Watertown in Codington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Mellette Block
1-3 N. Broadway
| | Watertown Commercial Historic District | |
April 20, 2024
1. Mellette Block Marker
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 44° 54.041′ N, 97° 6.883′ W. Marker is in Watertown, South Dakota, in Codington County. It is at the intersection of Broadway Street and Kemp Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Broadway Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 N Broadway St, Watertown SD 57201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East River. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: C.C. Whistler Meat Market (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Wiser Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Lebert Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Commercial Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Watertown Steam Laundry (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also
this page online
Regarding Mellette Block. Key contributing property, Watertown Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places #89000834.
Also see . . . South Dakota SP Watertown Commercial Historic District | National Archives NextGen Catalog.
From the National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet (1989):(Submitted on April 22, 2024.)
"(1-3) Mellette Block; NOTE: also 1-5 West Kemp; counted as 2 buildings; also known as Masonic Hall, Lamm Block (1916), Dakota Life Building (1919), Midland Life Building (1926); built by 1888 and perhaps as early as 1883; longtime home of Owsley Mercantile Company (at least 1898-1919); historically significant: law office Governor Arthur Mellette, who also part owner and South Dakota's first governor, later home office for important Watertown institution, Dakota Life Insurance (later Midland National Life)
1920 and 1926 alterations (additions to west to create 1-5 W. Kemp, 3rd story added to west addition, new unifying cornice) relate to conversion to life insurance offices; altered:corbelled chimneys removed c. 1926; 3-story; older section: dull reddish brick, hood molds, long narrow windows; 1920s section: Chicago Style windows, entry with "Dakota Life" in find round stone arch (now covered); KEY contributing"April 20, 20242. Mellette Block & Marker
"The Watertown Commercial Historic District is ... a homogenous collection of mostly commercial, 2-story, brick buildings, many dating from the turn of the century. ... Through scale (many 1- and 2-story buildings), materials (brick in brown shades, Kasota stone trim), and the presence of many buildings from the 1898-1915 period, the district conveys a unified and attractive appearance. Design features such as brick dentils further distinguish the district while reinforcing the feeling of a particular time and place. The high representation of 1898-1915-era buildings indicates the key development period of the district, while the wide span of construction dates from the 1880s to 1970 represent a continuum of commercial enterprise."
April 20, 2024
3. Mellette Block
Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2024. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 22, 2024.
