click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
Property Features
This building was constructed around 1863 by E.W. Cole. The earliest information on business here begins in 1876 when it is listed as a general store. It remained a store until around 1893 when it became a saloon. It remained a saloon until prohibition. After a short time as a billiard hall, it became the Wisconsin Gas and Electric Company office which it it today.
This building has some historical interest as the location of several retail businesses. None are individually historically significant but they contribute to the overall development of commerce in the Main Street Commercial Historic District.
Bulit in 1862 after fire destroyed the earlier building on this site for E.W. Cole, this small three-bay commercial building was remodeled it its present appearance in the early 20th century. Exhibiting simple red brick surfaces ornamented by decorative brick patterns with a white inset tile, the facade is further characterized by a group of four windows on the upper facade and brick end piers rising above the roof line. Featuring a corner entrance, the storefront is characterized by refractive glass transom windows above the storefront. The open corner of the storefront is supported by a brick pier.
The original cream brick construction is evident at the rear of the building. The structure was brick veneered and remodeled in the 1920s. Used as a dry goods store and as a saloon in the 19th century, the cream brick building originally exhibited a paneled brick cornice and projecting window heads.
The E.W. Cole building is important as an example of early 20th century contemporary commercial architecture. One of the best preserved examples of early 20th century commercial architecture in the Main Street Historic District, the Cole building is characterized mainly by decorative brick and tile patterns inset in the flat brick surfaces. Other good examples of early 20th century contemporary or early modern architecture in the historic district are the Kramp Garage at 615 E. Main St. (73-3) and the buildings at 13 E. Main (65-17) and 216 E. Main (63-25).
Originally constructed as a cream brick 19th century vernacular building in 1862, the E.W. Cole building remodeled to its present appearance around 1920 has retained its historic storefront featuring a refractive glass transom window.
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.
