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Property Location
Property Features
Cast iron cornice wth garland design; corbeling; oriel window with dentils; stone lintels; stone string course and series of brick panels between floors; display windows and Aug iron pilasters; recessed entrance with one sidelight and overlight. Stamp on pilaster: "Portage/Iron/Work/1900."
G.D. Wood and J.W. Smith, flour and feed dealers, operated at 211 DeWitt (25/3) which was erected while Grove D. Wood owned the property in 1898-1899. They remained at that location through 1905.
In business since 1896, Charles Gieseler operated a cigar factory at 203 DeWitt (25/1) by 1901 to about 1910. In 1910, he moved to 211 DeWitt (25/3) and remained there through 1918, probably until the early 1920s. From 1924 through 1929, William Jowett operated a paint store in the building. Dr. E.F. Tierney placed his office there in at least 1929. By 1948 through 1955, Herb's Tavern had located at the address.
"Flour and feed dealers G.D. Wood & J.W. Smith occupied this building after its construction in 1898-99 until 1905. In business since 1896, Charles Giesler moved his cigar factory into the building by 1910 and probably remained until the early 1920s. Although tobacco was raised in turn-of-the-century Columbia County, cigar factories located their small shop more because of the potential market than available supply of tobacco. These shops that preceded mass production often required little space and a low investment in equipment. By 1924, the Jowett paint store replaced the cigar shop.
Little of the building's Italianate Commercial details have changed: cast iron cornice, oriel window, and original store front with cast iron pilasters by the Portage Iron Works, all remains." Historic Portage, WI: Downtown & Waterfront Walking Tour, 1995.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
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