National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Fire stone Tire and Rubber SPuttore Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indianan County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001702 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 215

State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this _X__ additional documentation ___ move ___ removal ___ name change (additional documentation) ___ other meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

National Park Service Certification I hereby certify that this property is: entered in the National Register determined eligible for the National Register determined not eligible for the National Register removed from the National Register __ additional documentation accepted other (explain:) ______

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

Section number F Page 216

FIRESTONE TIRE AND RUBBER STORE Owner: LANDMARK CENTER LLC 900 Main Street 915 Main St Ste 201, Evansville, IN 47708 1930

DESCRIPTION:

The Firestone Tire and Rubber store building is located at 900 Main Street and occupies the entire block along NW Ninth Street, on the north corner Main and NW Ninth Streets and the east corner of Sycamore and NW Ninth Streets. This one-and-a-half story, Art Deco-style building is constructed out of brick and concrete and features a flat roof and an irregular form. Exterior walls are painted brick with a decorative belt course featuring an Art Deco-style intersecting pyramidal shape with scroll base at each corner, except for the east façade. Exterior walls below the fenestration on the northwest corner, west façade, and on the southwest corner are constructed of rough-faced, painted concrete block. A wide painted band with corner pilasters is positioned below the belt course in these areas.

The northwest corner of the north façade has a recessed area with a flat roof porch supported by two steel beams set atop a cylindrical concrete base. The flat roof porch has a wide cornice with a decorative band on the eave. Beneath the roof are two multilight, metal and plexiglass roll-up garage bay doors on the north façade and two aluminum, triptych fixed windows on the west façade. The area surrounding the triptych windows is clad in vertical wood siding. Below the northwest corner of the roof is an angled wall featuring a single-paned, aluminum door and an aluminum framed, triptych window, offset west. The area surrounding the entrance and windows is clad in vertical wood siding. East of the angled wall is an aluminum framed triptych window surrounded by vertical wood siding. West of the two garage bays, beneath the flat roof projection, in a single-paned, aluminum door with fixed transom and fixed picture window offset east. The adjacent angled wall features a single mullioned, fixed aluminum window. The outer north and south bays located on the west façade feature a fixed aluminum, framed picture window. The angled southwest corner of the building features a single mullioned aluminum framed window.

The southwest corner of the south façade features a recessed area with a flat roof porch supported by two steel beams set atop a cylindrical concrete base. The roof features a wide cornice with recessed panels. Beneath the roof, offset west, is a single-paned, aluminum door with a fixed transom. East of the entrance is a fixed aluminum picture window. Two multilight, metal and plexiglass roll-up garage bays and an aluminum, four-light aluminum awning window are present on the south façade below the flat roof porch. Five bays of one-over-one, single- hung windows have been painted over on the west façade and are flanked by two secondary entrances. The south façade features a roll up-garage door, which has been painted.

Section number F Page 217

The east façade has a slight stepped parapet. Seven bays of four-vertical light metal awning windows are offset north below the eave in the upper half-story. Additional fenestration includes multi-light fixed windows, offset north, on the first story. An interior brick chimney is on the east façade, offset north.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Constructed in 1930 to accommodate Evansville’s growing transportation economy, the Firestone and Rubber Store is an example of the change from utilitarian buildings in the city that served the same purpose to Modern Movement designed buildings. Elements such as the Art Deco stylized brickwork separates this building from the previously constructed transportation related buildings in Evansville.

Harvey S. Firestone founded the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in 1900 in Akron, Ohio, which quickly became a household name. The company arrived in Evansville in 1928, establishing itself at the 900 Main Street location. Goodyear Tire, another large tire company, arrived the same year. Architects Fowler and Karges of Evansville designed the modern building. Before starting their own firm, Fowler and Karges were employed by Clifford Shopbell & Company. The company designed several other significant buildings in Evansville, such as the Municipal Market, Old Fellwock Auto building, and the Masonic Temple. Much like the Old Fellwock Auto building, the design of the Firestone & Rubber Company building included large windows to provide the interior showroom with natural light. The showroom also featured 300- candle floodlights to create an appealing environment for customers.

The Firestone Tire and Lumber Store is historically significant under Criteria A and C of the NRHP. The building is significant under Criterion A for its contribution to the growing transportation and commerce industries in Evansville during the twentieth century. It is significant under Criterion C for its distinctive Art Deco architectural style. Since its construction in 1930, the building has retained its historic integrity and has not undergone any major alterations.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 450291 E 4203193 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-29-021-006.019-029

References: 1983 Stern, Douglas L. “Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. Service Store.” State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Fire stone Tire and Rubber SPuttore Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indianan County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001702 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 218

2020 Firestone “The History of Firestone Tires” https://www.firestonetire.com/heritage. Accessed 2020 February 13.

PHOTOS:

The one-stop master station of the Firestone Service Stores, Evansville Courier, April 27, 1930 Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=commercial%2FFirestone+%281930%29.jpg NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Fire stone Tire and Rubber SPuttore Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indianan County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001702 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 219

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0082 Firestone Tire and Rubber store building at 900 Main Street, east view

Section number F Page 220

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0083 Firestone Tire and Rubber store building at 900 Main Street, north view

Section number F Page 221

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0084 Firestone Tire and Rubber store building at 900 Main Street, northwest view

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Huber Motor Sales BuildingPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001715 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 222

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

Section number F Page 223

HUBER MOTOR SALE BUILDING Owner: CHESTNUT STREET PROPERTIES I LLC 215-219 SE Fourth Street 215 SE Fourth Street, Evansville, IN 47713 1916

DESCRIPTION:

The Huber Motor Sale Building located at 215-219 SE Fourth Street is a two-story, two-part block commercial building constructed of brick. The rear (west) façade of the building has a one- story addition attached. Research and aerial views show that the addition has a pyramidal glass skylight. The north façade shares a party wall with the adjacent commercial buildings. The building has a flat roof with a straight parapet capped with stone blocks.

Exterior walls on the front (east) façade are white brick on the second story and red brick on the first story. Fenestration on the first story of the front façade features full-height ribbon windows with beveled concrete bulkheads and fixed frosted transoms with a diamond pattern. Offset south is an asymmetrical recessed area supported by a steel beam. Wood double-doors with an Art Deco design are positioned within the recessed area. The cornice of the first story has a row of soldier-oriented bricks with a stone keystone centered above each of the fixed windows and the entry opening. A simple limestone belt course separates the decorative brick row and a limestone sill course, which abuts the second story windows. Five bays of paired twenty-five light fixed windows are found on the second story of the front façade.

Exterior walls on the building’s south façade are red brick with white brick forming quoins at the southeast corner. A slightly inclining parapet, capped with stone blocks, and an interior brick chimney, offset east, is located on the two-story mass of the south façade. Fenestration on the south façade is comprised of twenty-light, fixed windows with limestone sills. A single-paned door with fixed transom is offset east while a metal slab door is offset west. The south façade of the one-story addition has a similar stone capped, slightly inclined parapet, fixed multi-light windows with a limestone sill, and a metal access door, offset west.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The automobile industry was booming in Evansville when the Huber Motor Sales building was constructed in 1916. Real estate investor William Gray hired local architects Shopbell & Company to design the commercial building on SE Fourth Street. Eli Huber’s Evansville Hupmobile dealership occupied the space from 1920 to 1937. Following Eli Huber’s departure, a grocery chain, a body shop, and office spaces occupied the building.

Section number F Page 224

The Huber Motor Sales building is historically significant under Criterion A for its association with Evansville’s automobile industry. The automobile industry was vital to Evansville’s economy during the twentieth century, which is evident in the growth of automobile related buildings that were constructed. The exterior of the Huber Motor Sales building has retained its historic integrity and is an example of prominent local architects, Shopbell & Company.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449968 E 420544 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-020.004-029

References: 1982 McCutchan, Kenneth P. At the Bend in the River: the story of Evansville. Windsor Publications, Inc., United States. 1982 Stern, Douglas L. “215-219 SE Fourth Street.” State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. 1998 Au, Dennis M., Joan C. Marchand, et al. Historic Evansville: A self-guided tour of Downtown Evansville, Indiana, Third Edition. City of Evansville, Department of Metropolitan Development.

Section number F Page 225

PHOTOS:

Advertisement for the Huber Motor Company Courtesy of the Evansville Journal, February 11, 1920, pg. 3.

Section number F Page 226

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0085 Huber Motor Sale Building at 215-219 SE Fourth Street, west view

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Old Fellwock Auto CompanyPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001735 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 227

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

Section number F Page 228

OLD FELLWOCK AUTO CO. Owner: Martin, Frederick H Iii & Townsend, Veronica J & P 214 NW Fourth Street 212 NW Fourth Street, Evansville, IN 47708 1922

DESCRIPTION:

The Art Deco-style Old Fellwock Auto Company building at 214 NW Fourth Street is a two- story, one-part vertical block commercial building with a limestone foundation and brick exterior walls with terra cotta details. The north façade shares a party wall with the adjacent commercial building. The building has a flat roof, a parapet capped with cast iron and two arched pediments, and a two-story addition attached to the west façade with a similar cast iron capped parapet. A decorative modillion and vertical terra cotta tiles are located below the pediments

Exterior walls on the front (east) façade and the south façade of the main two-story mass are clad in white brick. The addition’s south façade is red brick. The front façade features an open one bay by two bays (south façade) recessed area which shelters a roll-up automobile door on the recessed east façade, an angled entry door on the east façade, and a recessed wall of fixed windows. The two open bays on the west façade have brick columns with stone bases and an iron balustrade. An angled wall positioned within the recessed area features a single paned door and a full height fixed window. Two bays of full-height windows with stone bulkheads and stucco clad lintels are located on the south wall beneath the recessed area. The first story on the front façade features full-height ribbon windows and two full-height picture windows flanking a single-paned entrance, offset north. First floor fenestration is framed by vertical wood siding.

A green cast iron belt course is positioned above the first story and a terra cotta tile belt course is located below the eave on the front and south façades. Four bays of tryptic factory style windows with cast iron sills and soldier-oriented brick lintels are on the second story of the front façade. Two bays of the same windows are on the south façade of the main mass; however, the south façade of the addition also has the same tryptic factory style windows with cast iron sills, but does not have the upright brick lintels.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Designed by Shopbell & Company, the Old Fellwock Auto Company building was constructed in 1922 as the second of two locations built for the Fellwock Auto Company. Before becoming involved with the automotive industry, the Fellwock family were prominent figures in the furniture manufacturing industry. The Fellwock Automobile Manufacturing Company was NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Old Fellwock Auto CompanyPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001735 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 229

founded by William, Paul, and John Fellwock in 1907, a year before the main showroom and garage was constructed on Court Street.

Hiring the same architectural firm who designed the first showroom and garage on Court Street, Shopbell & Company (Harris of Harris & Shopbell had passed away since the construction of the first garage), the building follows the design concepts that are consistent in the firms aesthetics. Identifying features such as the emphasis on horizontal lines, green terra cotta ornamentation, and use of natural light. Modern features such as an automobile elevator that extends from the basement to the second floor depict the success of the family business by 1922.

The Old Fellwock Auto Company building is historically significant under Criterion A of the NHRP for its association with the growth of the automobile industry in Evansville. The building at 214 NW Fourth Street represents the success of the Fellwock Auto Company and the growth of automobile production in Evansville. The exterior of the building has retained its historic integrity and is an excellent example of a commercial building.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449668 E 4203041 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-023.004-029

References: 1998 Au, Dennis M., Joan C. Marchand, et al. Historic Evansville: A self-guided tour of Downtown Evansville, Indiana. Third Edition. 2019 Indiana Landmarks “Band of Brothers.” https://www.indianalandmarks.org/2019/01/fellwock-buildings-hint-at-evansvilles-auto-history/. Accessed 2020 February 14. 1982 Stern, Douglas L. “Fellwock Automobile Company Garage”. State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Old Fellwock Auto CompanyPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001735 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 230

PHOTOS:

New addition for auto agency. Fellwock Auto Company, Evansville Courier-Journal, February 24, 1924. Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=commercial%2FFellwock+Auto+%281924%2 9.jpg NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Old Fellwock Auto CompanyPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001735 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 231

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0086 Old Fellwock Auto Company building at 214 NW Fourth Street, southwest view NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Old Fellwock Auto CompanyPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001735 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 232

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0087 Old Fellwock Auto Company building at 214 NW Fourth Street, northwest view

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Pearl Steam Laundry Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001738 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 233

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

Section number F Page 234

PEARL STEAM LAUNDRY Owner: Korb, Daniel Laundry Co. 428 Market Street 428 NW Third Street, Evansville, IN 47708 1912

DESCRIPTION:

The Pearl Steam Laundry building is located at 428 Market Street and occupies the area between Sesame Street, W Bond Street, and NW Third Street. The two-story building is constructed of brick with a concrete foundation. A stepped parapet frames the flat roof on the north, east, and south facades. A large brick smokestack is offset south on the west façade. A one-story, flat roof addition is attached to the south façade and features a concrete block wall on the west façade, glass block windows, and a one-over-two single-hung sash window with iron security bars on the west façade.

The front (east) façade has three distinct sections, the south section has stone inset signage for the “STABLE”, the center section has stone inset signage for the “PEARL STEAM LAUNDRY”, and the north section has stone inset signage for the “OFFICE.” The east façade has three entrances. The south section features a set of historic double-door with twelve lights, flanked by historic twelve light windows. The north section features a set of metal double-door with single lights and a single paned door, sheltered by a canvas awning. Five bays of single mullioned fixed windows with stone sills and canvas awnings flank the north entrances. Remaining fenestration on the front façade are large factory-style, multi-light, colored and clear windows. The south section appears to have brick infilled windows on the second story and the opening above the entry doors has been infilled with plywood. A limestone entablature belt course separates first and second story windows.

The north façade of the building features an offset door with a single center light, one sidelight, and a square glass block transom. Fenestration on the north façade features five sets of paired, four-light casement windows with glass block transoms and concrete sills and four sets of paired four-light casement windows separated by a four-light fixed windows with concrete sills and glass block transoms. A metal sign is attached to the north façade and centered above the entry door, which is offset east. The roof line has a stepped parapet with stone coping.

The rear (west) façade features a one-story mass and a two-story mass, offset south, and each of the three sections visible on the east façade are separated on the west façade by a straight parapet with stone coping. A combination of four-light casement windows with glass block transoms with glass block transoms, paired four-light casement windows separated by a four-light fixed windows with concrete sills and glass block transoms, and fixed, eight-light windows with concrete sills and lintels are on the rear of the building. Three entrances on the one-story portion of the building feature single solid doors. The two-story portion features an original, double door NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Pearl Steam Laundry Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001738 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 235

with multiple lights and a cast iron lintel with rosettes on the first story. A wide single-door with paired eight lights and a stone sill and lintel are centered above the first-story entry on the second story. The south façade has a gable parapet with stone coping. Two shed roof second story additions are attached to the roof of the north section and a two-story, multi-gable addition is attached to the roof of the center section.

The interior of the building has experienced numerous alterations and features acoustic drop ceilings with inset fluorescent lights, tiled floors and wallpaper in the office spaces. The factory space features hardwood floors, hanging fluorescent lights, painted concrete walls and steel posts. A commemorative metal plaque is attached to the east façade.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The Pearl Steam Laundry building was designed by architect J. L. Wills and constructed by M. J. Hoffman Construction Co. in 1912. Research revealed that the Pearl Steam Laundry company was founded in 1896 by Daniel Korb (1865-1948) and Jacob Rust (1868-1939), who were both from farming families outside of Evansville and are believed to have met when employed at the Evansville Ice & Cold Storage Company in 1889. Korb and Rust invested $550 of their savings into an industry that at the time was typically run by small facilities and often out of individual residences.

As the Pearl Steam Laundry company grew, Korb and Rust found the need to relocate to larger, leased properties, which they did in 1897 and 1902. It wasn’t until the building on Market Street was erected in 1912 that the company had a permanent facility. Fortunately, by 1912, modern technology and manufacturing standards had advanced to a point where they impacted the building’s design. The gentlemen visited laundries in other cities to better understand new operational methods. To complete their vision, they hired a local architect, James L. Willis, to construct an 18,000 square foot, one-story facility. The incorporation of modern elements such as steam powered equipment (used until 1954), electric lighting, ventilation via roof monitors and operable window sashes, and sanitary drinking fountains signified the value Korb and Rust had for their employees. The strategic design of a one-story, laundry, commercial facility streamlined efficiency, allowing various departments such as sorting, marking, weighing, washing, drying, pressing, bundling, and routing to be methodically executed. The use of exterior brick masonry and steel sash windows provided the building with a modern look on the outside, while the incorporation of concrete floors, venting and cooling systems, and the separation of spaces reflected the advancements in twentieth century construction methods. These distinctive design considerations contribute to the historical significance of the Pearl Steam Laundry building, in which its form, plan, proportions, and style were carefully chosen to create a fully functioning industrial building that could fully house a commercial enterprise of this magnitude.

Section number F Page 236

Laundry facilities built before these innovations existed, but failed to keep up with demand, and many were forced to close their businesses by 1910. With less competition and the capability of delivering services more rapidly, business expenditures for the Pearl Steam Laundry were low, which allowed the owners to be conscientious of employee needs when constructing the 1912 building. Spaces in the building were designated by use, which included offices, a stable, a plant work room, dressing rooms, and private bathrooms. Once complete, the company increased employment from 70 to 100 service workers. Fair labor practices were employed, and health concerns were addressed on a corporate level, which was an innovation to industrial practices at the time. By 1928, Rust retired and Korb purchased the remaining interest, increasing his net worth to $150,000. The laundry facility continued to operate in the same location until it closed in 2017. As a building that embodies the distinctive characteristics of early twentieth century construction, the Pearl Steam Laundry building is eligible under Criterion C of the NRHP for its innovative design and use of modern construction practices.

The company continues to exist under the name Pearl Cleaners. The longstanding relationship between the Pearl Steam Laundry company and the City of Evansville, is directly correlated to its venerable existence during the twentieth century. As a large-scale commercial business within an industrial setting, Pearl Steam Laundry has had a lasting impression on Evansville Downtown, setting a precedent for similar businesses to provide amenities for their employees. As a company whose business of selling laundry services to families throughout Evansville has witnessed great success, the Pearl Steam Laundry building is eligible under Criterion A of the NRHP for its association with local commerce.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449578 E 4203142 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-029-025.001-029

References: 1910 Evansville City Directory. “Laundries”. 1912 Evansville Courier and Press. “Pearl Laundry About Complete”. October 6, 1923.

Section number F Page 237

PHOTOS:

Pearl Steam Laundry 1929 Advertisement, Evansville Courier, March 31, 1929 Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=commercial%2FPearl+Laundry+- +ad+%281929%29.jpg

Section number F Page 238

Pearl Steam Laundry sketch from a 1921 letter with Pearl Steam Laundry letterhead Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=commercial%2FPearl+Steam+Laundry+- +sketch.jpg NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Pearl Steam Laundry Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001738 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 239

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0088 The Pearl Steam Laundry building 428 Market Street, west view

Section number F Page 240

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0089 The Pearl Steam Laundry building 428 Market Street, south view

Section number F Page 241

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0090 The Pearl Steam Laundry building 428 Market Street, northeast view

Section number F Page 242

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0091 Interior of the Pearl Steam Laundry building 428 Market Street, west view

Section number F Page 243

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0092 Interior of the Pearl Steam Laundry building 428 Market Street, west view

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Ro elker, John H House Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001741 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 244

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

JOHN H. ROELKER HOUSE Owner: D&P LLC 555 Sycamore Street 1309 Carousel CT, Evansville, IN 47715 1858

DESCRIPTION:

The Federal-style, John H. Roelker House at 555 Sycamore Street is located on the south corner of Sycamore and NW Sixth Streets. The building is two stories in height, with a one-story addition attached to the rear (west) façade and is constructed of brick. Exterior brick walls are painted white and the north and east façades of the building feature a beveled broken coursed cut stone veneer half wall capped with a stone belt course. The building is rectangular in plan with a multi-eave, side-gabled roof clad in asphalt shingles. An interior brick chimney is located along the ridgeline of the north façade, and the north gable end has a parapet with stone coping. A second interior chimney is present on the south façade and adjacent to the abutting commercial building. The west and south facades of the house share a party wall with the abutting buildings. The west slope of the gable on the north façade is clad in clapboard. The rear one-story mass features a low-pitched shed roof with a second story addition attached to the roof and the west façade.

The front (east) façade of the building faces NW Sixth Street and features four symmetrical bays with the primary entrance, offset north, in the last bay. The wood paneled door features a Federal-style door surround with square pilasters and a flat entablature. The entry is accessed by a concrete stoop with four steps and a slightly curved wrought iron balustrade with scrolls beneath. South of the door are three bays of historic, six-over-six, double-hung windows. The second story of the building features four bays of six-over-six, double-hung windows.

The north façade features two bays of historic, six-over-six, double-hung windows on the first and second stories. Full-height, glass block windows are offset west on the second story and a glass block window with a stone sill is offset west on the first story. Two bays of historic six- over-one, double-hung windows with stone sills are positioned between a curved recessed entryway, that is centrally located on the north façade, and the first story glass block window. Two entrances and a brick stairway with a decorative curved steel stair accesses the second story and are positioned within the recessed area. A secondary doorway is in the outer west bay and features a wood paneled door with transom.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The John Henry Roelker House is historically significant under Criterion A of the NRHP for its association with the Eagle Foundry, an industrial/commercial enterprise with linkages to the Wabash-Erie Canal; under Criterion B of the NRHP for its association with John H. Roelker, an early settler, businessowner, and influential politician; and under Criterion C of the NRHP as NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Ro elker, John H House Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001741 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 246

being one of the last remaining examples of an antebellum, Federal-style residence in Downtown Evansville.

John H. Roelker (1816-1892) was born in Osnabruck, Hanover and immigrated to the United States prior to the first substantial wave of German immigration in the late 1840s. When he arrived in America, Roelker moves to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned his first trade, ironwork. After moving to Evansville in 1852, Roelker purchased land in the area and soon became a senior partner at the Eagle Foundry. Although the business was not significantly impacted by its proximity to the Wabash-Erie Canal, the Roelker House serves as one of the last remaining examples of a building constructed during a time when the canal made a substantial social and economic impact on the development of Evansville. The building represents an excellent example of an early dwelling built during the mid-nineteenth century in Evansville.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449961 E 4203009 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-033.017-029

References: 1892 Evansville Journal “J.H.Roelker Dead”. June 10, 1892. Page 5 1911 Gilbert, Frank M. “History of Vanderburgh County”. Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois.

PHOTOS:

Sixth Street at Sycamore Street, originally a residence built circa 1860, photo dated 1979 Courtesy of Willard Library, Digital Photo Collection

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0093 John H. Roelker House at 555 Sycamore Street, west view

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0094 John H. Roelker House at 555 Sycamore Street, southwest view

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0095 John H. Roelker House at 555 Sycamore Street, south view

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Kuebler -Artes Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84002895 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 251

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

KUEBLER-ARTES BUILDING Owner: GMPW COMMERCIAL LLC 327 Main Street 619 College Highway, Evansville, IN 47714 1915

DESCRIPTION:

The Chicago-style Kuebler-Artes Building located at 327 Main Street is a three story, rectangular, two-part vertical block narrow commercial building with a flat-roof and a crenellated parapet with a central decorative cartouche tile flanked by small inset cruciform tiles and stone coping. A projecting tile belt course with a square pattern and dentils underneath is located below the parapet. East and west walls of the building share a party wall with the adjacent commercial buildings. Exterior walls are a combination of painted brick and stone blocks.

The first story of the building features two, single pane doors with fixed transoms in the outer east and west bays. A fixed display window with a granite sill is positioned between the doors. A two mullioned transom spans the width of the enframed front façade. Flat, wide trim unifies the fenestration on the first story. The second and third stories feature large Chicago-style windows consisting of a center fixed window flanked by narrow fixed windows with a similar, but narrower transom. A tiled belt course is located below the second story window, and tiles frame the outer walls and windows on the second and third stories. Limestone tiles cover the space between the upper floor windows, while a decorative, fluted panel with a center diamond shaped tile and inset cruciform shapes is positioned above the third story windows.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Constructed in 1915, the Kuebler-Artes building is a Chicago-style example of a commercial design produced by Evansville architects Shopbell & Company. The architectural firm designed other significant buildings in Evansville such as the Fellwock Auto Company Building and the American Trust and Savings Bank. Inspired by the Prairie School concept, Shopbell & Company often used horizontal lines in their designs, which is evident in the Kuebler-Artes Building.

During the 1920s, the building was occupied by the jeweler, Charles Artes, who was a prominent figure in Evansville and active in community organizations, such as the treasurer for the Evansville Association for the Blind. The Jewelers’ Circular publication named Artes, “one of the pioneer jewelers of Evansville.” The building has remained a commercial building since its completion. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Kuebler -Artes Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84002895 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 253

The Kuebler-Artes building is eligible under Criterion C of the NRHP as a building that has retained its historic integrity. The resource displays elements of the Chicago style and represents the work of a leading Evansville architectural firm in the early twentieth century.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449844 E 4202783 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-022.012-029

References: 1998 Au, Dennis M., Joan C. Marchand, et al. Historic Evansville: A self-guided tour of Downtown Evansville, Indiana, Third Edition. City of Evansville, Department of Metropolitan Development. 1924 The Jewelers’ Circular, Vol. LXXX.VIII. No. I. The Jewelers’ Circular Publishing Company, New York. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Kuebler -Artes Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84002895 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 254

PHOTOS:

Citizens National Bank with the Artes Building adjacent to the north west façade, An Evansville Album, circa 1915 Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=commercial%2FCitizens+Bank+%28c1915%2 9.jpg NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Kuebler -Artes Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84002895 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 255

Charles F. Artes Advertisement 1922 NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Kuebler -Artes Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84002895 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 256

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0096 Kuebler-Artes Building at 327 Main Street, south view NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Kuebler -Artes Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84002895 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 257

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0097 Kuebler-Artes Building at 327 Main Street, southeast view NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Barrett-Bri tz Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001679 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 258

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Barrett-Bri tz Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001679 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 259

BARRETT BRITZ BUILDING Owner: JESSYS ON JENNINGS LLC 415 Main Street 17 W Jennings Street, Newburgh, IN 47630 1875

DESCRIPTION:

The Barrett-Britz Building at 415 Main Street is a three-story, brick, Italianate-style building. The two-part vertical block commercial building has a narrow, rectangular shape with a flat roof and wide eave. The parapet on the east façade is on an incline, sloping upwards towards the cornice on the front (north) façade. A gable pediment is centrally located on the roof. The cornice features paired dentils and brackets with wood panels in between. Exterior walls are painted brick.

The first story of the building features a cast iron storefront with an asymmetrical recessed single paned entry door, four fixed display windows, and vertical wood bulkheads. The entry also has hexagonal tile in the entry way, which leads into the interior of the building. Three panels of leaded glass transoms are located beneath a full-width structural steel beam with rosettes and signage. The second and third floors of the main façade feature two-over-two, double-hung windows with Italianate hoods. Third story windows feature flower boxes.

The first story storefront wraps onto the east façade, including a fixed display window, leaded glass transom, and steel beam with rosettes. The east façade features a combination of three- over-one and two-over-two double-hung windows with brick sills. Painted metal star anchor plates are attached to the east façade at the top of the third floor, between floors. A prominent neon-inspired sign spanning the height of the second and third stories in attached to the northeast corner of the building.

The building’s ornate interior includes historic tiled floors, gold tin ceilings, an Art Deco cornice, and an open steel stairway with a decorative vine and flower motif banister and hexagonal tiled steps. The second story features an exposed brick wall, stained glass windows, gold tin ceiling, and hardwood floors. The basement level features a wood bar, built-in wood shelving behind the bar, gold tin ceiling tiles, and historic hexagonal tiles floors.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The building at 415 Main Street was named for Germain immigrant, Jacob Britz, who is responsible for the Italianate façade that is present today. Prior to Britz acquiring the building, the building was owned by Peter Heberer. Britz operated a tanning business in Evansville, and his addition of the building’s ornate façade reflects his success in the area. Before moving to downtown Evansville, Britz and his family resided and worked in the German neighborhood, NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Barrett-Bri tz Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001679 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 260

Lamasco. The storefront at 415 Main Street expanded the family business, selling leather products as well as hardware and other supplies. The Britz family store continued business at this location until 1889 and Jacob Britz passed away seven years later.

The Barrett-Britz building is historically significant under Criterion C as an excellent example of Italianate architecture. Character defining features such as the narrow windows, elaborate wood window surrounds, and wide bracketed cornice are typical of Italianate architecture. The 1875 façade has been unaltered and well-preserved since it was constructed. In 1995, the interior was restored to its original grandeur. The building is also significant under Criterion A, as it represents the growth of Main Street following the Civil War and the progress of German immigrant entrepreneurs to Main Street Evansville.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449905 E 4202809 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-028.013-029

References: 1998 Au, Dennis M., Joan C. Marchand, et al. Historic Evansville: A self-guided tour of Downtown Evansville, Indiana, Third Edition. City of Evansville, Department of Metropolitan Development. 1982 Stern, Douglas L. “Britz Building”. State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Barrett-Bri tz Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 84001679 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number Section number F Page 261

PHOTOS:

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0098 Barrett-Britz Building at 415 Main Street, south view

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0099 Interior basement of the Barrett-Britz Building at 415 Main Street, south view

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0100 First floor interior of the Barrett-Britz Building at 415 Main Street, south view

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_101 Second floor interior of the Barrett-Britz Building at 415 Main Street, south view

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YMCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000128 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 265

State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this ___ additional documentation ___ move ___ removal ___ name change (additional documentation) ___ other meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

Section number F Page 266

YMCA Owner: YMCA OF SOUTHWESTERN INDIANA INC 203 NW Fifth Street 222 Northwest Sixth Street, Evansville, IN 47708 1913

DESCRIPTION:

The Italianate-style, three-part block YMCA building at 203 NW Fifth Street is a U-shaped building on the north corner of Vine and NW Fifth Streets. The building is constructed of sandstone and brick, is five stories tall with an above grade basement, and has a flat roof with a slight parapet. A wide eave features an entablature cornice with four brackets in the outer bays on the west and south façades. The first story on the south and west facades features a sandstone block base, terminating at an entablature ledgement. An entablature sill course is located below the second story windows and three, flat sandstone courses are positioned between the ledgement and sill course, breaking the windows. A curved bandcourse below the fifth story windows has a stone diamond attached to a band of basket weave bricks beneath it and above a stone block lintel course above the fourth story windows. The west façade features a slightly recessed center three bays between the outer three bays, with a title block reading, “YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION,” positioned beneath the fifth story curved band course and between bands of basket weave bricks with diamond patterns. A cornerstone at the southwest corner at the basement level has a mason’s crest is inscribed on the west façade and an inscription on the south façade with “ERECTED 1913.”

The west façade features a two-story, sandstone door surround on the center bay of the recessed entrance with a set of single-paned aluminum double-doors. Inscribed on the entablature of the entry surround of the door is “THE BUILDING OF MEN.” A shed-roof, canvas awning shelters the entryway. Flanking either side of the entrance are four, fixed basement windows and one- over-one, double-hung windows with painted transoms. The upper floors are nine bays wide with one-over-one, double-hung windows. The second story middle bay features a one-over-one double-hung window flanked by narrow one-over-one double hung windows in a tripartite arrangement. The upper stories windows in the center bay have a recessed panel flanking the one-over-one double-hung window. Fenestration on the third and fourth stories feature sandstone sills and the second and fifth story windows abut a decorative band course. The fifth story windows have a slightly arched stone block lintel with a center keystone.

The building’s south façade features a central entrance with a two-story sandstone door surround and a recessed entrance with a pair of single-paned aluminum double-doors. Inscribed on the entablature of the door surround is “BOYS.” A shed-roof canvas awning shelters the entrance. Flanking the doors are wood panels, and an infilled three-sectioned transom. The south façade is composed of three bays at each corner and a slightly recessed area of seven bays. The basement windows of the recessed portion are paired fixed windows and the outer bays are single fixed NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YMCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000128 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 267

windows. In addition, the recessed bays of the first story have paired one-over-one, double-hung windows with painted transoms and the outer three bays at each corner have one-over-one, double-hung windows with painted transoms. The building’s upper stories have one-over-one, double-hung windows, with the center bay having paired one-over-one, double-hung windows.

The building’s rear (north) façade is clad in red brick and features a three-story mass in the center of the U-shaped plan. Fenestration for this section is one-over-one, double-hung windows with stone sills, and the two outer west bays on the first story feature painted transoms. Basement window are fixed. The outer bays, offset east, feature a full-height fire escape. Fenestration on the west façade within the wings of the U shape are fixed picture windows with stone sills.

SIGNIFICANCE:

In 1844, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) organization was founded by twenty- two-year-old George Williams in London, England for the purpose of escaping the urban environment. Large numbers of young men moved to the city from rural areas during the Industrial Revolution seeking employment. Although the biblical focus of the organization transitioned over time, the emphasis on community remained. In 1851, Thomas Valentine Sullivan introduced the YMCA to the United States in Boston with a focus on mariners. Six years later the first YMCA was established in Evansville by Elias H. Sabin. The Civil War caused a temporary break in operation due to the founder’s absence, but the organization was once again in operation by 1876.

The building at 203 NW Fifth Street was the second YMCA building to be constructed in Evansville, following the first on the corner of Fourth and Sycamore Streets, which was constructed in 1891. The NW Fifth Street building was constructed in 1913 and was designed by the local firm of Shopbell & Company. The architectural firm was prominent in Evansville during the twentieth century, designing buildings such as the American Trust and Savings Bank, the Municipal Market, and the Kuebler-Artes Building.

The YMCA building is historically significant under Criterion A of the NRHP for its association with Evansville's social history and community development. Since its arrival in Evansville, the volunteer-based organization has provided youths with programs and has been vital to the community. As a building that has retained its historic integrity, the YMCA is significant under Criterion C as an example of Italianate-style architecture. The integrity of workmanship and materials has not been altered since its construction in 1913, despite being occupied by different organizations after 1981 when the YMCA moved to a new location on Court Street. Although the interior has been rehabilitated to accommodate the buildings new function, the exterior has had minimal changes. Masonry repairs have been recently conducted.

Section number F Page 268

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449832 E 4203103 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-035.004-029

References: 1998 Au, Dennis M., Joan C. Marchand, et al. Historic Evansville: A self-guided tour of Downtown Evansville, Indiana, Third Edition. City of Evansville, Department of Metropolitan Development. 2018 Smith, Daniel “History Lesson: Evansville YMCA.” Courier & Press. https://www.courierpress.com/story/life/2018/02/06/history-lesson-evansvilles- ymca/309088002/. Accessed 2020 February 13. 2020 YMCA. “History- Founding.” https://www.ymca.net/history/founding.html. Accessed February 13, 2020.

Section number F Page 269

PHOTOS:

The new YMCA. Evansville Courier, January 4, 1914. Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=social%2FYMCA+%281914%29.jpg NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YMCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000128 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 270

YMCA, under construction, circa 1913. Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

YMCA, auditorium, early 1900s. Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YMCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000128 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 271

YMCA, lobby, circa 1915. Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

YMCA, gymnasium, circa 1915. Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

Section number F Page 272

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0102 YMCA building at 203 NW Fifth Street, northeast view

Section number F Page 273

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0103 YMCA building at 203 NW Fifth Street, east view

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Parson and Scoville BuildingPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000117 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 274

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

Section number F Page 275

PARSON AND SCOVILEL BUILDING Owner: LANDMARK CENTER LLC 915 Main Street 915 Main Street Ste 201, Evansville, IN 47708 1908

DESCRIPTION:

The Parson and Scoville building at 915 Main Street is a six-story, two-part vertical block, brick commercial building with an above-grade basement. The building has a rectangular form with a multi-eave flat roof, including an elevator overrun in the center. A simple curved limestone cornice is located on the front (northwest) façade, partially wrapping onto the southwest façade, while the northeast façade shares a wall with a one-story addition with a flat roof. The building has a stone ledgement on the northwest façade

The building’s front façade features a central entrance flanked on either side by four, recessed, fixed picture windows with corbelled brick beneath the limestone sills and four fixed basement windows. The set of historic single paned double-doors with wood panels are located within a recessed entryway with a limestone door surround. Inscribed in the architrave of the door surround is the word, “OFFICE,” and the cornice has dentil mouldings and entablature. A limestone lintel course abuts the top of the first story windows and spans the width of the first story of the northwest façade and slightly wraps onto the southwest façade. Above, a projecting painted metal sill course mimics the lower lintel course. Below the sixth-floor windows is a limestone band course with corbelled brick tables that terminate at limestone blocks and the pattern wraps slightly onto the southwest façade. Four brick pilasters with stone capitals separate fenestration on the front façade, and between each pilaster are two fixed picture windows with the center bay having narrower picture windows. Corner pilasters are on both the south and north corners of the northwest façade wrap around to the southwest and northeast façades. The building’s third through fifth story windows feature limestone sills. Pilasters terminate at the lintel course of corbelled bricks above the sixth story windows.

The outer bay west of the southwest façade mimics the fenestration and cladding of the front façade; however, the single bay has only one fixed window rather than two per story. The southwest façade features a metal standing-seam, shed-roof porch sheltering a concrete loading dock and supported by six iron beams on the first story. The porch features a concrete stairway on the northwest side and a center set of stairs on the southwest façade of the porch. A set of single-paned double doors with a single mullioned transom is positioned in front of the center stair. A secondary entrance is offset east. Fenestration on the first story are rectangular and square fixed picture windows with limestone sills. Eight bays of fixed picture windows with limestone sills are located on the upper floors above the shed-roof, and a full-height fire escape is offset east.

Section number F Page 276

The building’s northeast façade has four bays of fixed picture windows with limestone sills, offset southeast. The sixth story windows, offset southeast, are narrow and have brick sills, while the outer west windows feature vents. The northeast façade also has a large neon sign for Curtis Builders. A one-story, shed roof porch clad in standing seam sheet metal, offset southeast, shelters a concrete block loading dock and has round concrete supports. The southwest façade of the building has three bays of fixed picture windows with stone sills.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Originally constructed as a warehouse and wholesale grocer in 1908, the Parson & Scoville building epitomizes the early nineteenth century growth of Evansville due to the expansion of the railroad. The Grand Opening of the large brick building is documented as being a large celebration for the area. Prior to the arrival of the railroad, Evansville and the surrounding area had little connectivity to surrounding population areas. The Evansville & Crawfordsville Railroad began its construction in 1846 and was chartered in 1853. The rail connection was the first to connect Evansville to the surrounding areas. With the arrival of the railroad, goods could be imported and exported to a broader region and rail connections continued to expand into the early nineteenth century, in turn increasing Evansville’s downtown economy. The Parson & Scoville building is historically significant under Criterion A for its association with the growth of Evansville’s transportation networks, commerce, and industry.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 450380 E 4203197 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-29-021-014.001-029

References: 1977 Long, Nancy J. “Parson & Scoville.” State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. 1998 Au, Dennis M., Joan C. Marchand, et al. Historic Evansville: A self-guided tour of Downtown Evansville, Indiana, Third Edition. City of Evansville, Department of Metropolitan Development.

Section number F Page 277

PHOTOS:

Parsons & Scoville Company, 915-919 Main Street, circa 1900 (Deeds 30) Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

Section number F Page 278

View of main office – Parson Scoville, Evansville Courier, August 8, 1908 Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=commercial%2FParsons+%26+Scoville+- +interior+office+%281908%29.jpg

Parson Scoville – shipping department, Evansville Courier, August 8, 1908 Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=commercial%2FParsons+%26+Scoville+- +interior+shipping+%281908%29.jpg NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Parson and Scoville BuildingPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000117 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 279

Railroad dock Terminal Warehouse Company, May 1953; Donahue Collection 4182 Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=commercial%2FParsons+%26+Scoville+- +rear+%281953+May%29.jpg NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Parson and Scoville BuildingPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000117 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 280

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0104 Parson and Scoville building at 915 Main Street, northeast view NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Parson and Scoville BuildingPut Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000117 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 281

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0105 Parson and Scoville building at 915 Main Street, southwest view

Section number F Page 282

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0106 Entry on north façade to the Parson and Scoville building at 915 Main Street, northeast view

Section number F Page 283

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_107 Interior of the Parson and Scoville building at 915 Main Street, east view

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YWCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82001853 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 284

______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

Section number F Page 285

YWCA Owner: YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF EVANSVILLE 118 Vine Street 118 Vine Street, Evansville, IN 47708 1924

DESCRIPTION:

The Neoclassical Revival-style Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) building at 118 Vine Street is located on the northwest corner of Vine and NW Second Streets. The YWCA building is a three-story, brick building with an above grade basement and flat roof with a straight parapet. A limestone band course is located below the eave. A flat limestone sill course is positioned between the first and second stories at the base of the second story windows. Two interior brick chimneys are located on east façade, and an exterior brick chimney is attached to the west façade, offset south. The building features an L-shape plan, and a cornerstone on the southeast corner states, “1911-1924” with the YWCA inscribed within a triangle.

The building’s front façade features thirteen bays with the middle seven bays projecting slightly ahead of the three bays on either side. The above grade basement features paired, one-over-one, double-hung windows. A concrete stair with stepped brick balustrade and metal railing accesses the centrally located entrance. A set of glass and metal double-doors is recessed within the round arched entryway, which features a stone keystone and imposts. Fenestration on the south facade of the building is one-over-one, double-hung windows with splayed brick lintels. The second and fourth story windows feature limestone sills and second story windows abut the sill course. The middle seven bays of the second story feature transoms.

The east façade of the YWCA is three bays wide and features one-over-one, double-hung windows. The first story, middle bay window has been infilled with brick. The north façade has a lentil course of soldier-oriented brick above the basement windows. The north façade features a half-hip brick addition, which has no fenestration on the east façade, but does have a continuation of the band course of course of soldier-oriented bricks. The north façade of the addition has a single bay of one-over-one, double-hung windows. The rear, north façade, of the building features single and paired, one-over-one, double-hung windows and glass block. A total of three additions are present on the north façade.

Fenestration on the west façade is comprised of single and paired one-over-one double-hung windows. The west façade of the rear ell features four pilasters that terminate just below the eave and have stone bands between the second and third stories. A one-story addition with a low- pitched hip-roof clad in metal standing-seam is attached on the west façade. As with the east façade, the west façade also has a lintel course of soldier-oriented bricks above the basement windows. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YWCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82001853 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 286

The interior of the YWCA building features meeting areas with carpeting, a curved cornice, decorative wall panels, fireplaces, wall sconces, chandeliers set in modillions, terrazzo flooring, wood paneling details, and inset ceiling lights. Eight-light, double-doors with three mullioned transoms and wide archways are found throughout the hallways. Chair rails, pilasters, and wood baseboards are also common in hallways spaces.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Built in 1924, the YWCA building in Evansville was designed by W.F. Thompson and B.G. Geary. Brick was locally sourced from the Standard Brick Company and local contractors, Anderson and Veatch, were hired. Although independent from the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), both organizations were born out of the same concept and many of the programs have merged. Like the YMCA, the YWCA was founded in London, England with the purpose of community and youth programs, while also offering accessible housing. Much like the YMCA, the YWCA accommodated factory workers that had migrated from rural areas to the urban setting during the Industrial Revolution. Established by Mary Jane Kinnaird and Emma Roberts in 1855, the YWCA played a significant role in women’s empowerment and the civil rights movement. The YWCA provided women with courses, such as typing, that would in turn allow the women to gain employment. The YWCA was introduced in New York in 1858 and in 1860 the first boarding house was open to the public.

Evansville native, Albion Fellows Bacon, played a vital role in the establishment of the YWCA in her hometown. Bacon was passionate about charity work and the right to have accessible housing. Associated with the Trinity Methodist Church, Bacon formed the Working Girls Association in 1907, eventually merging with the YWCA in 1911. The original building was replaced by the 1924 brick building.

The YWCA is historically significant under Criterion A as a building that has made a significant contribution to the social reform history of Evansville, Indiana. Since its establishment in Evansville, the YWCA has provided housing and programs to women of all ages, with the consistent mission to empower women.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449486 E 4202883 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-011.010-029

Section number F Page 287

References: 1982 Stern, Douglas L. “YWCA Building”. State of Indiana Department of Natural Resources Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. 2020 YWCA “History.” https://www.ywca.org/about/history/. Accessed 2020 February 13. 2020 Albion Fellows Bacon Center “History.” https://www.albionfellowsbacon.org/about- us/history/. Accessed 2020 February 13.

PHOTOS:

YWCA under construction, circa mid-1920s (Knetch 23) Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YWCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82001853 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 288

YWCA swimming pool, circa 1920s (Knetch 2094) Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

Section number F Page 289

YWCA, postcard. Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=social%2FYWCA+-+postcard.jpg NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YWCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82001853 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 290

YWCA Building, EVLP Digital Collection. Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=social%2FYWCA.jpg NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YWCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82001853 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 291

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0108 YWCA building at 118 Vine Street, northeast view NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville - United States Department of the Interior YWCA Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82001853 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

Section number F Page 292

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0109 Interior first floor meeting room of the YWCA building at 118 Vine Street, east view

Section number F Page 293

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0110 Interior first floor meeting room of the YWCA building at 118 Vine Street, northeast view

Section number F Page 294

Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0111 Interior first floor hallway of the YWCA building at 118 Vine Street, west view