Portage Retail Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Portage Retail Historic District
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A portion of the district.
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| Location | Roughly, Cook from Wisconsin to Main, Wisconsin from Cook to Edgewater and DeWith from Conant to Edgewater, Portage, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 14 acres (5.7 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000510 |
| Added to NRHP | April 27, 1995 |
The Portage Retail Historic District is a special area in Portage, Wisconsin, where many old and important buildings are located. These buildings were once home to shops, hotels, and banks. They show us what the town looked like long ago and are protected because of their history.
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Exploring the Portage Historic District
This historic district is a busy area close to the Portage Canal. It covers about 14 acres, which is like 14 football fields! Many of the buildings here were built a long time ago, between the 1860s and the 1920s. They have different styles of architecture, which means they look unique.
What Makes a Building Historic?
Buildings in a historic district are important because they tell a story about the past. They might have been built by famous people, or they might show how people lived and worked a long time ago. Protecting these buildings helps us remember history.
Famous Buildings in the District
The Portage Retail Historic District has many interesting buildings. Each one has its own story and unique look.
Old Shops and Businesses
- City Brewery (1866): This building was once a brewery. It was built in the Italianate style, which means it has tall, narrow windows and often a low, flat roof.
- Graham Drug Company (1873): Another Italianate building, this was once a pharmacy. Imagine getting your medicine here over 150 years ago!
- Williams Shoes and Harness Shop (1881): This shop sold shoes and harnesses for horses. It also has the Italianate style, showing how popular it was back then.
- Hillyer Block (1889): This building housed the "High Priced Grocery." It's built in the Queen Anne style, which often features turrets, bay windows, and decorative details.
Grand Hotels and Theaters
- Beattie Block (1891): This is a three-story Italianate building. It was likely home to several businesses or apartments over the years.
- Portage Theater (1927): This theater was built in the Georgian Revival style. This style often looks like grand old homes with balanced windows and brickwork. Imagine watching movies here almost 100 years ago!
- Ram Hotel (1927): Also built in 1927, this hotel welcomed travelers to Portage.
The City Bank of Portage
- City Bank of Portage (1929): This bank building was constructed in the Art Deco style. Art Deco buildings are known for their geometric shapes, bold lines, and often decorative patterns. They look very modern for their time!
Why Are These Buildings Protected?
The Portage Retail Historic District was added to the State Register of Historic Places in 1994. The next year, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means the buildings are officially recognized as important parts of American history. Protecting them helps future generations learn about the past.
