Lamar Community Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lamar Community Center
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Lamar Community Center
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| Location | St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1905 |
| Architectural style | American Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 82001860 |
| Added to NRHP | 1 March 1982 |
The Lamar Community Center is a special old building located at 1488 200th Street in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 1, 1982. This means it's an important historical place worth protecting!
Contents
The Lamar Community Center
A Look Back: Its History
The area around Lamar used to be a busy little town. It was located along an old path called the Clam Falls Trail. People lived and worked there. The town had many important buildings. There was a creamery, which made butter and cheese. There was also a post office, a church, and a general store. People even had a charcoal kiln and a brickyard. Many farms grew potatoes nearby.
In 1905, the people of Lamar worked together. They built a special one-room schoolhouse. It was designed in a style called "Craftsman." It also had a tall, fancy tower, like those seen in Italian buildings. This building was used as a school for all grades.
Building Changes Over Time
In 1910, the school building got bigger. A second room was added to the south side. The original building was built right on the ground. It had an open porch at the front entrance.
Later, in 1926, the building was lifted up. A strong foundation made of blocks was put underneath it. A new, enclosed entryway was also added. This new entrance had a wide staircase, making it easier to get inside.
From School to Community Hub
After the year 1900, a railroad line was built in the area. However, the railroad did not go through Lamar. Instead, it went towards Centuria, Wisconsin, which is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast. This meant that businesses and trade moved away from Lamar. The town slowly became less active and its shops closed.
The school, however, kept going until the 1940s. It finally closed its doors in 1945. After that, the building was used for different community events and gatherings. It became a place where people could meet and hold activities.
By 2013, money was raised from different sources. This allowed the building to be fixed up and restored. All the repair work was finished by August 2014. Today, the Lamar Community Center continues to be an important part of the community.
