HomeMy WebLinkAbout52-01058_28 S Clinton_EwersSite Inventory Form State Inventory No. 52-01058 New Supplemental
State Historical Society of Iowa Part of a district with known boundaries (enter inventory no.)
(December 1, 1999) Relationship: Contributing Noncontributing
Contributes to a potential district with yet unknown boundaries
National Register Status:(any that apply) Listed De-listed NHL DOE
9-Digit SHPO Review & Compliance Number
Non-Extant (enter year)
1. Name of Property
historic name Ewers Men's Store
other names/site number Moses Bloom Clothing Store, Bloom & Mayer, A.M. Ewers & Co.
2. Location
street & number 28 S. Clinton Street
city or town Iowa City vicinity, county Johnson
Legal Description: (If Rural) Township Name Township No. Range No. Section Quarter of Quarter
(If Urban) Subdivision Original Town Block(s) 80 Lot(s) Part of 6
3. State/Federal Agency Certification [Skip this Section]
4. National Park Service Certification [Skip this Section]
5. Classification
Category of Property (Check only one box) Number of Resources within Property
building(s) If Non-Eligible Property If Eligible Property, enter number of:
district Enter number of: Contributing Noncontributing
site
buildings 1
buildings
structure
sites
sites
object
structures
structures
objects
objects
Total 1
Total
Name of related project report or multiple property study (Enter “N/A” if the property is not part of a multiple property examination).
Title Historical Architectural Data Base Number
Iowa City Central Business District Study - 2017 UPDATE 52-127
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
02E COMMERCE/TRADE/specialty store 02E COMMERCE/TRADE/specialty store
7. Description
Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Materials (Enter categories from instructions)
07B LATE 19TH & EARLY 20TH CENTURY AMERICAN foundation 03 BRICK
MOVEMENTS/Commercial Style walls 03 BRICK
roof
other Narrative Description ( SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark “x” representing your opinion of eligibility after applying relevant National Register criteria)
Yes No More Research Recommended A Property is associated with significant events.
Yes No More Research Recommended B Property is associated with the lives of significant persons.
Yes No More Research Recommended C Property has distinctive architectural characteristics.
Yes No More Research Recommended D Property yields significant information in archaeology or history.
County Johnson Address 28 S. Clinton Street Site Number 52-01058
City Iowa City District Number
Criteria Considerations
A Owned by a religious institution or used E A reconstructed building, object, or structure.
for religious purposes. F A commemorative property.
B Removed from its original location. G Less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past
C A birthplace or grave. 50 years.
D A cemetery
Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Significant Dates
Construction date
01 ARCHITECTURE 1874 check if circa or estimated date
Other dates
05 COMMERCE ca.1923 - façade
Significant Person Architect/Builder
(Complete if National Register Criterion B is marked above) Architect
unknown Builder
unknown
Narrative Statement of Significance ( SEE CONTINUATION SHEETS, WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED)
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography See continuation sheet for citations of the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form
10. Geographic Data
UTM References (OPTIONAL)
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing
1
2
3
4
See continuation sheet for additional UTM references or comments
11. Form Prepared By
name/title Alexa McDowell, Historian
organization AKAY Consulting date 11/2017
street & number 4252 Oakland Avenue telephone 515-491-5432
city or town Minneapolis state MN zip code 55407
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION (Submit the following items with the completed form)
FOR ALL PROPERTIES
1. Map: showing the property’s location in a town/city or township.
2. Site plan: showing position of buildings and structures on the site in relation to public road(s).
3. Photographs: representative black and white photos. If the photos are taken as part of a survey for which the Society is to be
curator of the negatives or color slides, a photo/catalog sheet needs to be included with the negatives/slides and the following
needs to be provided below on this particular inventory site:
Roll/slide sheet #
Frame/slot #
Date Taken
Roll/slide sheet #
Frame/slot #
Date Taken
Roll/slide sheet #
Frame/slot #
Date Taken
See continuation sheet or attached photo & slide catalog sheet for list of photo roll or slide entries.
Photos/illustrations without negatives are also in this site inventory file.
FOR CERTAIN KINDS OF PROPERTIES, INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AS WELL
1. Farmstead & District: (List of structures and buildings, known or estimated year built, and contributing or non-contributing status)
2. Barn:
a. A sketch of the frame/truss configuration in the form of drawing a typical middle bent of the barn.
b. A photograph of the loft showing the frame configuration along one side.
c. A sketch floor plan of the interior space arrangements along with the barn’s exterior dimensions in feet.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Use Only Below This Line
Concur with above survey opinion on National Register eligibility: Yes No More Research Recommended
This is a locally designated property or part of a locally designated district.
Comments:
Evaluated by (name/title): Date:
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 1
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
7. Property Description
The Ewers Men’s Store building is a 3-story, 20- by 62-foot, single bay building set amid a contiguous block of
commercial properties, near the south end of the block. The building constitutes the north half of a two-bay
property likely constructed prior to 1874, when it first appeared on the Sanborn Co. fire insurance map for that
year. A building with the same footprint appears on all subsequent fire insurance maps and no evidence has been
located to suggest the present structure is not that recorded on the 1874 fire insurance map and early historic
images document its presence. The north half (28) of the building has functioned automously for nearly 100 years
and, as a result, is considered independent of the south half (30).
As stated by Svendsen, the original building was built as a two bay, 3-story structure, with a storefront in each
half and a combination of apartments and office spaces located on the upper floors. The early building had a brick
facade with a cast iron storefront. Typical of Late Victorian era Italianate Style commercial buildings, the upper
stories featured tall and narrow windows with heavy, window hoods; a prominent cornice finished the building.
The south half of the building (30 S. Clinton), which remains largely unaltered, provides evidence of the early
appearance of the upper story of the Ewers building.
The 2001 building evaluation notes that the façade of the Ewers Men’s Store building was radically modified in
1906. It is more likely that the alteration dates to 1923 - local newspapers report that a major remodeling of the
building was undertaken in preparation for A.M. Ewers & Co.’s move into the building from their location in the
Furbish Block (101 S. Clinton). As noted in the 2001 survey, the alteration included the addition of plate glass
windows at storefront level, with the upper façade refaced in glazed brick. The “new” façade fully embraced the
20th century by replacing its Italianate window arrangements with “Chicago windows” (groupings that included a
large fixed sash flanked by narrow 1/1 double-hung windows). The elaborate Victorian cornice was replaced by a
more restrained, but elegant version in the Neoclassical Style executed in terracotta; the replacement cornice is
complete with modillions, brackets and dentils. The use of Chicago windows, glazed brick, terracotta, and the
Neoclassical style in commercial building designs came into use in the early years of the 20th century – these
design trends and materials were appearing in Chicago by about 1905. The influence of Chicago architects and
architecture in the form of these elements was appearing on Iowa main streets through the first quarter of the
century. Given the broad timeframe in which this influence appears in Iowa’s downtowns, the renovation of the
façade could reasonably have occurred in either 1906 or 1923. Additional research may one day pinpoint the
alteration.
The building’s façade was again modified after 1981, when the Chicago windows were replaced by plate glass
windows with applied muntins and fire-escape openings (fire insurance maps note the use of a fire escape on the
façade dates as far back as 1874). In 2001 the storefront now had a centered entrance flanked by plate glass
windows with a heavy Neoclassical Style signboard and architrave separating the first and second levels.
In 2017, the building remains much the same as reported in 2001. The storefront retains a center, recessed
entrance flanked by large display windows with a modestly scaled bulkhead. The storefront transom features a
single wide band with the store sign “Ewers Men’s Store” mounted on-center. A canvas awning is mounted on the
underside of the storefront store sign. A classically inspired storefront cornice (complete with 3-part entablature
including dentils) marks the transition between storefront and upper stories. The upper wall is faced in green,
glazed brick and the Neoclassical, terracotta cornice remains intact and appears to be in good condition.
Terracotta coping tiles finish the stepped parapet. The 1981 replacement windows are retained. They are an
unfortunate alteration, but retention of the terracotta trim around the historic window opening helps diminish the
loss of the Chicago windows.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 2
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Image 01. View of the streetscape within which the building is located, looking NE across S. Clinton Street.
(Image by AKAY Consulting, August 2017.)
The Ewers building is easily recognized by its green, glazed brick façade.
Image 02. View of the façade (west elevation), looking east across S. Clinton Street
(Image by AKAY Consulting, August 2017.)
Before and after …. 28 and 30 S. Clinton reflecting the appearance of the Late Victorian façade
(retained on the right) and the 20th century renovation undertaken on the Ewers Men’s Store façade.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 3
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Image 03. Historic Image – ca.1970
This image from the 1970s documents the Ewers Men’s Store building prior to the introduction of the upper store windows
and storefront now in place. In this view, the window form known as the Chicago window – a single, large, fixed-paned
window flanked by smaller, double-hung windows – was replaced in 1981.
8. Statement of Significance
The building at 28 S. Clinton Street has been referred to variously as Moses Bloom Clothing, Bloom & Mayer,
A.M. Ewer & Co., and Ewers Men’s Store; the 2001 evaluation did not prioritize those names. For the purposes
of the present evaluation, Ewers Men’s Store has been adopted as the historic name because the current façade
dates to the occupancy by Ewers and because, for most of the nearly 95 years the business has occupied the
building, it has been known as Ewers Men’s Store.
The Ewers Men’s Store building is located opposite Old Capitol, a National Historic Landmark, and the
Pentacrest, a National Register historic district. Ewers Men’s Store is considered a contributing resource to a
potential historic district. The resource is significant under Criterion C as a moderately well-preserved example of
the Commercial Style originally built as a double storefront by 1874, but reconstructed by 1923 to reflect the
architectural and material trends popular during the early 20th century. Further, the resource is significant under
Criterion A in association with the history of commerce, specifically in its association with longtime occupant, the
Ewers Men’s Store, which located in the building in 1923 and remains there to this day.
Although its 20th century history character has been diminished by replacement of the character-defining Chicago
windows, the retention of glazed face brick, terracotta cornices and coping, as well as an historically sympathetic
storefront, the resource retains sufficient historic integrity to be considered a contributing structure in a potential
historic district.
It should be noted, that the evolution of 28-30 is more complicated than the following general history may imply;
the full story of its construction, alteration, and occupation (during its early years in particular) would require
significantly more research and evaluation. However, for the purposes of determining eligibility to the National
Register of Historic Places, the history that is known is more than sufficient to understand its place in the history
of Iowa City architecture and commerce.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 4
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Historical Background
As originally laid out, the east side of Clinton Street provided a series of lots facing west onto “Capitol Square.”
This commercial building appears to date from prior to 1874 when a building of similar dimensions was first
depicted on a fire insurance map. Property transfer records for this property show it was owned by Moses Bloom
and members of his family from prior to the Civil War through World War I, during which time the building was
a two-bay property with two storefronts (Svendsen, 2001).
It should be noted that the city’s address system has changed multiple times. Per the 1874 fire insurance maps,
storefronts in this block of S. Clinton were numbered consecutively from 37 on the north to 22 on the south; the
clothier being located at 23-24 S. Clinton. In 1883, the fire insurance map records the storefronts as numbered by
odd-number from 1 on the north to 31 on the south corner. Thus, the 2-bay building was numbered 27-29 S.
Clinton. By 1888, the current numbering system was in place, and the building was identified as 28-30 S. Clinton,
with the Ewers Men’s Store building numbered 28 S. Clinton.
Svendsen notes that Moses Bloom arrived in Iowa City from New York City in 1857 and opened a clothing store
a short time later on the east side of Clinton Street, possibly at this address; this suggests the possibility that the
building was constructed as early as 1857. Bloom’s clothing store also included a merchant tailoring business and
handled men’s hats and furnishings. By 1868 the city directory notes, “M. Bloom, clothier, es Clinton nr. Iowa
ave.” and the 1874 fire insurance map notes a clothier in both 28 and 30. When Bloom’s son-in-law Max Mayer
joined the business, the firm became known as Bloom and Mayer. Moses Bloom also owned other parcels in this
block (Block 80) to the north and east of his property at 28-30 S. Clinton.
Image 04. Historic Image - undated (ca.1870)
(Image courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.)
In this view, looking northeast across S. Clinton at Washington Street, we see the Bloom Clothing Store (note blade sign)
adjacent to the corner building (later, the location of Whetstone’s). The clothing store occupies 30 S. Clinton – the south half
of the 2-bay building. A sliver of the north half (28) provides a glimpse of the similarity of appearance.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 5
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Figure 01. Insurance Map – 1874
(SOURCE: Sanborn Company Fire Insurance Map, 1874.)
Figure 02. Insurance Map – 1883
(SOURCE: Sanborn Company Fire Insurance Map, 1883.)
In contrast to the 1874 fire insurance map, the 1883 map notes an interior connection between 28 and 30.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 6
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Image 05. Historic Image - ca.1880
(Image courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.)
In a similar view across Clinton and Washington Streets, we see the entire 2-bay building in its place to the north of
Whetstone’s (then Whetstone & Foltz). Though difficult to see, the name “Blooms” stretches across the upper façade, just
beneath the cornice, with “One Price Clothing House” mounted between the 2nd and 3rd floors. Bloom’s occupation of both
bays of the building is supported by city directory entries, which place the business in both storefronts through ca.1911.
Image 06. Historic Image - ca.1905
(Image courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.)
In this ca.1905 view of the east side of S. Clinton Street, looking south from Iowa Avenue, we can see the unified façade of
the building at 28-30 S. Clinton – the cornice and rhythm of fenestration of each bay matches.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 7
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Both Moses Bloom and Max Mayer were active in civic life in Iowa City. Bloom served as mayor in 1874 and
was elected to the state legislature in 1877 and 1879. Mayer was Iowa City postmaster for a time and was a
promoter of athletics at the State University of Iowa where he was sometimes referred to as the “father of Iowa
football.”
As Svendsen notes, in 1919 the Blooms sold the north half of the original building to Arthur M. and Florence
Ewers. A.M. Ewers had relocated to Iowa City from Albia, Iowa in 1915, at which time he leased the Furbish
Block at 101 S. Clinton Street. News accounts note that Ewers and family were “lured [to Iowa] by the
University’s advantages” – undoubtedly, the proximity of the Furbish Block to the campus and commercial
downtown had something to do which his choice to lease that specific property (ICPC, 08/12/1915).
Arthur Ewers and his sons, Glenn and Roy, had multiple retail enterprises in the Iowa City downtown. Known as
“the Corner Store” the Furbish Block accommodated A.M. Ewer & Co., shoes from 1915 through 1923. In 1921
Ewers purchased the Drico Cash Grocery at 105 S. Clinton, just south of the Corner Store. The family operated
their Economy Store from that storefront for many years. In 1946, the Ewers completed a renovation of the
property that included “two connected rooms facing Clinton” (105-107) and re-facing of the storefronts with
“wine and beige Carrara glass” (ICPC, 09/1/1946). The remodeled storefronts were occupied by Ewers Footwear,
which remained at that location (105-107) through at least 1960. A few short years later, the entire block of
buildings was razed as part of the city’s urban renewal efforts. The block is now occupied by the Old Capitol
Mall.
Image 07. Historic Image – ca.1965
(Image courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.)
Arthur M. Ewers and his family had multiple retail enterprises. When he came to Iowa City from Albia in 1915, Ewers leased
the Furbish Block on the southwest corner of Clinton and Washington Streets (101 S. Clinton), which is seen here at the far
end of the block. Although he purchased the north half of Bloom’s building (28) in 1919, A.M. Ewer & Co. remained in the
Furbish Block through 1923 when Ewers moved into their newly remodeled building at 28 S. Clinton. In 1921 Ewer’s
Economy Store opened at 105 S. Clinton (noted above). Ewers continued doing business from 105-107 S. Clinton (first as
Ewer’s Economy Store, then as Ewer’s Footwear Shop) through at least 1960.
]
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 8
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Figure 03. Insurance Map – 1920
(SOURCE: Sanborn Company Fire Insurance Map, 1920.)
In 1920, the north half of the building (28) was occupied by a “variety” shop – the Shiley Variety Store. The building
retained iron posts on the 1st floor (noted on earlier maps), suggesting that there was not a solid wall separating the storefronts
at 28 and 30. The map notes an interior opening between the two sides of the building was found on the 3rd floor.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 9
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Figure 04. Insurance Map – 1926
(SOURCE: Sanborn Company Fire Insurance Map, 1920.)
Though difficult to read here, the 1926 fire map notes “E” near the north wall, indicating an elevator where none had
previously existed. This supports newspaper accounts that Ewer’s 3rd floor bargain department was accessible by elevator –
an enhancement apparently made in 1923 when the building was remodeled for occupancy by Ewer’s. The map also notes the
closure of an interior, third floor opening between the building’s two bays and a small alteration at the rear of the building –
likely made at the time Ewers remodeled in advance of opening their business at this location.
Although A.M. Ewers purchased the building at 28 S. Clinton in 1919, the storefront remained occupied by Shiley
Variety Store until 1923. At that time, Ewers advertised a “Shiley stock clearing sale” with notice that the
building was to be remodeled for a new tenant: A.M. Ewers & Co. Ewers aimed to open for business in his newly
renovated home in April, 1923 (ICPC, 04/19/1923). Ewers took full advantage of his new 3-story space, adding
an elevator as part of the renovations. The store featured men’s and women’s shoes on the first floor, children’s
shoes and women’s “High Shoes” on the second, and variety stock (toys, games, books, dishes, hosiery, etc.) on
the 3rd floor. Recognizing the potential hesitation of patrons to take stairs to the third floor, Ewers advertised
elevator access to the upper stories (ICPC, 08/07/1923).
In ca.1947, A.M. Ewers & Co. became known as Ewers Men’s Store. In the 1980s the business was operated by
Dwane and Jean (Ewers) Noser. Ewers Men’s Store remains in business at 28 S. Clinton in 2017.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 10
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
9. Major Bibliographic References (2001)
Iowa City city directories.
Property Transfer Records, Johnson County Auditor’s Office.
Tax Assessor’s Records, City of Iowa City Assessor.
Summary Sheets, 28 South Clinton, Urban Revitalization Act Study Area Survey, 1981.
Sanborn maps, 1874, 1879, 1888, 1892, 1899, 1906, 1912, 1920, 1926, 1933, and 1933 updated to 1970.
Weber, Irving, “Clinton Street Famous for Many Clothing Stores,” Iowa City Press-Citizen, July 26, 1980.
2017 References
Iowa City Public Library. Digital Photograph collection. http://history.icpl.org.
Iowa City Then & Now. Publisher unknown.
Mansheim, Gerald. Iowa City: an illustrated history. Norfolk, VA: The Donning Company, 1989.
State Historical Society of Iowa. Iowa City. Photograph Collection.
Slonneger, Marybeth. Finials: A View of Downtown Iowa City. Iowa City: Hand Press, 2015.
Svendsen, Marlys A. “Survey and Evaluation of the Central Business District.” Prepared for the Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission, 2001.
Svendsen, Marlys A. “Moses Bloom, Clothing”: 52-01058.” Iowa Site Form, 2001.
Historical Timeline
1901 City Directory: Bloom & Mayer, clothiers 26 to 30 S. Clinton
1904 City Directory: No listing for Bloom, no City Directory
Mayer, Max, prop good clothes store, 28-30 S. Clinton
1909 City Directory: Sarah Bloom (wid Moses) r 116 S Dodge
Max Mayer, clothier and furnisher “Max Mayer Clothing House”, 28-30 S. Clinton
1911 City Directory: Max Mayer, Clothing House (clothier, furnisher & merchant tailor), 28-30 S. Clinton
1915 City Directory: Bloom-Mayer Clothing Co., 28 S. Clinton
Mrs. Julia B Mayer, Pres., Max Mayer, V.Pres., Robt. E Bloom, Sec-Treas.
Iowa Book Store, John T. Ries Proprietor, 30 S. Clinton
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 11
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Local snippets: Iowa City Press Citizen, 08/12/1915
“A.M. Ewers of Albia has leased the Furbish block, opposite the Johnson County Savings
Bank for a shoe business.”
Advertisement: “A Little Shoe Talk,” Iowa City Press Citizen, 09/09/1915.
Ewers opening a new shoe store on 09/11 – no location noted.
Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 10/07/1915
A.M. Ewers & Co., Men’s & Women’s Shoes
101 S. Clinton Street … the “Furbish Building”
1918 City Directory: No Bloom-Mayer (business or Robert E. Bloom); Max Mayer, postmaster
28 – Vacant
30 – Iowa Book Store
1919 City Directory: No Blooms
28 – HB Shiley Co.
30 – Iowa Book Store
“A.M. Ewers Buys Bloom Building,” Iowa City Press Citizen, 07/11/1919.
Sidney Bloom building on Clinton just north of Washington and now occupied by the Shiley
Variety Store. For many years, occupied by Bloom-Mayer Clothing Store.
Building had a 20-foot frontage and 62-foot depth.
Legal Notice, Iowa City Press Citizen, 08/01/1919
Deed transfer from Sidney Bloom to A.M. Ewers, Part Lot 6 in Block 80, $13,500
1920 Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 06/24/1920
A.M. Ewers & Co. at 101 S. Clinton
Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 12/01/1920
A.M. Ewers & Co. at 101 S. Clinton
1921 Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 02/05/1921
A.M. Ewers & Co. at 101 S. Clinton
“Ewers buys Drico Cash Grocery,” Iowa City Press Citizen, 09/09/1921.
Drico Cash Grocery was located at 105 S. Clinton, south of their store at 101 S. Clinton.
1922 City Directory: 28 – HB Shiley Co. and Iowa Typewriter Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
105 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
107 – LeRoy Spencer
1923 Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 03/07/1923
“Prices Slashed at Closing Out Sale” of the H.B. Shiley variety stock (28 S. Clinton).
Former Shiley building being remodeled for the Ewers shoe store
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 12
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 04/18/1923
“Announcement” new shoe store (A.M. Ewers & Co.) open on April 19 at 28 S. Clinton
Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 07/11/1923
“Closing Out Sale” Lease on the building at 101 S. Clinton (anecdotally referred
to as “The Corner Store”) expiring – all stock, including store tables and fixtures for sale
Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 08/07/1923
“Bargain Shoes”
Third floor (elevator access) of 28 S. Clinton open as bargain department –including
“complete line of variety stock” which included cups, saucers, etc.
Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 11/22/1923
A.M. Ewers & Co.
1st Floor: Men’s & Women’s shoes
2nd Floor: Children’s & Women’s “High Shoes”
3rd Floor: Variety stock – toys, games, books, dishes, hosiery, etc.
1924 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Student Supply Store
105 – Corey & Valentine
107 – Harmoney Hall & LeRoy Spencer
1926 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Vacant
105 – Corey & Valentine
107 – Harmony Hall & LeRoy Spencer
1928 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – John G. Fink
105 – Corey & Co.
107 – Harmony Hall & LeRoy Spencer
1930 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – John G. Fink
105 – Corey & Co.
107 – Vacant
1932 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery Store No. 1
105 – Home Grocery
107 – Fredk. Zitelman, upholstery
1934 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery No. 1
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 13
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
105 – Ewers Economy Shoe Store
107 – Wm. Peterson, barber & Vogue Beauty Shop
1939 Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 07/28/1939
Ewers Economy Store
105 S. Clinton Street
1936 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery No. 1
105 – Ewers Economy Shoe Store
107 – Wm. Peterson, barber
1938 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery No. 1
105 – Ewers Economy Shoe Store
107 – Wm. Peterson, barber & Grace Armstrong, beauty shop
1940 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery No. 1
105 – Ewers Economy Shoe Store
107 – Wm. Peterson, barber & Cleonas Beauty Shop
1942 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery No. 1
105 – Ewers Economy Shoe Store
107 – Wm. Peterson, barber & Cleonas Beauty Shop
1943 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery No. 1
105 – Ewers Economy Shoe Store
107 – Wm. Peterson, barber & Cleonas Beauty Shop
1946 City Directory: 28 – A.M. Ewers & Co.
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery No. 1
105-107 – Ewers Economy Shoe Store
“Expand Shoe Store Here. New Double Front to Adorn Ewers Property on S. Clinton Street.”
Iowa City Press Citizen, 09/11/1946.
The property was located at 105-107 S. Clinton (formerly Drico Cash Grocery, which Ewers purchased in
1921 and operated as Ewers’ “Economy Store”). The former shoe store at 28 S. Clinton moved to this
location, which was managed by Glen G. Ewers.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 14
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
1947 “Ewer’s Footwear Shop Opens on Clinton Street,” Iowa City Press Citizen, 02/25/1947.
The building at 105-107 S. Clinton was completely remodeled, inside and out, with a double-wide, 48-
foot storefront sheathed in wine and beige Carrara glass. The former shoe store at 28 S. Clinton was
remodeled as a men’s apparel store.
1949 City Directory: 28 – Ewers Men’s Store
30 – Ries Iowa Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery No. 1
105-107 – Ewers Shoe Store
1954 City Directory: 28 – Ewers Men’s Store
30 – Hawkeye Book Store
101 – Economy Cash Grocery No. 1
105-107 – Ewers Shoe Store
1960 Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 06/17/1960
Ewer’s Footwear
105-107 S. Clinton Street
Advertisement: Iowa City Press Citizen, 06/30/1960
Ewer’s Men’s Store
28 S. Clinton Street
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01058
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 15
Ewers Men's Store Johnson
Name of Property County
28 S. Clinton Street Iowa City
Address City
11. Additional Documentation
Legal Description: beg. 20’ south of NW cor. of Lot 6, east 62’4”, south 20.43’, west 62’4”, north 20.43’
Assessor: PIN 1010311022
Lat/Long: 41.660620/-91.534355
Parcel Map – 2017