Watertown in Codington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Post Office & Auditorium
(Watertown, South Dakota)
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 8, 2016
1. Post Office & Auditorium Marker
After years of renting spaces, the US Postal Service constructed the building on the corner of Broadway and First Avenue North in 1908 to 1909. By 1932, it was clear that the facilities were not adequate, which resulted in a well-blended addition. An entirely new building replaced this structure in 1976, leaving the original empty and its future unknown. As a way to protect it, listing on the National Register of Historic Places the same year encouraged recognition of its significance to the community.
The Works Progress Administration too, on the City Auditorium project in the late 1930s. It was constructed to include housing and facilities for the 34th Signal Corp with a garage for the Corp's trucks. The Watertown High School Arrow Basketball team played on the maple floor until the 1960s. Around the same time, the police department and city jail moved into the basement and stayed there until 1975. Many community events still take place at the auditorium.
Erected by Sponsored by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, a Preserve America grant, and the South Dakota State Historical
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 8, 2016
2. Post Office & Auditorium Marker
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 44° 53.94′ N, 97° 6.9′ W. Marker is in Watertown, South Dakota, in Codington County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway St S and 1st Ave SE, on the left when traveling south on Broadway St S. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Watertown SD 57201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Company H. Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Tarbell Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Watertown Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Codington County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); McIntyre Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); O. N. Whistler Meat Market (about 300 feet away); Rosa Frey Millinery Shop (about 300 feet away); Carnegie Free Public Library (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watertown.
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, March 8, 2016
3. Post Office & Auditorium
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 24, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
