| Insurance Building History | ||
|
STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION PDF
|
The Insurance Building, located on the corner of Douglas and 1st Streets in Ellsworth, Kansas, will become the future home of the National Drover’s Hall of Fame. The building was constructed in 1887 to house the firm of Wellington and Brundage. It is a well-known landmark to the citizens of Ellsworth with its signature oriel window protruding off the southwest corner of the second floor. At the time it was built, its architecture was considered to be “the most modern business building on Douglas Avenue” (Grothusen). The Victorian Station states that prior to the Victorian, Greek revival was exclusively used for public buildings due to its attributes of dignity and simplicity. The Victorian Architectural period spanned from 1825-1900. The designs were inspired from “history, nature, geometry, theory, and personal inspiration”. Post Civil War Victorian buildings tended to be more complex in design becoming “elaborate and flamboyant”. This resulted in main styles such as Italianate and Queen Anne. (about.com) The Queen Anne style became fashionable during the 1880’s and 1890’s. It was made to suit the generation carrying out the Industrial Revolution. (about.com) One of the characteristics is window variety. They include “one-over-one double hung sash, bay, stained glass, and round arched”. There was also the “Queen Anne” Window that was made up of one large pane of glass surrounded by smaller colored panes of glass. Another prominent feature of the style is the circular tower that is usually on the corner of the building. It is topped with a “candle-snuffer” peaked roof. (Becker) The Queen Anne Style has many sub-styles, one being the Patterned Masonry. It is commonly found in the city and has brick, stone, or terra-cotta masonry walls. The masonry may be ornate whereas the wood has little decorative qualities. (about.com) The Insurance Building for the most part is Patterned Masonry Queen Anne Victorian style. Some characteristics are adopted from the Italianate style with its balanced, symmetrical façade, an emphasis of building’s vertical proportions, a side bay window, double doors that are heavily molded, and Roman arches above windows and door openings. (about.com)
Insurance Building Timeline 1887 - E.W. Wellington partners with M.K. Brundage to create a real estate and loan office (Wellington and Brundage) located in Ellsworth. January 1887 - They buy land from Leo Herzig on the corner of Douglas Avenue. June 1887 - The construction of the building's foundation was contracted to Frank Easterly. December 1887 - The firm moves to new rooms in the basement of the insurance building. February 1888 - Central National Bank moves into the majority of the first floor. Ira E. Lloyd moves his law office into the building. April 1890 - Wellington buys out Brundage's interest in the business and conducts alone. June 1891 - Wellington hires Boyers to lay down flag stone pavement round the Douglas Avenue place. 1895 - Attorney C.F. Evans occupied the first floor, Attorneys Lafferty and Sternberg and Dr. Harry O'Donnell, the second floor, and a restaurant was in the basement. November 1899 - Bank and office on the first floor, offices on the second floor, and a lunch room in the basement. 1903 - M. Arnold purchases the building. Building is known as the "Arnold Building." July 1905 - The Citizens Bank moves into space that was vacated by the Central National Bank in 1902. 1912 - The Citizens Bank relocates and moves out of the Arnold Building. 1920 - W. E. Woods purchases the Building. 1929 - Building is remodeled. 1930s - The first grocery store chain comes to Ellsworth. Safeway occupies the first floor of the building. 1940s - Dr. Lewis's Dental Office is on the second floor with the oriel window as part of the waiting room. 1946 - During WWII, the second floor housed service and defense personnel. Western Auto store was located in the building. 1950-1960 - Bob Dryden opens a used furniture outlet. 1971 - John Tanton purchases the building from the Woods. A laundromat occupied the space. 1987 - Mervyn Harms purchases the building.
|
