th birthday. Located at 1124-1128 Oregon Street, it remains in use as a store with upstairs apartments.

Additional information for the Johnson House is available at:

https://wisconsinhistory.org/Records/NationalRegister/NR2793

To learn more about the State and National Register programs in Wisconsin, visit: https://wisconsinhistory.org/hp/register/

About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. The Wisconsin Historical Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, receives grants and private contributions benefitting the Wisconsin Historical Society and administers the membership program. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.