Lamar Community Center

The Lamar Community Center is located at 1488 200th Street in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on 1 March 1982.[1]

Lamar Community Center
Lamar Community Center
LocationSt. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
Built1905
Architectural styleAmerican Craftsman
NRHP reference No.82001860
Added to NRHP1 March 1982

History

The town of Lamar was a small but thriving settlement on the Clam Falls Trail. Records show the settlement contained a creamery, post office, church,[2] general store, charcoal kiln, and a brickyard, all surrounded by numerous farms, most of which raised potatoes. In 1905 the inhabitants joined forces to erect a one-room craftsman-style building with an Italianate tower, for use as an all-grades schoolhouse.[3]

In 1910 a second room was added to the building,[4] on the south face of the building. The original construction was set at ground level, with an open porch at the entrance. In 1926 the structure was raised, and a block foundation was set underneath. An enclosed entryway with a wide stairwell was added to allow access.

After the turn of the century, a railroad pushed into the area, bypassing Lamar and drawing commerce toward Centuria, Wisconsin, 8 km northeast of Lamar. The settlement's commercial activities gradually declined and closed. The school continued to function into the 1940s. It closed in 1945,[5] after which its space was used for community functions.

By 2013, several sources of grant money had been finalized, and the building was refurbished and restored.[6] This work was completed by August 2014.[7]

References
  1. "Lamar Community Center". Landmark Hunter.com. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  2. The Lamar Chapel stood east of the Lamar schoolhouse; it was shared by Presbyterian and Lutheran congregations.
  3. "History". Lamar Community.org. Archived from the original on 9 December 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  4. The plan for the addition was provided by Ehrman Ferris, a resident of the area.
  5. Archived 13 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine 13 January 2012 press release, Lamar Community Center
  6. Archived 13 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine September 2013 press release, Lamar Community Center Restoration of the Lamar School Begins September 2013
  7. "Lamar Community Center | Historic Gathering Space | Event Rental Polk County WI". Archived from the original on 9 December 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2013. August 2014 video presentation, Lamar Community Center, Building Restoration Recently Completed

45°25′26″N 92°34′10″W

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