HomeMy WebLinkAbout52-01558_19-21 S Dubuque_Scanlon SaloonSite Inventory Form State Inventory No. 52-01558 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 J. W. Scanlon Saloon/Maresh & Holubar Tin Shop
other names/site number Discount Records, Whetstone's No. 3, Mott's Drugstore
2. Location
street & number 19-21 S. Dubuque 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 L7 & 8
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
01B DOMESTIC/multiple dwelling (upper floor) 01B DOMESTIC/multiple dwelling (upper floor)
7. Description
Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Materials (Enter categories from instructions)
05B LATE VICTORIAN/Italianate foundation 04 STONE
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 19-21 S. Dubuque Street Site Number 52-01558
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
05 COMMERCE 1874 check if circa or estimated date
Other dates
02 ARCHITECTURE 1875
Significant Person Architect/Builder
(Complete if National Register Criterion B is marked above) Architect
Builder
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, Architectural Historian
organization AKAY Consulting date 10/2017
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 52-01558
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 1
J. W. Scanlon Saloon/Maresh & Holubar Tin Shop Johnson
Name of Property County
19-21 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City
Address City
7. Property Description
This 2-story commercial building represents the south and center thirds of the original three-bay building that
extended from 17-21 S. Dubuque Street. Built in phases, a unifying cornice may have been installed when the
building’s two halves were completed. The south third was newly in place on the 1874 fire insurance map and the
north two-thirds were completed sometime between 1874 and 1879. An examination of property transfer records
indicates that the three storefront sections had separate owners as follows: #21 in 1874, #19 in 1876, and #17 in
1877. This confirms the earlier appearance of the south third and the likelihood that the combined building was in
place by 1879 as shown on fire insurance maps with each third under separate ownership (Svendsen, 2001).
This mid-block commercial building has a Late Victorian Italianate style design with a continuous metal cornice
connecting the three-bay building. The cornice pattern consists of semi-circular arches, keystones, and brackets.
Given the fact that a noted Iowa City metal fabricating firm, Maresh & Holubar, owned the south bay of the
building and had their tin shop located here by 1875, it is possible that they were responsible for the cornicework.
The walls are clad in red brick with semi-circular brick window arches above the three windows contained in the
upper level of each bay. The windows in the south third are currently configured with a pointed arched pattern
inset in the round-topped upper sash of the double-hung windows. The center third has 1/1 round top double-hung
sash although it is likely that the original sash were multi-light as shown in (21). Both storefronts are modified
with (19) containing a recessed shop window and entrance showing that has been partially stripped of black
cararra glass tiles. (21) has entrances to either side of a plate glass display window with vertical channel cut siding
over the signboard area. Both building bays have crown moldings (differing heights) separating the storefronts
from the upper levels. Irving Weber notes that a 20-ft. tall sidewalk clock once stood in front of (21) (Weber, Vol
1., p. 88). The building has a stone foundation with masonry walls constructed of red brick. Changes include
storefront modification and window changes at unknown dates (Svendsen, 2001).
In 2017 the building remains largely as described in 2001, with some notable alterations. The upper story
windows have been replaced. Each arched window opening is now filled with contemporary sash configured as a
pair of narrow, fixed panes with an arched transom. Although far from the historic configuration, the current
windows do retain the full shape of the windows. It also appears that the storefront cornice and sign board have
been altered – where previously noted as at differing heights, the current cornice is consistent across both
storefronts. Notably, unlike the northern third of this building, the brick of this section remains unpainted; the
visual result is a more fully articulated façade with cornice elements underscored by the contrast between them
and the brick. The first story is currently occupied by Z’Marik’s Noodle Café currently occupies (19) and
Daydreams is located in (21). It appears that the upper story is occupied by housing.
Image 01. View of the façade (east elevation), looking west across S. Dubuque Street.
(Image by AKAY Consulting, August 2017)
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01558
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 2
J. W. Scanlon Saloon/Maresh & Holubar Tin Shop Johnson
Name of Property County
19-21 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City
Address City
Image 02. View of the façade (east elevation), looking west across S. Dubuque Street.
(Image by AKAY Consulting, August 2017)
8. Statement of Significance
This building represents two-thirds of the original building, which has undergone modifications typical for
commercial buildings pre-dating 1900. Although the loss of historic windows and alterations of the storefronts
prevent individual eligibility for the National Register, the building remains an important example of an early
commercial building expressive of the Victorian era Italianate. The building is considered a contributing resource
to a potential historic district, significant under Criterion A in association with the history of Iowa City commerce
and under Criterion C in association with its period of construction and architectural style.
Historical Background
As originally laid out, Dubuque Street was a major north-south street entering the central business district from
the north. However, this fact was in conflict with the configuration of lots in the east half of Block 80, which were
oriented towards Washington Street and Iowa Avenue. The strong pull of the Dubuque Street corridor won out
with buildings erected on lots reconfigured for east-west orientations.
The south bay (21) of the building likely dates from shortly before or after 1874. This is confirmed by property
transfer records that show that the lot was transferred from John R. VanFleet to Maresh and Holubar in August of
that year and the fire insurance map dated August 1874 shows the building in place with the notation “to be tin
shop,” an indication that it was probably under construction when the map maker was collecting information.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01558
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 3
J. W. Scanlon Saloon/Maresh & Holubar Tin Shop Johnson
Name of Property County
19-21 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City
Address City
Sanborn maps show (21) several retail uses beginning with a tin shop in 1879. City directories for 1875-76 and
1878-79 list Maresh and Holubar’s stove and tinware business at this location. As was noted above, the combined
cornice for 17-21 may have been a product of Maresh and Holubar whose work is well-known in Iowa City.
When they sold (21) to Joseph Barborka and relocated to E. Washington Street in 1882, their new building was
clad in highly ornamental cast iron and pressed tin (212-214 E. Washington, non-extant). Joseph Barborka had
operated a jewelry store at 9 S. Dubuque before moving to this storefront. Large scale clock work appears to have
been one of Barborka’s specialties having built and/or installed the tower clock at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in
1867 (Weber, Vol. 1., p. 89) as well as a large sidewalk clock in front of his store which was a downtown
landmark in the decades before 1900. By 1901 the business included Wilhelmina Barborka as a metal engraver
and Joseph as both a jeweler and optician. The exact nature of another listing at this address – the “Western
Tower Clock Manufactory” – is unknown (Svendsen, 2001).
Image 03. Historic Image: View looking north along S. Dubuque Street toward Iowa Avenue – ca.1893
(Image courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.)
Barborka appears to have retired from the business a short time later and rented the shop space to John D.
Reichardt and his wife who operated a confectionery selling candy and later ice cream from this location. A candy
kitchen was located at the rear with display cases in front and an ice cream parlor in between. Reichardt
specialized in chocolates including an Iowa City favorite called “Palmetto” which according to Irving Weber,
“had a cream center with a Mexican vanilla flavor and was hand dipped with an imported German Chocolate
liquor coating.” A hard candy specialty was the liquorice flavored “coal candy” which the Reichardts dispensed
from a coal bucket (Weber, Vol. 1., p. 89).
In 1916 the property was sold to George Falk but the Reichardts continued their tenancy. After World War I
Herbert Reichardt and his wife took over the business and gradually began to place greater emphasis on food
service and the soda fountain. By 1930 the business was operating as “Reich’s Chocolate Shop and Café” with
John Reichardt as proprietor, Herbert as manager and George as assistant manager. The restaurant was popular
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01558
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 4
J. W. Scanlon Saloon/Maresh & Holubar Tin Shop Johnson
Name of Property County
19-21 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City
Address City
with university students many of whom worked jobs to earn their board. During the 1920s lunchtime and
weekend evening concerts would be performed here by a local ensemble and pick-up musicians. In 1951 a fire
occurred and the business was sold out of the Reichardt family a short time later.
The center bay (19) of the building likely dates from between 1874 and 1876 when John VanFleet owned the lot
or immediately after he sold it to James Scanlon in 1876. The north two-thirds (17 and 19) were in place on the
fire insurance map for 1879. Fire insurance maps and the city directory for that year confirm the presence of a
saloon at (19) with J. W. Scanlon, proprietor. Scanlon sold the property to Charles Weber in 1880 who in turn
sold it to Moses Bloom, a prominent downtown clothier, in 1884. By 1883 the fire insurance map shows a
restaurant added to the saloon business and five years later in 1888 the fire insurance map lists only the restaurant.
The restaurant business was short lived with directories and fire insurance maps confirming occupancy by a J.F.
Kostelecky’s furniture store by 1892-93.
By 1901 city directories show F.J. Schneider operating a furniture and undertaking business from (19). William
Hohenschuh eventually took over this business and maintained this site until his new building was constructed at
13 S. Linn Street in 1917. Hohenschuh was described by Irving Weber as “a state and national figure in the
funeral business, serving two terms (1894-95) as president of the national association. He was considered a ‘living
encyclopedia on mortuary matters’ by the funeral directors association lecturing and conducting schools on
embalming in 40 states” (Weber, Vol. 1, pp. 87-88).
In 1919 members of the Bloom family sold (19) to George Falk who already owned the portion of the building to
the south. (19) was converted to a Whiting’s Drug Store which operated here until 1925 when Robert Whetstone
leased the location for “Whetstone’s No. 3.” By 1926 this was one of three downtown locations for Whetstone
Drugstores (#1 at 32 S. Clinton St. and #2 at 132 S. Dubuque St.). A new soda fountain was installed by
Whetstone’s and Charles E. Mott was made manager. In ca. 1940 Mott purchased the business and renamed it
Mott’s Drug Store. It continued to operate as a family business including Charles’ son John Mott and John’s
children, Lisa and Brent. Weber notes that Mott Durg’s soda fountain that was famous for thick malted milks was
removed in 1950 (Weber, Vol. 1, p. 88). Retail tenants have changed frequently in the past several decades
(Svendsen, 2001).
Image 04. Historic Image: View looking south along S. Dubuque Street from Iowa Avenue – 1929
(Image courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City.)
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01558
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 5
J. W. Scanlon Saloon/Maresh & Holubar Tin Shop Johnson
Name of Property County
19-21 S. Dubuque 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, 17 & 21 South Dubuque, 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. “Business Community Stability: Three Generations in Business,” Iowa City Press-Citizeni, Iowa
City, Iowa, April 20, 1985.
Weber, Irving. Irving Weber's Iowa City - Volume 1. Iowa City, Iowa: Iowa City Lions Club, 1976, pp. 87-89.
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. “52-01558.” Iowa Site Form, 2001.
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
State Historical Society of Iowa Site Number 52-01558
Iowa Site Inventory Form Related District Number
Continuation Sheet
Page 6
J. W. Scanlon Saloon/Maresh & Holubar Tin Shop Johnson
Name of Property County
19-21 S. Dubuque Street Iowa City
Address City
11. Additional Documentation
Legal Description: Original Town, Block 80, South 40’ of North 60’ of Lot 8.
Assessor: 002+1010311036-037 (both parcels owned by Macht Inc.)
Latitude/Longitude: 41.660566, -91.533349
Parcel Map – 2017
28 120132121-12311711023
1121
12410-12-14
32
19-21
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9119
17
13-15
114-11612611115
16 1138
30
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11818-20
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128-130CLINTONDUBUQUEWASHINGTON
IOWA
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