Huron Street Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Huron Street Historic District
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A portion of the district.
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| Location | Roughly, Huron St. from Fox R. to 124 E. Huron, including adjacent side streets, Berlin, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 92001140 |
| Added to NRHP | August 31, 1992 |
The Huron Street Historic District is a special area in Berlin, Wisconsin. It's like a time capsule showing how the city's downtown looked long ago. This district is important because its buildings tell a story about the past.
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What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or other features that are important to history. They are often protected to keep their original look and feel. The Huron Street Historic District is a great example of this. It helps us remember Berlin's early days.
History of Huron Street
In the 1860s and 1870s, Berlin faced some big fires. These fires destroyed many wooden buildings downtown. After the fires, the city rebuilt with stronger materials, mostly brick. This made the buildings safer and more lasting. The brick buildings you see today are from this rebuilding effort.
Famous Buildings in the District
The Huron Street Historic District has many interesting old buildings. Each one has its own story and unique style.
Key Buildings to See
- The Beckwith House Hotel was built in 1864. It was one of the first new buildings after the fires.
- The Masonic Temple from 1889 shows the Romanesque Revival style. This means it looks like old Roman buildings with big arches.
- The Kitowski Tailor Shop was built in 1890. It was a place where clothes were custom-made.
- The Styer cigar factory/store opened in 1893. It was a place where cigars were made and sold.
- The Engelbracht Block from 1895 is in the Queen Anne style. This style often has towers, turrets, and decorative details.
- The First National Bank was built in 1897. It shows the Classical Revival style, which looks like ancient Greek or Roman temples.
- The Nigbor Block from 1912 also uses the Classical Revival style.
- The City Hall was built in 1928. It features the Art Deco style, known for its sleek lines and geometric shapes.
National Recognition
The Huron Street Historic District was added to the State and the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This means it is officially recognized as an important historical place in the United States. Being on this list helps protect the district for future generations. It ensures these special buildings are preserved.
