Harlan in Shelby County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Beh Building
Erected 1890
— 608 Market Street —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 30, 2021
1. Beh Building Marker
housed Joseph F. Beh
Dry Goods and Groceries
Listed in the National Register
of Historic Places
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 41° 39.521′ N, 95° 19.082′ W. Marker is in Harlan, Iowa, in Shelby County. Marker is on Market Street west of 6th Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, at the right/east edge of the front façade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 608 Market Street, Harlan IA 51537, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Luecke Building (here, next to this marker); Shelby County Bank Building (a few steps from this marker); Tinsley Building (a few steps from this marker); Wheeler Block (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Wheeler Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Lamm Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Overholt Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Long's Block (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harlan.
Regarding Beh Building. Contributing property,
this page online
From the NRHP nomination: Architect and builders unknown, although probably built by Wm. H. Cockerell. This two-story brick block was the first to show the Romanesque Revival stylistic influence in the district having been built two years before the Courthouse. The façade is divided into three parts by projecting parapets and window fenestration, with the Romanesque style shown in the arcaded, round-arched window treatment on the second floor and the use of rusticated red sandstone trim, with some carry over from the Late Victorian style in the elaborate metal cornice. It was built for Joseph F. Beh in 1890 to house his large double stock of dry goods and groceries. The 1893 fire insurance showed dry goods in the west unit and groceries in the east store. By 1909, Beh had opened the interior into one store for the Beh Merrill Co. general merchandise store that operated until 1912 when it was sold to Wiley and Co. Stores in this building in the twentieth century have included Lemke's Daylight Store (general merchandise), Graham's Clothing (shoes and fabric), and Farner's 5 & 10 (1932-1980s).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Harlan Courthouse Square Commercial District
Also see . . .
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 30, 2021
2. Beh Building (front/south façade)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 30, 2021
3. Beh Building
Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 9, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
