Watertown in Codington County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Woolworth Building

117-121 E. Kemp

— Watertown Commercial Historic District —

Woolworth Building Marker image. Click for full size.

April 20, 2024

1. Woolworth Building Marker

Inscription. Built 1912 or 1913 for Woolworth's and ladies hat store. 1934 divided into two stores–Gambles and Sanitary Fruit Market.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 44° 54′ N, 97° 6.7′ W. Marker is in Watertown, South Dakota, in Codington County. It is on Kemp Avenue East west of 2nd Street East, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 121 E Kemp Ave, 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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

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

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marker: John Moodie Dry Goods Company (here, next to this marker); E.H. Prey Jeweler and Optician (a few steps from this marker); Balsiger's Bakery (a few steps from this marker); Foley Block–East End (a few steps from this marker); Foley Block–West End (within shouting distance of this marker); State Bank and Trust Company or Commercial Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Retail Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Harper Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watertown.

Regarding Woolworth Building. 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):

"(117-9) commercial building; after 1910 and by 1915; 1919, variety store and F.W. Woolworth store; 2-story; brown brick; similar to adjacent; 3 sets windows grouped in 3's; contributing"

"The Watertown Commercial Historic District is ... a homogenous
April 20, 2024

2. Woolworth Building & Marker
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."

(Submitted on April 22, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2024. This page has been viewed 483 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2024.