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DENNISTON HOUSE (1836)
Built by the Daniels-Denniston Company, land
speculators from New York, to house legislators and officials
should Cassville become the capitol of the new Wisconsin Territory.
When Madison was chosen over Cassville to become
the capitol, the building and village went into decline until
1855 when former State Governor Nelson Dewey purchased
the
Denniston interests. He converted the building into a proper hotel.
It
operated as a hotel, dining room and bar until 1985.
Today it stands empty. Many additions were added to the "Big
Brick" as it was proudly called; but they all have been removed,
along with the fifth floor ballroom and widow's walk on the
roof. Built of solid brick on a limestone foundation,
bricklayers used
the sturdy Flemish bond method of laying brick. You can clearly
notice its pattern on the side wall. The building still stands
proud,
though a bit drab, extolling the dreams of a past era.
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2)
KLINDT-GEIGER STORE (c. 1860)
The site of the Klindt-Geiger Store has been one of commerce
since the early 1840's. A wood frame building belonging to Mr.
Raffauf dispensed merchandise until it was
replaced around 1860 by the present corner two-story brick building.
An "L" shaped addition was constructed in 1910 to
accommodate the flourishing business. It was the typical "General
Store" and served as the social, political, and business center
of the village. If you wanted it, they had it, or could get
it. If not, you didn't need it anyway. Farmers brought
in produce for barter or to sell. Items purchased were
stored in a large warehouse
that stood in front of the present building, about where the
train tracks are today. It held wheat, wool, hides and other
products
which would ultimately be shipped down river to Dubuque and
St. Louis by packet boat. The store continued in operation until
1968 when it closed after 125 years of business, a victim of
the automobile and current merchandising methods.
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3)
SITE OF RIVERBOAT LANDING
Front and Frederick Streets were the center of
commercial activity in the early days. At the foot of Frederick
Street, packet and other riverboats unloaded and loaded
their goods, took on wood to stoke the steam engines, and continued
on their journey. When a boat landed there was always a great
flurry of activity which
provided the local residents contact with other cities and villages along
the river. Return
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4) RIVERSIDE
PARK
It has been the village park since the 1890's and contains an
eagle effigy mound constructed by the same Indian culture which
built the mounds located in Nelson Dewey State Park. Prehistoric
peoples from around 1000 B.C. are credited with their construction.
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5)
SITE OF KLINDT-GEIGER CANNING CO.
(1893-1950)
Incorporated
in 1893, pickles and sauerkraut were the canning company's
main product. Thus it was always known locally as "The
Pickle Factory". Tomatoes, peas and corn were
added later, bearing brand names like "Dependon",
"Riverview", "Badger" and "Dewey". The company became
one of the first producers of creamed corn in the country
and provided the largest source of employment in the
area in its time. Frozen foods and other problems sounded
the end, and today only the large brick warehouse is left
standing, now part of the Rapid Die and Molding manufacturing
complex.
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6)
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CATHOLIC
CHURCH (1889)
The present Victorian Gothic church replaces an
earlier plainer church built in 1857. Ex-governor Dewey donated
six lots at a token price of $5.00 thereby providing the site
for a church. Constructed of solid brick upon a limestone
foundation, its steeple soars 137 feet in the air and is topped
with a golden cross. The interior retains most of the original
splendor of its German Gothic decor and should be seen. If
the door is open, please come in. Return
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7)
REYNOLDS - REDING HOUSE (c. 1891)
417 E. DEWEY
Built by Mrs. Carrie Reynolds, this is the finest and
only example of a mansard roofed cottage in the area. Because
of personal problems the house stood empty from completion until
1893 when Mrs. Reynolds sold the property. A succession
of owners added to the original brick core two frame rooms,
but left the integrity of the mansard roof intact. Return
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8)
GIESEN - BRINKMANN HOUSE (c. 1900)
409 E. DEWEY
This brick cottage with a 1935 Salt box addition is typical
architecture of the era and conveys a warm, cozy appearance.
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9)
G. STEVENS - BERNHARDT HOUSE
(c. 1900 - 1910) 306 E. DEWEY
Built for the locally prosperous banker Gustav Stevens in the
early 1900's, it retains most of the original Queen Anne architectural
touches. The wraparound porch was removed and a side porch
was enclosed; otherwise, all is original. The interior still
contains its beautiful oak trim and ornate oak columns. A
local architect and carpenter Frank Eckstein is credited with
this
fine residence as well as many others in the village. He is
the great-grandfather of the present owner. Return
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10)
KLEINPELL - HARRIS HOUSE (c. 1892)
213 E. DEWEY
Eugene Kleinpell, a harness shop proprietor, was the original
owner of this residence. Two Kleinpell sisters retained possession
of the home and upon their death it was sold at
auction. After several years of standing unoccupied, the Harris
family purchased the house and restored it to today's state.
A new
frame addition has recently been added to the rear of the brick
home. Return
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11)
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (1891)
The United Methodist Church is a gem of early
ecclesiastical construction. The drip caps over the Gothic windows
are in harmony with the diamond window on the front and steeple.
The exterior is original in all its details. However, the interior
has been renovated many times, the latest being in 1989.
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12)
KLINDT-LANGE HOUSE (1888)
401 FREDERICK
John Klindt, senior partner in the Klindt-Geiger
enterprises, chose this site for the building of his large home.
Brick walls 16" thick rest on a limestone foundation and
support a steeply pitched roof. The architectural style is eclectic
combining Italianate and Queen Anne features.
The original roof of slate with cast iron cresting was removed
in 1962. A small wooden porch was replaced with the present
in 1923. However, the shutters and other features date from
1888. Return
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13)
OKEY-GANLEY FUNERAL HOME (c. 1860)
313 FREDERICK
Louis M. Okey affectionately known as "Pa Okey" built
this excellent example of Greek Revival. Note the pediment in
front formed by a gable roof and eave returns. The second floor
balcony door has window lights on each side and a transom above.
The frame addition is a later improvement, but the original
Greek
Revival design shines through. Return
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14)
JOHN GEIGER HOUSE (1855)
401 DENNISTON
John Geiger, proprietor of the Geiger Store, which later
became Klindt-Geiger Co. had this Greek Revival home constructed
in 1855. Designer-builder, John Snechlode (uncle of
John Klindt), using a style popular throughout the country
at that time, is credited with construction. Note the original
six over six windows (many with their original glass),
original entry door with side lights and transom,and end gables
with eave returns suggesting a Greek pediment. Truly one of
our local gems. The exterior is mostly original and retains
its detailing. The house remained in the Geiger family for 114
years until 1969 and is now operated as a bed and breakfast.
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15)
RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH (1880) 402 DENNISTON
A Baptist Church until recent years, it was dedicated
October 3, 1880 and has changed little since. The only significant
remodeling was a slight modification to the steeple in the 1930's.
The bell it contains was purchased for $128 in 1885, brought
to Cassville over the frozen Mississippi from Iowa, and
installed in
the steeple. An inside door came from Governor Dewey's mansion,
saved from the fire that destroyed his home. A small dugout
portion
under the church contains a furnace that provides heat.
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16) OLD
TOWN HALL (1889)
This building served for many years as town hall, library
and jail. The second floor was a large open room used for church
bazaars, dances, and other social functions while the basement
contained the calaboose. The Village Board and Fire Department
used the building for their meeting rooms but later vacated
to
newer and larger quarters. On the site of the present day garage
(behind the building) stood the 1892 fire engine house and tower
which contained an alarm bell. A back porch has been added,
the first and second floors are converted into apartments.
The Town Hall with fire station and jail can
be seen in the lower left of this photo of Cassville.
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17) OLD JAIL
(c. 1900)
The jail was built to house vagrants, town
pranksters, tramps and others needing incarceration. Constructed
of brick, one can still see the iron bars at the windows
and heavy metal door. Today's use, storage. Return
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18)
ST. PETER'S LUTHERAN CHURCH (1892)
W. Bluff
The German Lutheran Church was erected by
the congregation in 1892 on a lot donated by John Klindt. Originally
constructed as a wood frame church with gothic touches,
brick veneer was added in later years. Lightning struck
the steeple in 1976 causing a fire which did extensive damage.
The fire was confined to the
steeple area, thereby saving the church proper. Today's steeple
is a replica of the original. Return
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19)
FURNACE BRANCH CREEK HOLLOW
SITE OF THE CASSVILLE BREWERY ( 1854)
Furnace Branch Creek Hollow, so named
because of the lead smelting operation it once contained, also
was the site of the Cassville Brewery. For many years
Cassville boasted of its fine bottled beer and produced
numerous cases for sale throughout the area. The trade
name "Old Fashioned Lager" was prized in its time. However,
today it's the labels and bottles that are hunted for
and prized by collectors. The brewery ceased operation
in 1938 and the buildings were later demolished. Return
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20)
SITE OF BRICK YARD (c. 1867)
Joe Barrows owned and operated a brick yard on this site. The
clay pit was about where the swimming pool is located
with the kiln nearby. The clay produced a salmon color brick,
but it was very soft. Once the hard outer surface is penetrated
the core becomes almost powder.
Little sandblasting has ever been done in this town! You will
notice that all older brick buildings were built with Barrows
bricks and they have now mellowed to a warm terra cotta in color.
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21)
JOE BARROW'S HOUSE ( c. 1870)
217 WIOTA
Owner of the brick yard, this house is built of
"Barrow's bricks" and remains mostly original. The modern touches
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22)
SCHREERIN - TURTSCHER HOUSE (c. 1900) 309 W. DEWEY
Constructed by carpenter-owner Rudolf Schreerin, this house
is an excellent example of Eastlake ornamentation, a style popular
in the 1880's. It was added to houses to modernize
them and bring them " up-to-date". How fortunate we are to have this
distinctive porch left intact. Return
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23)
R. J. ECKSTEIN HOUSE (1926)
206 W. DEWEY
Built by R. J. and Myra Eckstein, this Tudor Revival is an outstanding
example of a style popular in the early part of the 20th century.
All features are original and is meticulously
maintained. Attractive landscaping helps to complete the setting.
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24) BJ'S BAR
(1891) 301 DENNISTON
Most every community had a corner saloon such as this one. Living
quarters above with a bay window over the front door, interesting
window drip caps, and swags along the cornice
being so "typical", it served as the model for Stonefield's
saloon. Return
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25) MAIN
STREET (c. 1880's - 1914)
Three blocks comprise the business section of the village.
Store fronts have changed through the years, so to enjoy
the architecture one has to look up and notice cornice and window
treatments. Most would come under the Italianate style, with
some Victorian bracketing. Do you recognize which ones are constructed
of Barrow's bricks? Pick out your favorite
building and then tell the proprietor of your choice.
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26)
DR. HOLFORD BUILDING (c. 1890)
301 AMELIA
Built of Barrow's bricks, the first floor contained the
doctor's waiting room on one side and examining room on
the other. The second floor was family living quarters. Note
the double bay windows, shutters, second floor porch, and the
abundance of "gingerbread". Truly a gem!! Return
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27)
SHERMAN BOARDING HOUSE (c. 1856)
117 W. FRONT STREET
Constructed around 1856 by James L. Sherman,
an engineer on the snag puller General Barnard, the home
contained his living quarters and rooms for boarders. Locally
known as "The Sherman House" it boasted a one story porch
across the front, quantities of gingerbread adorning the dormers,
porch and roof, shuttered windows and a cupola crowning the
roof. Through the years most of these elements have been
restored. The Greek Revival entrance with its sidelights and
transom is sheltered from the elements by the porch. One
should note the coffin door, as it is called in some areas,
above the entrance. Its purpose can be determined from its name.
Today the many rooms located on the second floor make for a
bed and breakfast, its use today. Return
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