(circa 1874)
Contributing building for:
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Small Scale Commercial Block. Italianate influence.
Three story corner brick building with cornice removed.
Second and third stories divided into two bays by raised center pier.
Third story with three very tall round arch 4/4 sash per bay with blind arch transoms, limestone round arch hoods with keystones, and spandrels
with panels. Second story with three large rectangular windows with brick flat arches
with drops per bay infilled with concrete and glass block, but openings maintained. Part
of original storefront appears to remain under present shake-shingle "mansard roof" canopy
and vertical wood siding, as suggested by quoins exposed on southeast corner.
Details return on south elevation; entry set in "Gibbsian" surround with flanking quoins and arch
above with voussoirs alternately raised. Similar rear (west) historic wing with dentiled
cornice; some 6/6 unadorned windows remain intact.
This building was constructed in 1874 for St. Joseph's first newspaper, The St.
Joseph Gazette. The city editor for the Gazette at that time was a famous
Missourian, Eugene Field, who went on to become known for his prolific works as
"the children's poet."
Over the years it was used for the sale of agricultural
implements, carriages, saddles, tents and awnings, and for a time was used for
light manufacturing. The building is a good example of the type of commercial
building that made St. Joseph the wholesale mercantile center of the United States
during the latter half of the 19th century.
In 1845, St Joseph Gazette was founded by William Ridenbaugh
In 1875, the Gazette newspaper office moved to this location
In 1875, Eugene Field served as the Gazette editor
Mr Field was married to local resident Julia Comstock
Other businesses that were at this address include:
Queen City Carriage Company
Rossi Saddlery
St Joseph Tent & Awning
Bodyguard (maker of Firemen's clothing)
Appliance Man Rental
The 1991 survey lists this building as "contributing" on the National Register of Historic Places
It is in the South Fourth Street Historic District
St. Joseph Tent and Awning along with Bodyguard occupied this building for many years
St Joseph Tent & Awning consumed the 1st floor, Bodyguard was on the 2nd floor
Bodyguard Manufacturing made fireman coats, pants and steel insoles
In 1963, I worked part time after my college classes for Bodyguard making steel insoles for fireman boots & painting names on fireman coats
Appliance Man Rentals occupied this building in later years and has remodeled the building |
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