Former South Side Branch of the Oshkosh Public Library

 

The Neoclassical/Beaux Arts structure was built in 1912.

Photos by Retiring Guy

According to the Wisconsin Historical Society architecture and history inventory of 913 Oregon Street in Oshkosh, Wisconsin:

The branch library was first opened in 1912 over the security bank on South Oregon (First Wisconsin). In 1919 it moved to 1017 S. Oregon and in 1930 to 913 Oregon.

The following description was written in 1978.

The Academic Classic facade of this building is symmetrically arranged around the central door. Heavy consoles support the entrance entablature. A round arch springs from either side of the entrance and frames a semi-circular window. Large modillions mark the rock-faced stone, the remained of the building is brick. Materials and deatils are skillfully handled to suggest the building is more massive than is the case. This is the best example of this style in the southern portion of the city and compares favorably to monumental structures in the Washington Avenue area.

In 2005, the windows on the second floor were downsized and replaced when this level was convertd top apartments.

From a 12/5/2010 blogpost about architect William Waters

The State Bank of Oshkosh was newly incorporated in 1903, working out of offices on Oregon St. between 8th and 9th Streets. By 1910 the bank could afford to erect a new building. Plans were drawn by Waters and construction was started by C. R. Meyer as contractor. The edifice was to be be rough-hewn limestone, a building material Waters had used successfully in so many impressive structures such as Trinity Episcopal Church, Moses Hooper residence and the Algoma Street Methodist Church. These two bank buildings were unalike in style and surface texture but identical in fenestration. All of the New German American Bank's building was given over to bank business. It was the intention of the State Bank to rent the second floor as a way to generate income. After sometime a tenant was found. At the Library Board meeting of October 1, 1912 it was decided to open a south side branch library on the second floor the State Bank of Oshkosh. After the bank failed the library stayed and occupied the entire building.

The South Side Branch closed in 1999.  But not without some pushback.

Oshkosh Northwestern, 12/29/2003