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Summary
Dwight T. Parker Public Library
925 Lincoln Avenue, Fennimore, Grant County
Architect: Claude & Starck
Date of Construction: 1923
Fennimore women proposed a library building in 1922 to house a book collection formerly located in a room at the Methodist Church and at the Old Fennimore House. Dwight T. Parker, a local Progressive Movement leader and well-known banker, donated the building with the intention that it would be a beautiful point of interest in the city. Upon his death in 1934, Parker added a trust fund to his original gift.
The eclectic design stands out among its residential neighbors and is an unusual choice by well-known library architects Claude & Starck of Madison, better known for their Prairie and NeoClassical designs. The structure incorporates Mediterranean and NeoClassical elements into a rectangular mass reminscent of their Prairie School designs. Large brackets support the wide overhanging eaves of the clay tile roof. A central NeoClassical entrance projects from the front façade. Terracotta details such as a pediment, colonettes, arches, and bracketed sills accent the simple brick motif.
The interior has a typical library plan with a central circulation desk facing the vestibule and reading rooms to either side. The basement was reserved for lectures and now serves as the children¿s library. Horizontal oak moldings, a simple oak mantle, and green tile reflect the architects' Prairie School manner.
The library is still in operation and is open during regular hours.
Property Details
Resources Within The Property
Designations
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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