Security Savings Bank
212-214 W. 2nd St., Ashland, WIThe Security Savings Bank building is the finest existing example of commercial architecture in Ashland designed by Allan Darst Conoyer and Lew Forster Porter in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
During the 1880s and 1890s, the population of Ashland exploded as lumber passed through this Lake Superior port city. A hamlet of 353 in 1880, Ashland grew to 9,956 in 1890, and then 13,074 in 1900. The city's commercial prosperity during this twenty-year period caused 2nd Street to become lined with superb structures of red brick and indigenous brownstone, mostly more-or-less Richardsonian Romanesque in style. Since Ashland's growth ceased and slowly ebbed to less than 10,000 in 1970, some of these original buildings have been preserved.
The successful Madison architectural firm of Conover and Porter decided to take advantage of the burgeoning construction economy of Northern Wisconsin, and in 1887 established a branch office in Ashland. The firm quickly became the largest and most successful in this area of the state, and for a period took on local associate, Horace P. Padley of Ashland. The firm's northern office remained active until 1899, when the partnership dissolved and Conover and Porter, individually, practiced almost exclusively out of Madison. The Security Savings Bank represents some of the firm's most sensitive and successful work, for many of its designs, were very utilitarian and did not attempt to achieve the esthetic quality found in this bank.
The Security Savings Bank occupied this building for a little over a decade before it went into receivership. Thereafter it has served a variety of commercial occupants.
Local significance of the building:
During the 1880s and 1890s, the population of Ashland exploded as lumber passed through this Lake Superior port city. A hamlet of 353 in 1880, Ashland grew to 9,956 in 1890, and then 13,074 in 1900. The city's commercial prosperity during this twenty-year period caused 2nd Street to become lined with superb structures of red brick and indigenous brownstone, mostly more-or-less Richardsonian Romanesque in style. Since Ashland's growth ceased and slowly ebbed to less than 10,000 in 1970, some of these original buildings have been preserved.
The successful Madison architectural firm of Conover and Porter decided to take advantage of the burgeoning construction economy of Northern Wisconsin, and in 1887 established a branch office in Ashland. The firm quickly became the largest and most successful in this area of the state, and for a period took on local associate, Horace P. Padley of Ashland. The firm's northern office remained active until 1899, when the partnership dissolved and Conover and Porter, individually, practiced almost exclusively out of Madison. The Security Savings Bank represents some of the firm's most sensitive and successful work, for many of its designs, were very utilitarian and did not attempt to achieve the esthetic quality found in this bank.
The Security Savings Bank occupied this building for a little over a decade before it went into receivership. Thereafter it has served a variety of commercial occupants.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The deadliest tornado in Wisconsin's history occurred on May 18, 1883, when a tornado swept through the town of Rochester, killing 117 people and injuring more than 200 others.
About Ashland County
Ashland County Timeline
Ashland County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and other Native American tribes. European exploration and settlement began in the late 17th century, with French fur traders and missionaries establishing a presence in the region. The area was heavily involved in the fur trade, with trappers and traders using the nearby waterways to transport goods.
In the mid-19th century, Ashland County saw a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of copper and iron ore deposits. Mining operations boomed, attracting people from all over the country. The city of Ashland was founded in 1854 as a mining town and quickly became a major center for shipping ore and supplies. The mining industry played a crucial role in the development of the county, providing jobs and economic growth.
The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Ashland County's growth. The railroads improved transportation and allowed for the expansion of industries such as logging and agriculture. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing a steady supply of lumber. Agriculture also thrived, with dairy farming becoming particularly important.
Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the mining and logging industries in the latter part of the century had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county has continued to adapt and diversify, with tourism and outdoor recreation becoming increasingly important. Ashland County is now known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which attract visitors from all over the world.
In the mid-19th century, Ashland County saw a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of copper and iron ore deposits. Mining operations boomed, attracting people from all over the country. The city of Ashland was founded in 1854 as a mining town and quickly became a major center for shipping ore and supplies. The mining industry played a crucial role in the development of the county, providing jobs and economic growth.
The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Ashland County's growth. The railroads improved transportation and allowed for the expansion of industries such as logging and agriculture. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing a steady supply of lumber. Agriculture also thrived, with dairy farming becoming particularly important.
Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the mining and logging industries in the latter part of the century had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county has continued to adapt and diversify, with tourism and outdoor recreation becoming increasingly important. Ashland County is now known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Ashland County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Ashland County, Wisconsin.
- 1860: Ashland County is created by the Wisconsin State Legislature
- 1870: Ashland becomes the county seat
- 1870s: Logging and sawmills drive the local economy
- 1883: The Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Ashland
- 1894: Ashland experiences a devastating fire that destroys most of the city
- 1900: The population of Ashland County reaches its peak
- 1920s: The decline of the lumber industry leads to a shift in the local economy towards tourism and agriculture
- 1940s: Ashland County contributes to the war effort during World War II
- 1970s: The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is established, boosting tourism in the area
- 1990s: The population of Ashland County begins to decline