National Register of Historic Places Continuation

NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Downtown Evansville HistoricPut District Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 00000197 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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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

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EVANSVILLE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT Owner: Multiple Main Street between Second Street & Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard Multiple Addresses Fourth Street between Sycamore and Chestnut Streets 1855-1952

DESCRIPTION:

The Evansville Downtown Historic District t has an irregular T-shape, primarily spanning Main and SE Fourth Streets. West of the Evansville Downtown Historic District is the Ohio River. Many of the buildings are located within the historic central business district, Main Street, and therefore, only the front façades are visible. Most of the buildings are over one-story in height and feature flat roofs with parapets, which is common feature in commercial buildings. The buildings located within the district primarily consist of commercial buildings, with a few buildings that were originally constructed as residences, community buildings, industrial buildings, and a few religious buildings. Construction dates span between 1855 and 1952 and primary architectural styles include Federal, Commercial, Art Deco, Chicago, Neoclassical Revival, International, and Streamlined Moderne. Cast iron storefronts with recessed doors are a defining feature of the Commercial style. The Hulman Building, also known as the Morris Plan (Central Union Bank) (NR 82000111), is an excellent example of the Art Deco style architecture found in the district. Vertical projections, smooth exterior wall surface, and stylized motifs are common architectural features of Art Deco. Additional commercial buildings can be classified as two-part block and three-part block commercial buildings, with many being vertical block multiple stories in height.

Main Street represents the heart of the district, and boasts the greatest number of contributing buildings. Main Street features wide, tree lined sidewalks, lampposts, and a single lane one-way street that reflects a prosperous downtown. Many of the buildings are unaltered, except for first- story renovations on storefronts. Two fires destroyed many buildings on Main Street, and renovations after the fires included updating the facades with the popular International style of the time. Two additional fires occurred on Main Street in the mid-twentieth century.

There are limited residential buildings within the district boundaries. One of the oldest buildings in the district, the John Henry Roelker House (NR 84001741) at 555 Sycamore Street, was built in 1858. The Federal-style architecture is not well represented in the district, making this resource significant.

The automobile industry left its mark on Evansville in the form of garages, motor and tire factories. However, very few individual buildings are located within the district to represent this theme, only the Huber Motor Company (NR 84001715) remains within the district boundaries. Industrial automobile buildings are typically brick buildings with full-height windows and roll- up garage bays. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Downtown Evansville HistoricPut District Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 00000197 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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A few religious buildings, such as Trinity United Methodist Church at 524 SE Third Street, are present within the district. The same is true for institutional, civic, or community buildings, such as the Masonic Temple (NR 82000108) and the Central Library (NR 82000086), which currently functions as a children’s museum.

At the time the Evansville Downtown Historic District was listed on the National Register, it had 38 contributing buildings and 20 noncontributing buildings. A total of 30 buildings were previously listed on the National Register. Two of the buildings, Connor’s Bookstore at 611-613 Main Street and Gemcraft-Wittmer Building (NR 84001704) at 609 Main Street, were demolished in 2018 for the construction of the Ford Center.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The resources within the Evansville Downtown Historic District represent the growth of the river city’s commercial center. The city grew gradually until the introduction of the railroad in 1860, at which time mass construction occurred. The accessibility to the surrounding area increased Evansville’s economy and new storefronts were established. The architecture represents the phases of the district’s development, such as industrial and automotive. The majority of the buildings within the district were built in the years between the establishment of the railroad and the automobile boom of the 1920s.

The designs of local architects, Clifford Shopville & Co., can be seen throughout the district. Many of the resources feature an emphasis on horizontal lines, flat or low-pitched roofs, and windows that offer natural lighting. In general, the composition of the Evansville Downtown Historic District includes buildings associated with the commercial buildings, industry, community buildings, residential buildings, and religious buildings ranging in architectural styles from the late nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449621 E 4202756 N 16 449781 E 4202906 N 16 450043 E 4203035 N 16 450059 E 4202890 N 16 449954 E 4202424 N 16 449729 E 4202561 N Boundary: Multiple parcels along Main Street from Second Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Fourth Street from Sycamore Street to Chestnut Street, Fifth Street from Sycamore Street to Locust Street, and NW Sixth Street north from Main to Sycamore Street NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Downtown Evansville HistoricPut District Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 00000197 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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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. 1999 Brennan, Kristen “Evansville Downtown Historic District.” National Register of Historic Places Inventory Form.

PHOTOS:

Main Street, 200 Block, November 1937 (Knecht 3986) Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

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Main Street, 200 Block, 1950 (Knecht 4481) Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

Main Street, 300 Block, circa 1950 (McCool 2) 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 Downtown Evansville HistoricPut District Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 00000197 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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Main Street, 400 Block, circa 1915 (Deeds 37) Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

Main Street, 400 Block, circa 1940s (Meyer-Schlamp 369) 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 Downtown Evansville HistoricPut District Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 00000197 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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Main Street, 500 Block, early 1900s (Deeds 74) Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

Main Street, 500 Block, circa 1960s (Meyer-Schlamp 476) 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 Downtown Evansville HistoricPut District Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 00000197 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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Main Street, 500 Block, new walkway construction, June 6, 1971 (19PC67) Courtesy of the Willard Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

Main Street, 600 Block, August 15, 1910 (Knetch 880) 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 Downtown Evansville HistoricPut District Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 00000197 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0112 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 200 Block of Main Street, northeast view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0113 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 200 Block of Main Street, southwest view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0114 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 200 Block of Main Street, southeast view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0115 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 200 Block of Main Street, northwest view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0116 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 300 Block of Main Street, northeast view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0117 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 300 Block of Main Street, southeast view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0118 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 300 Block of Main Street, east view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0119 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 400 Block of Main Street, southeast view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0120 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 400 Block of Main Street, northeast view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0121 Evansville Downtown Historic District, SE Fifth from Main Street, southeast view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0122 Evansville Downtown Historic District, 500 Block of Main Street, northeast view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0123 Evansville Downtown Historic District, NE Sixth Street from Sycamore Street towards Main Street, southwest view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0124 Evansville Downtown Historic District, SE Fourth Street from Locust 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 Montgomery Ward Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000110 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

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MONTGOMERY WARD BUILDING Owner: Terrapin Development, LLC 519 Main Street 519 Main Street, Evansville, IN 47708 1880

DESCRIPTION:

Built in 1880, the Montgomery Ward Building is located at 519 Main Street. The three-story, two-part vertical block commercial building is constructed out of brick and structural steel. The building features a multi-eave flat roof with limestone pediment, flanked by scrolled brackets, fluted pilasters, and framing a clock, is centrally located on the north (front) façade. The roof features a parapet with stone coping and an elevator overrun on the southwest corner.

Rectangular in shape, the exterior walls are brick on the second and third story on the front façade. The exterior brick is set in a common bond brick work. A brick string course is located at the base of the pediment’s pilasters on the north façade and another string course runs along the north façade at the base of the second story windows but does not form the windowsills. A band course of soldier-oriented bricks with a row of stretchers and a row of headers above it and a row of rowlock-oriented bricks below is located at the base of the window spandrel panels, which consist of turned wood spindles inset into the panels below the second story windows. Raised brick on the northeast and northwest corners form quoins on front façade. Exterior walls on the first story are clad in vertical wood paneling, which was installed in 1975, and an exposed band of brick is visible at the base of the siding. Two string courses create brick panels between the band course and the top of the vertical wood siding. The east facade shares a party wall with the adjacent commercial building and the west façade exterior walls are clad in stucco.

A recessed area, offset west, on the front façade features the primary entrance. A set of wood, double doors with nine-lights above an X-pattern base have ten-light sidelights on either side and a two-mullioned transom. A band of wooden dentils are above the recessed entry. Three fixed fifteen-light windows with canvas awnings, dentil lintels, and wood bulkheads are offset east on the first story of the north façade.

Second and third story windows are within a recessed wood frame that extends from the second story to the third story. The second story windows have a spandrel panel containing seven turned wood spindles. The second story windows are six-over-nine double-hung windows and are separated by a wood panel from the third story windows, which are six-over-six double-hung windows. The window frames terminating with a Federal-style lintel and supporting brackets. The west façade is without fenestration and the south façade has six-over-six double-hung windows with stone sills. An interior brick chimney is located in the southeast corner of the building. A large round, canvas awning is attached to the first story of the south façade.

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SIGNIFICANCE:

In 1872, Montgomery Ward & Company was founded by Aaron Montgomery Ward in Chicago. Originally a mail order business, the company sold everything from tools to clothing, accommodating rural buyers who did not have accessible stores. Purchases were delivered by train to farmers for a cheaper price than local stores could provide. The company was advertised in magazines such as the Prairie Farmer and Farmer’s Voice. Until 1893 when Sears, Roebuck and Company provided a similar operation, the Montgomery Ward & Company had few competitors.

Catalog stores were established in 1926 and in 1933, Montgomery Ward & Co. was introduced to Evansville at the 517 Main Street location. Being a large corporation, many of the stores shared the same design plans. In 1968, the company merged with the Container Corporation of America. After the closure of the store, the building stood vacant until 1981 when the space was converted into a law firm. The building is significant as the first in Evansville to utilize Federal Tax Credits for the rehabilitation for an office space.

The Montgomery Ward & Company building is significant under Criterion C of the NRHP as a building that has lost minimal historic integrity. The 1975 wood paneled treatment on the first story of the front façade has not had an adverse effect on the original brick exterior.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 450009 E 4202891 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-034.006-029

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. 2020 The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica “Montgomery Ward & Company.” https://www.britannica.com/topic/Montgomery-Ward-and-Co. Accessed 2020 February 13.

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PHOTOS:

Montgomery Ward Building, December 18, 1938. (Willard Library, Newman 38-21-5) Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=commercial%2FMontgomery+Ward+%28193 8+Dec+18%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 Montgomery Ward Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000110 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0125 Montgomery Ward Building at 519 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 Haller T Chute Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000083 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

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HALLER T CHUTE BUILDING Owner: M.A. Miller Investments, LLC 223 Main Street 1014 Main Street, Evansville, IN 47708 1860

DESCRIPTION:

The Haller T. Chute Building at 223 Main Street is a three-story, two-part vertical block limestone commercial building. The parapet prevents visibility of the gabled roof from the Main Street view. The narrow rectangular building shares a party wall with the adjacent buildings.

The front (north) façade features full-height display windows that span the width of the first story with a wide recessed area and are flanked by painted cast iron pilasters. Within the recessed area is a curved display window, offset east, and a centered single-paned glass and metal door. Currently, a metal sign for the River City Coffee & Goods store is located above the entrance and is covering the paneled entablature. A projecting band course, supported by scrolled brackets is above the first story. Three inset panels are located above and below the band course. A wide tryptic window is positioned on the second story. Three simple panels are located above the second story window. An Art Nouveau, tryptic window with limestone mullions and a horizontal curved mullion is centered on the third story. An entablature window hood with dentils and supported by brackets is positioned above the third story window. The window is flanked by fluted Ionic columns with fluted pilasters above. The outer exterior walls are beveled.

SIGNIFICANCE:

Newspaper records indicate the current three-story building at 223 Main Street was constructed ca. 1910 by Anderson & Veatch contractors. The 20-foot by 100-foot building was designed in the Chicago style with Art Nouveau details by architect J. F. Schlotter for owner Haller T. Chute. The previous one-story building at this location was occupied by the Gumbert Jewelry Store since the late nineteenth century and was razed for the construction of Chute’s new building, which was leased to Edward N. Hill, who opened a hat and furnishing goods store on the site. During the 1920s, a luggage shop replaced the hat store, and throughout the remainder of the twentieth century, the building was occupied by various retail shops and today serves as a coffee shop and tattoo parlor.

The Haller T. Chute building is significant under Criterion C of the NRHP for its architecture. Although the building has undergone renovations, it continues to serve as a good example of an early twentieth century Chicago-style building with Art Nouveau details. Characteristic features NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Haller T Chute Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000083 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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present on the building and include the limestone cladding, partially recessed façade, large display windows, and decorative scrolled brackets.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 449748.78 E 4202640.85 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-016.003-029

References: 1909 Evansville Courier and Press “Three Story Structure to Be Built at No. 223”. October 10, 1909, pg. 26. 1924 Evansville Press “Shoppers Guide” July 31, 1924, pg. 35.

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PHOTOS:

Chute (left) and Capelle (right) buildings on Main Street (circa 1979), USI Special Collections Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=street%2FMain+St%2C+200+block+%281979 %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 Haller T Chute Building Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000083 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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200 Block of Main Street, circa 1950 (Willard Library, Knecht 4482); Chute building third from left. Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=street%2FMain+St%2C+200+block+%281950 %29.jpg

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0126 Haller T Chute Building at 223 Main 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 Central Library Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000086 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

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CENTRAL LIBRARY Owner: Hands on Discovery, Inc. 22 SE Fifth Street PO BOX 122, Evansville, IN 47701 1931

DESCRIPTION:

The Central Library building at 22 SE Fifth Street is on the north corner of Locust and SE Fifth Streets. Constructed in the Art Deco style, this three-story, brick building is sheathed in limestone and features a flat roof and parapet that is framed by an aluminum beveled eave. The front (west) façade features three low-pitched front-gable pediments with an aluminum scalloped eave on the central three bays.

The front façade is seven bays wide and occupies half a block on SE Fifth Street. The three central bays have two-story aluminum projecting bay windows that extend from the first story to the base of the third story windows. The central bay features the primary entrance, a four-paned replacement double-door with fixed transom. Decorative iron signage above the double-doors reads “PUBLIC LIBRARY.” The two bays flanking the central bay feature fixed display bay windows on the first story, while the second story, directly above the display windows features two, stacked, twenty-light windows, flanked by narrow, eight-light windows. Ornate aluminum Art Deco spandrels cap the bay windows, a row of aluminum chevrons decorates the first story windows, and the windows flanking the entrance on the center bay have decorative aluminum window screens. The outer four bays include sixteen-light windows flanked by narrow, four- light windows on the second and third stories. The second story windowpanes are of stained glass. Decorative aluminum spandrels separate the windows between each story.

The south façade features a secondary entrance on the outer east bay of the first story, a concrete stair with a simple metal balustrade accesses a slightly recessed single-light door. An exterior concrete staircase with metal rail leads to a basement level, and features a metal balustrade parallel to the sidewalk, that spans the length of the south façade.. The outer east and west bays feature nine-light windows, and a sign board on the first story outer west bay. Four bays of sixteen-light windows flanked by narrow, four-light windows are on the south façade. Decorative Art Deco aluminum spandrels separate the stories on the south façade. The west façade is without fenestration.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The Central Library building is historically significant under Criterion A of the NRHP for its association with the Evansville Public Library system and its history as an educational facility in Downtown Evansville that promoted social and humanitarian activity. The building is also NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Central Library Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000086 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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historically significant under Criterion C of the NRHP for being an excellent example of a Depression era Art Deco style library building.

The history of the Evansville library system began with the incorporation of the Evansville Library Association in 1855, but it did not become a public entity until 1874, when 3,434 volumes of books were donated to the city by the association for free public use. In 1911, the Evansville City Council accepted money from wealthy philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, to erect two library branches. In the same year, a Public Library Board of Trustees was organized. The board elected Ethel Farquhar McCollough as head librarian. Prior to accepting the position, McCollough was a librarian and library science instructor at the University of Wisconsin. In January 1913, the first two branches of the library opened and by November 1914, Ms. McCollough was successful in acquiring additional funds from Carnegie to open a branch for African Americans called the Cherry Branch Library.

For years, the library system was without a main library branch, though the headquarters were in the West Branch Library building until 1917 when a business and technical branch was constructed to accommodate the administrative staff and cataloguing personnel. In December 1924, the board purchased the old Journal Building at NW Fifth Street to establish the first Central Library. By the end of the decade, there was a dire need to increase storage capacity and improve services for the public. McCollough envisioned an extensive and accessible library system. During the 1920s, she developed numerous classroom libraries, book stations, and bookmobiles throughout the county. Increased services in circulating magazines, pamphlets, newspapers, sheet music, picture post cards, stereographs, in addition to books, which contributed to the growth of Central Library. By 1930, the library had over 169,000 circulating materials compared to the 65,000 they had in 1920. Such an increase in loaned materials spurred a need to expand services, thus the impetus for the construction of a new Central Library building in Downtown Evansville in 1932. Its downtown site was thought to be convenient location to the majority of the public. Historically significant under Criterion A of the NRHP, for its historical association with education, social, and humanitarian efforts in Evansville, the Central Library served as a powerful resource center for learning. Not only did its proximity to the business district offer residents a main library building in an already bustling area, but its extensive collection provided the community with a practical place to read, discover, and learn at their own pace.

Construction on the Central Library building began after the former Evans Hall, a wood building constructed in 1878, was demolished at the same location on SW Fifth and Locust Streets. In 1930, Evans Hall, which originally served as a temperance lecture room and then later as a sort of municipal auditorium, was ordered to be demolished by the local fire department. Contracts were let in April 1931, when the Evansville Public Library signed a 99-year lease to take control of the property for $1. The library’s construction was undertaken by the L. W. Hancock Co. of Louisville, KY and the building was designed by local Evansville architect, Harry E. Boyle, and Cleveland architects, Walker & Weeks. When the $300,000 Central Library opened on May 8, NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Central Library Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000086 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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1932, newspapers made mention of the new catalogue, history, exhibit, and reference rooms, as well as the accommodating features such as display racks, furnishings, water cooling systems, and a rear garage building. Although the building was constructed during the Great Depression, nothing seemed to be sacrificed in the design of the new library. Interior layout and accessibility were both carefully considered to improve the library system previously in place. With a larger facility, the library was able to incorporate more economical book storage methods and designate rooms for specific library uses, which also included a newspaper reading room on the basement level. Architecturally, the building was innovative and visually appealing. Art Deco stylistic elements were apparent on both the interior and exterior of the building. The limestone face exterior is starkly contrasted by the use of large multi-light windows separated decorative aluminum spandrels. Ornamented display bay windows and entrance door surrounds illustrate the impressive considerations taken to design an elaborate Art Deco library building. As an excellent example of a Depression era Art Deco building, the Central Library is historically significant under Criterion C of the NRHP for its architecture, spatial layout, and stylistic design features.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 450059 E 4202839 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-020-034.017-029

References: 1932 Evansville Press. “Library Designed for Future, Too”. May 8, 1932. Page 20 1962 Goldhor, Herbert. “The First Fifty Years”. The Evansville Public Library and the Vanderburgh County Library, Evansville, Indiana.

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PHOTOS:

Evansville Public Library, circa 1940s (Willard Library 16) Courtesy of the Willard Public Library, Digital Historic Photo Collection

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Main floor at Central Library, circa 1935 (EVPL ebooks – the First 50 Years: EVLP) Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=educational%2FCentral+Library+- +interior+%28c1935%29.jpg

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0127 Central Library building at 22 Southeast Fifth 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 Central Library Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000086 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0128 Central Library building at 22 Southeast Fifth 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 Central Library Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000086 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0129 Detail of entry Central Library building at 22 SE 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 Sale m Baptis t Church Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000121 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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______Signature of Certifying Official/Title: Date of Action

______Signature of the Keeper Date of Action

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SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH Owner: COSMIC LLC c/o SCOTT ANDERSON 728 Court Street 816 N Boehne Camp Road, Apt. 230 1873

DESCRIPTION:

The Salem Baptist Church building, at 728 Court Street, is on the west corner of Court and NW Eight Streets. The ecclesiastical building is constructed of brick with a concrete block foundation and features a ca. 1873 one-story chapel at the south end with an asphalt-shingled, slightly overhanging, jerkinhead roof and a rear (north) two-story ca. 1923 parish hall addition with decorative Victorian elements and a parapet roof. One exterior brick chimney is located on the west façade of the ca. 1872 chapel and two interior brick chimneys are visible on the west façade of the ca. 1923 parish hall addition.

The chapel, located within the one-story mass facing south onto Court Street, was constructed in the Romanesque Revival architectural style. Below the jerkinhead roofline, is a stringcourse featuring corbel brick tables. Four brick pilasters divide the front façade into three structural bays, creating a slightly recessed façade. A brick band course is projected above the front-gable entry hood. The primary entrance is a centrally located on the south façade and consists of a single paned door within a large arched door surround. The entrance is accessed via a concrete staircase with a simple steel railing on the west side and a wrought iron railing on the east side. An asphalt-shingled front-gable hood with truss-like stickwork, shelters the primary entrance. Offset east is a single square window that has been infilled with a metal louvered vent. Above the brick belt course in the central bay is a stone block with an inscription that reads “SALEMS KIRCHE DER EVANGELISCHEN GEMEINSCHAFT ERBAUT 1853 NEU ERBAUT 1873.”

The east façade features four narrow, round arched window openings with concrete sills. The south window has been infilled with vertical wood siding. The remaining fenestration are replacement fixed picture windows with transoms and the arches are infilled with vertical wood siding. The west façade features three bays of narrow, round arched window openings with concrete sills. Two feature replacement fixed picture windows with transoms and the arches are infilled with vertical wood siding, flanking an exterior brick chimney. The outer south bay has been infilled with vertical wood siding.

The rear ca. 1923 addition features a parapet that has curved gable pediments in the north and south bays on the east façade. A circular stone motif is imbedded in the higher portions of the parapet and a centrally located rectangular garland motif is imbedded in the parapet. A painted copper gutter spans the east façade and continues along the north and south façades. A stringcourse featuring stone dentils lies just below the gutter. Three paired historic six-light casement windows are centrally located just below the stringcourse. Two limestone tile blocks NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Sale m Baptis t Church Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000121 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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are in each of the two outer bays also below the stringcourse. The primary entrance is located in the south bay on the first story and features a classical style painted wood portico with scrolled brackets, paneled pilasters, and an “S.S. HALL” inscription framed the recessed entrance. The portico is flanked by historic sconce lighting. The entry door is recessed and features six small arched transom lights. The primary entrance is accessed via a concrete staircase. At the second story, above the portico is a segmental arched window that features a keystone but is missing some glass panes. The outer north bay features secondary entrance at the first story. Above the secondary entrance, on the second story, is a segmental arched window opening, with a featured keystone, that has been infilled with wood panels. Three centrally located arched window openings with modern replacement picture windows, ornate stone lunettes, and keystones are on the second story. Three one-over-one double-hung replacement windows with exterior screens are located at the basement level. Adjacent to the primary entrance is an open metal flat-roof projection that is supported by three posts. The open flat-roof projection shelters the two basement windows, offset south.

The west façade of the rear addition features windows with brick sills. Some window openings are infilled with brick and wood panels, while other openings feature sliding, one-over-one double-hung, and fixed picture windows. A one-story mass featuring a metal door accessed via painted concrete steps and a railing is visible on the west facade. The one-story mass is attached to the west façade of the ca.1873 chapel and the south façade of the ca.1923 addition.

The interior of the chapel features hardwood floors and acoustic drop ceilings. The interior entryway to the chapel features a wood door opening with a round arched, painted transom.

SIGNIFICANCE:

The Salem Church was organized in 1852 with efforts to establish a parish for German immigrants as early as 1844. The first Salem Church building was constructed for an Evangelical congregation under the pastorage of Reverend Frederick Weinhaup and dedicated in April 1854. During the late 1840s through the 1850s, the first wave of German immigration arrived in Evansville, with many Germans settling within or near the downtown area. Throughout the 1860s and 1870s, the congregation witnessed rapid growth, which necessitated the construction of a new ecclesiastical building. By 1873, a Romanesque Revival inspired chapel was built, allowing the congregation to continue accepting new members. In 1923, a parish hall/sanctuary school named “S.S. Hall” was built on the rear of the 1873 chapel to replace the old school. The rectory church was renamed First Evangelical. In 1946, First Evangelical merged with United Brethren Church and by 1959, the original parish had relocated due to downtown industrial sprawl. The Central General Baptist Church acquired use of the Salem Church building and began holding services. The Baptist parish ended its services at this location in 1977, at which time the Fraternal Order of Eagles utilized the space for their club until 2009.

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Salem Church is historically significant under Criterion A of the NRHP for its association with the Evangelical religious parish and its ethnic German congregation, particularly as it relates to the church’s relationship with the first wave of German immigration in Evansville. During the late nineteenth century, the church provided the newly arriving German immigrants with a space to center their community around. Further, the construction of the parish hall expanded social and educational programs at the church. Salem Church is also historically significant under Criterion C of the NRHP as the chapel or sanctuary space is an excellent example of early Romanesque Revival architecture (ca. 1873) that has undergone little alteration since its initial construction.

Geographical Data: Acreage: less than an acre UTM Reference: 16 450060 E 4203314 N Boundary: Parcel ID – 82-06-30-029-038.012-029

References: 1977 Long, Nancy J. “Salem’s Baptist Church.” National Register of Historic Places Inventory Form.

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PHOTOS:

First Evangelical Church at Eight and Court Streets, Evansville Press June 13, 1934 Courtesy of Historic Evansville, http://www.historicevansville.com/image.php?id=religious%2FSalem+Evangelical+%281934% 29.jpg

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Salem German Evangelical Church (Marchland 3463) 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 Sale m Baptis t Church Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000121 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0130 Salem Baptist Church building, at 728 Court Street, north view NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018 Historic Resources of Downtown Evansville – United States Department of the Interior Sale m Baptis t Church Put Here National Park Service Name of Property Vanderburgh, Indiana County and State National Register of Historic Places 82000121 Continuation Sheet NR Reference Number

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0131 Salem Baptist Church building, at 728 Court Street, northwest view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0132 Salem Baptist Church building, at 728 Court Street, northeast view

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Date Photographed: December 2019 IN_VanderburghCounty_EvansvilleDowntownMPDF_0133 Interior of the Salem Baptist Church building, at 728 Court Street, north view