Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Draper Brothers Block

1867

Photographed By William J. Toman, February 18, 2012

1. Draper Brothers Block Marker

Inscription. The Draper Brothers block is significant as one of the few remaining buildings of native sandstone from Madison's earliest era of commercial development and for being associated with Madison's commercial history, having housed a meat market on the ground floor for seventy four years. The location across from the state capitol was used to full advantage; the asymmetrical footprint allowed for a prominent entrance directly on the corner and facing the capitol building, the large arched openings for the entrance and display windows impart a dramatic scale to an otherwise small building.

Designated October 15, 2002

Erected 2012 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 155.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 15, 2002.

Location. 43° 4.597′ N, 89° 23.032′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of East Mifflin Street and North Hamilton Street, on the right when traveling west on East Mifflin Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 North Hamilton Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Belmont Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Winterbotham Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Maeder Building / Ellsworth Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Olson and Veerhusen Building / Hobbins Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); American House (about 400 feet away); Outdoor markets are a Madison tradition (about 400 feet away); American Exchange Bank (about 400 feet away); Robert Lamp House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Draper Brothers Block. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "This Madison sandstone business block was built for the Draper Brothers after fire destroyed a previous building on the site. From 1867 until ca. 1941, the storefront housed a meat market. For many years the market was run by Matthew Hoven, an alderman for 20 years and then three-term mayor (1897-1901), the first German-American and the first Catholic to be mayor. More recently the storefront housed the House of Wisconsin Cheese. Over 130 years later the building is still owned by the family that built it."

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of markers for Madison sandstone buildings.

Photographed By William J. Toman, February 18, 2012

2. Draper Brothers Block Marker

The side of the building facing the Capitol is on the left, and the East Mifflin Street side of the building is on the right. The marker is to the right of the near corner.

Photographed By William J. Toman, February 18, 2012

3. Draper Brothers Block Marker

This is a closeup of the rough sandstone on the East Mifflin Street side of the building.

Draper Brothers Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, February 18, 2012

4. Draper Brothers Block

The side of the building facing the Capitol is on the right, and the North Hamilton Street side of the building is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 737 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 20, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 22, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.