click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
Property Features
This building is the location of the Merchants National Bank. The Merchants Bank was founded in 1892 with Joseph Terbrueggen as its first president. The building here was built for the bank and in 1905 the bank reportedly became the first in the community to establish a savings department. In 1905, as well, an annex at the rear of the building was built and the facility was enlarged and remodeled in 1937. The Merchants National Bank still operates today at new quarters in the downtown. It is part of the Marine chain of banks in Wisconsin.
This building has some historical interest as the home of one of the "big three" banks in Watertown, the Merchants National Bank. The building could be individually significant for the development of commercial financial institutions in the community.
Originally two 1890s buildings, both featuring towers on the facade, the historic Merchants National Bank (100 east Main) and the Clara Weiss Millinery Store (102 East Main). A concrete block and screen wall unites the front building to a cream brick two-story building located at the rear of the bank building, now the west section of the present structure. The east section, the former millinery shop, has a one-story addition at the rear.
July 2003:
A Supplementary Listing Record was requested to revise the National Register nomination and to list this building as a contributing resource in the district. The modern masonry and metal screen covering the facade have been removed exposing the historical material beneath. The historic fenestration and much of the distinctive masonry detail was found to be intact. Supplementary listing record signed 8/20/2003.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
