J. Schmuck Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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J. Schmuck Block
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The building's exterior in 2015
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 Location in Nebraska
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| Location | 113 North 5th Street, Beatrice, Nebraska |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1887 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, High Victorian Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000598 |
| Added to NRHP | July 2, 2008 |
The J. Schmuck Block is a historic three-story building in Beatrice, Nebraska, United States. It was built in 1887 for John Schmuck, a German immigrant who was a cobbler (someone who repairs shoes). He used the basement as a place for people to gather, and he rented out the other floors. For over 40 years, the local newspaper, the Beatrice Morning Sun, had its offices here. This special building has been recognized as a historic place since 2008.
Contents
History of the J. Schmuck Block
Building's Early Days
The J. Schmuck Block is a three-story building in Beatrice, Nebraska. It was built in 1887 using bricks, a strong limestone base, and a roof made of asphalt and slate. John Schmuck, an immigrant from Darmstadt, Germany, and his wife Anna, had the building constructed.
John Schmuck was born in 1834. Like his father, he learned the skill of being a cobbler. He moved to the United States in 1854. Before settling in Beatrice around 1873, he lived in New York, Illinois, and Tennessee. He bought the land for the building in 1883. Four years later, after he had retired from his cobbler work, he built the structure.
Life and Business in the Building
John Schmuck lived on the third floor of the building until 1916. His wife, Anna, lived there until 1917. The Schmucks rented out the first and second floors to different businesses and people.
The first floor was home to Dry goods stores, which sold things like fabric, clothing, and household items. Some of these stores included Jones and Smith Dry Goods Store and the C. E. Smith and Son Dry Goods Store. In 1908, a person named Judge Walden rented an office in the building. The basement of the building was used as a gathering place, and it had its own entrance from the side.
Newspaper Offices and Restoration
From 1918 to 1963, the building became the offices for the local newspaper, the Beatrice Morning Sun. E. M. Marvin, who owned and edited the newspaper, moved the printing presses to the basement. The rest of the building was used by the newspaper's writers and staff.
In the 1960s, a lawyer bought the building. This owner removed some beautiful stained glass from the second floor and moved it to another house they owned. In 2006, a new couple bought the building and worked to restore it to its original look.
Architectural Style of the Building
The J. Schmuck Block is designed in a special way called the High Victorian Gothic architectural style. This style mixes different design ideas. For example, it has a Second Empire roof, Gothic Revival windows, and Queen Anne decorations on its walls.
Jill E. Dolberg, from the Nebraska State Historical Society, said that this building is very unique for Nebraska. She explained that most commercial buildings from that time in Nebraska were much simpler. They might have had some fancy brickwork or round arches, but a building with so many different decorative styles like the J. Schmuck Block is quite rare.
Because of its unique design and history, the J. Schmuck Block has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since July 2, 2008. This means it is recognized as an important part of the country's history.
