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Cole’s Hall
Cole’s Block
Cole Building
201-205 East Main
1854 CONSTRUCTION OF
Built for J. W. Cole to provide larger quarters for his general
merchandize trade.
1858
08 12 FALL OF CEILING
Last Sunday evening a space of
ceiling, nearly forty feet square, in Cole's Hall, came crashing down on the
third floor with a heavy noise, and materially injuring the roof of that large
block. The cause of the break was the
giving away of one of the main beams, the point where the break occurred being
rotten. Mr. Cole is now engaged in
repairing the damage caused by this fall.
He intends to make the hall and everything about the building
substantial and safe, and strengthen the whole in such a way as to prevent the
occurrence of another break down like the present. WD
1860
COLE
BUILDING USED FOR EARLY MEETINGS OF WATERTOWN TURNERS
Watertown
Turners, originally named the Independent Gymnastic Society of Watertown,
was formed on Aug. 21, 1860. Early
meetings were held in the old Cole building at the corner of South Second and
Main streets. Within a year, the Turners
had put on their first theatrical performance.
By 1869, the original Turner Hall was constructed at 301 S. Fourth St.
1861
08 15 THE
BOYS are in for it
— the [Civil War] military ball to
be given at Cole’s Hall, Wednesday evening next, by the Zouaves. WD
1863
05 02 CONCERT IN COLE’S HALL, under direction
of E. C. Gaebler
1864
01 21 GRAND MASQUERADE AND FANCY DRESS BALL
at Cole’s Hall on
Carnival Tuesday, February the 9th.
Parties or private clubs wishing
to perform special quadrilles or dances will please notify Capt. Jaehrling or
Mr. Emil Rothe in time to have the music arranged. During the ball the program of dances will
not be changed and rules, order and decorum are to be strictly observed. Dressing rooms for ladies and gentlemen will
be provided. The ball will commence at
half past 8. At 12 the unmasking will
take place and a splendid supper be served in the lower hall. The committee of arrangements will endeavor
to make the entertainment in every respect satisfactory to the public and worthy
of general patronage. WD
01 21 FIREMEN’S BALL
Monday evening Engine Company No. 1 will give their annual ball
at Cole’s Hall. They propose to devote the
proceeds of the entertainment to the relief of the suffering and destitute in
this city. The organization deserves
well of our citizens and we hope a large and gay assembly will be present. All who attend will not only be able to pass
a pleasant evening but will at the same time contribute to a benevolent
object. WD
02 17 McALLISTER THE YOUNGER
Extraordinary Attraction <>
McAllister the Younger, the celebrated and unrivaled Ambi-Dextrous
Prestigious Comedian, will perform his wonderful slight-of-hand feats at Cole’s
Hall, in this city, next Saturday evening.
He has a world-renowned reputation as the Arch-Illusionist, and the way
in which he deceives the senses of the audience by his magic skill is truly
marvelous.
His system of operation is
entirely new and original and far superior to anything of the kind ever before
practiced. He will perform but one
night, so all who wish to witness his attractive and brilliant displays should
attend. His entertainments are always
amusing and full of interest and refined humor.
1865
11 30 FENIAN BALL, COLE’S HALL
Next Tuesday evening, December
5th, “The Tara Hall Circle” will give a grand ball at Cole’s Hall in this
city. Great preparations have been made
to make this a brilliant affair and we have no doubt that it will be successful
in all respects. There is every reason
to believe that the ample rooms in Cole Block will be crowded with those who
delight in this kind of social and public entertainment. All who take any interest in the Fenian
movement will be sure to attend and by their presence show their favor towards
a cause which has for its object the freedom and liberation of Ireland. All fond of music, a good supper and a happy
time generally should attend. WD
Cross
Reference: Online citation 1 Online citation 2
1866
June
WHS_006_346
Second and Main, looking south on
Second, showing farmers in town, possibly for a “horse fair” or a “country
fair.”
Cole’s Hall, Eiffler
Harness, A Wiggenhorn, C Geschke
Bill stand posted for the Frank
J. Howes Champion Circus
(Mention of Howes
Champion Circus)
1880-1885
Note the woman on the
balcony. This may have been Mrs. John W.
Cole (Eliza Fisk Cole), who resided in an apartment on the second floor of the
building at one time.
1887
09 13 COLE BUILDING, COLE HALL, street scene
Later occupied by
Achtenhagen & Borchardt
1894
09 13 ACHTENHAGEN DRY GOODS STORE, opening
of, "Cole's Block," 201 E Main
Reinhard Achtenhagen's opening
at his place of business in Cole’s block last Monday was a grand success in
every respect. The place was crowded with anxious buyers from
morning until late in the evening, and all admired the elegant stock and
especially the low prices at which it was offered for sale. The fine
display of foods in the show window was very attractive, and was admired by
everyone who saw it. Mr. Achtenhagen is certainly a
subject for congratulations on the success of his opening, and a beginning so
successful is a fine indication of a good business career to follow. Watertown Gazette, 03 16
1894
1895
July ACHTENHAGEN TOOK HENRY HEILMANN INTO
PARTNERSHIP
ACHTENHAGEN
& HEILMANN
At the same time Gustave C. Borchardt resigned his position as a
clerk with William Trachte, dry goods merchant at Main and Third streets, and
accepted a clerkship with Achtenhagen & Heilmann. (1897
ad)
1901
ACHTENHAGEN
& BORCHARDT FORMED
After a service of six years for
this firm, Mr. Borchardt purchased Mr. Heilmann’s interests and the firm name
was changed to Achtenhagen & Borchardt, and when the firm closes out the
remaining stock, which is now being auctioned, they will pass out of commercial
existence.
1905
09 13 CONDITION OF SIDEWALK
Two weeks ago the Republican referred to the condition of
the sidewalk along the Cole building north of Main on Second streets, and
called the attention of the committee on streets and bridges to the same. At the last regular meeting of the council the
following order was authorized: “Sidewalks around the Cole building at Main and
North Second streets and at the Henry Breunig’s place in North Second Street
were declared unsafe and the board of public works ordered to see that walks
were constructed within ten days of the publication of the action.” WR
1908
1908, Achtenhagen & Borchardt, General Merchandise,
WHS_005_114, 201 E Main
1915
11 16 ACHTENHAGEN & BORCHARDT WILL CLOSE / PIONEER
FIRM RETIRES
Within a few weeks the dry goods
house of Achtenhagen & Borchardt, Main and Second streets, will have
disposed of their stock, and one of Watertown’s pioneer business houses will
pass to commercial history.
The establishment opened its
doors for business by Reinhard Achtenhagen twenty-one years ago (1894) last
March, and in July of the following year (1895) he took into partnership Henry
Heilmann.
At the same time Gustave C.
Borchardt resigned his position as a clerk with William Trachte, dry goods
merchant at Main and Third streets, and accepted a clerkship with Achtenhagen
& Heilmann.
After a service of six years for
this firm, Mr. Borchardt purchased Mr. Heilmann’s interests and the firm name
was changed to Achtenhagen & Borchardt, and when the firm closes out the
remaining stock, which is now being auctioned, they will pass out of commercial
existence.
Mr. Achtenhagen intends to retire
and pass the remainder of his days enjoying the good the world provides or
those who have been provident.
Mr. Borchardt, yet a comparatively
young man, feels that he does not care to cease the activities of life, and
while he has some good propositions, any one of which he can accept, has not
yet finally determined just what his future will be. Watertown Weekly Leader., November 16, 1915
1915
NOTICE:
ACHTENHAGEN
& BORCHARDT CLOSING OUT
The
doors of the store are closed and the stock has been turned over to J. C.
Pirath & Co. of Chicago, who are to rush the selling off of everything,
including fixtures, as quick as possible.
LOW CUT PRICES.
The
orders to the sales manager are no half measures, but are empathic and leave no
doubt as to the extent of price cutting in order to dispose of everything
during the next two weeks.
Selling
begins Monday, Oct. 11, 8:30 Sharp
Large
double-page circulars are being mailed to every house for miles around – if you
have not received one call up the store and one will be mailed at once. The circulars quote the prices from all lines
and will show you just the amounts you can save.
Be
sure and tell your friends about it, you will do them a favor, and you will
also meet friends here from miles around.
25
Extra Sales People Wanted. Apply at
Once. WG,
10 07 1915
1927
-- -- RENOVATION FOR PENNEY’S STORE
201-203 E. Main
Renovation in preparation of J. C. Penney relocating
from 117 E. Main across Second St. to 201-203 E. Main. A Maas Brothers project, 1927.
1998
10 06 COLE BUILDING PURCHASED
by Jim Baade and Carol
Bohlman / Perspective by Jim Baade
Jim
Baade and Carol Bohlman purchased the former J. W. Cole/J. C. Penney’s building
October 6, 1998 in its partially condemned state and invested $1.3 million to
bring it to its current state. The
building has been registered on both the state and national historic registers.
During
the late summer of 1998 Carol and I became aware that the J. W. Cole building
at 201, 203 and 205 had become structurally condemned. At that time we were deeply involved in
applying for a Main Street Program grant.
It soon became evident that if Watertown was to win that grant a request
allowing the destruction of the Cole building and the permanent loss of all
that history would strongly be in our disfavor.
Carol and I would not let that happen.
We
made an offer to purchase and closed on the sale October 6, 1998. We promptly registered the building on both
the State and National historic records.
An architectural and engineering firm were promptly hired. A one million
three budget was established for the structural repairs and finished space,
restrooms, etc., on the first floor. The
scope of repairs included tear off and redecking for the new roof, installation
of 40-year shingles, 8 feet of copper on the perimeter of the roof, copper
gutters, scuppers, downspouts and duplicating 7 crumbling chimneys.
As of
May 1, 2015, a submission has been made to the State of Wisconsin attempting to
secure a 20% state tax credit for finishing the restoration. Upon securing state approval the application
will be forwarded to the National Parks Dept for final approval of the 20%
Federal Tax Credit.
Our
projection for future use will be an ADA required five-step two-way
elevator. The second floor will be a
full-service restaurant with bar and kitchen and two restrooms. Mid-level “mezzanine” level will be used as
an addition to the party room and as a second party room.
The
third floor ballroom will be serviced via elevator from the second floor and
sized to ultimate capacity with a special event dining area with wet bar
storage room with coolers. The third
floor will require two restrooms (men’s and women’s) sized
The
flat roof area is for a proposed deck with high back bench booth seating,
trellis wall, planter boxes with honeysuckle, trumpet vines and wisteria. The exterior will require substantial tuck
pointing and repair/replacement of thirty-four second and third floor windows.
The
addition of 18-20 full and part time employees will be required. There will of course be substantial increase in
assessed value for property tax purposes and additional state county sales
taxes.
We
feel that these improvements will add substantially to making Watertown a more
attractive destination point. It will
provide a place of wedding receptions, parties, business meetings, plays,
musicals and other events.
The
purchase was prompted due to having spent 3-4 months prior in pursuing an
application for the Main Street Program Grant award for the City of
Watertown. We were informed that the
Cole Building had been structurally condemned and that the owner at that time
had been informed of the problems and the City gave him ninety days to correct
the defects. He stated he would not be
investing the money necessary to comply.
He was given the alternative of fixing the problems or the City would
tear down the building at his expense, credit the land value, and replace the
building with a sixteen to twenty car parking lot.
We
researched the building’s history and found it to have been built in 1850. The structure is 26,800 square feet. The third floor has a 22-foot-high ballroom
with rounded corners, coved tray ceiling in which the first State of Wisconsin
Grand Military Ball was held on January 10th of 1854, six years prior to the
Civil War. In attendance were 155
officers and their ladies.
Other
notable events included a speech by influential New York Tribune editor Horace
Greeley (orator who was famous for his
“Go West, Young Man” phrase, and by Aldo Leopold American ecologist, forester,
environmentalist and the author of “Sand County Almanac,” a landmark in the
American conservation movement.
The
work that was done to correct the structural problems and prepare for first
floor tenants took fifteen months and included duplicating seven missing
chimneys as originally built, redecking the roof and removing two layers of
shingles and what was left of the original tin roof. A 40-year architectural shingle was
chosen. Copper gutters, scuppers and
down spouts were added as well as eight feet of copper around the entire roof
perimeter.
The
attic is a barn truss system composed of five 9-in by 14-in white oak beams
spanning the width of the building, which is 82-ft. They are dovetailed in the middle and rest on
5 courses of the 7-course brick walls.
Because the roof and flashing had failed water found its way into the
brick and over the years through a freezing and thawing process, deteriorating
the brick, water rotting the beams ends.
One beam had rotted 2 feet back from the beam pocket and thus fell 13
inches, putting enough torque on the third beam in the middle of the ballroom
and breaking it in half, pulling apart about three inches. The only remedy for this situation was to
jack up the entire building with 84 jacks, from the basement to the ballroom
ceiling. This process included lifting
the joists of the entire second floor ceiling joists which had sagged 2-plus
inches. The procedure involved sistering
134 microlams on all of the sagged joists in two equal places, so that their
energy would not eventually cause the microlams to sag.
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin