401 Watson Street

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, November 15, 2012

1. 401 Watson Street Marker

photo caption: Carnegie Library, Ripon, Wis.

Inscription.
1905–1973 · Public Library (relocated)
1973–1996 · Pearl's House of Fashion
1996–Present · Accurate Controls

The majority of the money for the building of this library was given to the city by Andrew Carnegie. There was much dispute over where to place the Public Library, but the city board soon decided to build it at 401 Watson Street.

Erected 2004 by the Boy Scouts of America; Eagle Scout Project.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1973.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 43° 50.566′ N, 88° 50.32′ W. Marker was in Ripon, Wisconsin, in Fond du Lac County. It was at the intersection of Watson Street and Seward Street on Watson Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 401 Watson Street, Ripon WI 54971, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley.

It was also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: A different marker also named 401 Watson Street (here, next to this marker); First Baptist Church of Ripon (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 300 Watson Street

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(about 500 feet away); Birthplace of the Republican Party (about 700 feet away); The Long Way Home (about 700 feet away); Ripon College (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Congregational Church of Ripon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rotary Square (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ripon.

Also see . . .
1. Carnegie Library in Ripon. (Submitted on December 12, 2012.)
2. History of the Library. (Submitted on December 12, 2012.)

Marker and Former Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, November 15, 2012

2. Marker and Former Library

Former Public Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, November 15, 2012

3. Former Public Library

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2012, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 787 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 12, 2012, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.