Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mohr / Christoffer Block

1873

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 26, 2013

1. Mohr / Christoffer Block Marker

Inscription. These two buildings of an original three-building block were designed in the Italianate style, elements of which are visible above the first story. While this block housed a variety of businesses, it is historically significant for its association with Robert "Fighting Bob" La Follette, Wisconsin governor (1901-1906) and later US senator(1906-1925). One of this nation's most famous Progressive politicians and reformers, he located his nationally known Progressive Journal La Follette's Weekly (1919-1929) in the upper floors of this building.

Designated July 11, 1994

Erected 2013 by Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 119.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 11, 1837.

Location. 43° 4.362′ N, 89° 23.076′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street and South Hamilton Street, on the left when traveling west on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 West Main Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Smith and Lamb Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackman Building

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Baskerville Apartments (within shouting distance of this marker); Way of the Cross at Cathedral Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Loraine (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); What would you have seen here 14,000 years ago? (about 400 feet away); Grace Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); This city was planned in 1836 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Mohr / Christoffer Block. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "The first occupants of this building were the Park Bakery and Restaurant on the left and the furniture and undertaking establishment of H. C. Christopher and partners on the right. From 1898 to 1909 the upper stories housed the offices of the American Thresherman, a farming magazine with a national distribution. After 1909 the same space housed 'Fighting Bob' and Belle Case La Follette's La Follette's Weekly, a nationally known progressive journal that after his death became known as the Progressive magazine."

Related markers.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 26, 2013

2. Mohr / Christoffer Block Marker

The marker is just inside the alcove at 115 West Main Street.

Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of markers dealing with "Fighting Bob" La Follette.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 26, 2013

3. Mohr / Christoffer Block Marker

The marker is visible just inside the alcove at the lower center of the photo. The two buildings mentioned in the marker are the two buildings surrounding that alcove.

Mohr / Christoffer Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 26, 2013

4. Mohr / Christoffer Block

This is a photo of the back of the two buildings mentioned in the marker from South Hamilton Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2013, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 26, 2013, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 27, 2013, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.