Director

Kreigbaum Brothers dealt in “engines, threshing machines, binders, mowers, drills, Star wind pumps and in wood and coal” (Bash). According to reports, the business not only had the largest stock of this nature but the Kriegbaums were of sterling character and of high integrity. Newspaper accounts discuss the foundation walls being built in June 1904. The Daily News-Democrat in November of 1904 declared that the “main room is the largest ground floor room in Huntington.” The brick building was three floors tall and very sturdy. The brothers also established a hardware store in Warren, Indiana. George and Albert Kreigbaum ran that establishment while John P. Kreigbaum was the driving force behind the Huntington business. In 1975, the building was bought by Smith Furniture, and then in 2011 by Ed and Hal Souers. The Souers brothers incorporated their business under "Old Car Storage." All three floors are able to be used for storage because of the extra-large freight elevator installed when the building was built. Evidently, the Kriegbaums had large agricultural equipment on all three floors.The Kreigbaum Building, also called the Kreigbaum block, is an example of 20th century commercial architecture style. The architect, A.D. Mohler was also the architect on other buildings in the Huntington area. The Kreigbaum Block is location number 89 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

Old Car Storage Company Website (Current Owner)

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When it was built in 1904, this building was the largest single building in Huntington, IN. For 60 years it remained in the Kriegbaum family as a hardware and farm implements store. After being sold, the business only lasted another two years or so. Since then the building has been thru only two or three owners and only two businesses. Currently, the building is owned and operated by "Old Car Storage."

Kriegbaum Block

Starting at the library, this tour points out some of the major structures still existing in downtown Huntington. It gives a brief history of each building and talks about the architectural style and the architect (when known). A version of this tour was given during the summer of 2017.

Huntington County has had libraries almost since its founding. One of the earliest was established by the “Working Men’s Institute” and founded in 1855. The HCTPL traces its roots to this library which, in turn, provided the foundational materials to a subscription library founded in 1874 called the Public School Library. In 1889 the library was reorganized under state law to become a “free” library supported by a tax levy. The new name was “City Free Library.” From 1889 until a building completed with funds from Andrew Carnegie opened in 1903, the library was housed in the city high school.The library changed names in 1971 to the Huntington Public Library when it separated from the school library. It changed again in 1975 when the service area was expanded to include Huntington Township. Since then, it has been the Huntington City-Township Public Library even though in 2003 the service area expanded with the merger of the Markle Library.The 1903 Carnegie Library building still stands at 44 E. Park and is now the location of TCB Games. The current building opened in 1987 and was expanded twice: in 1996 and 2010. A major remodeling was completed in 2019. The main length of the building was designed to resemble a canal boat with the prow rising above the entrance. The entrance even sits on top of the former route of the Wabash &amp; Erie Canal.

The Huntington City-Township Public Library (HCTPL) serves the people of both the city and township of Huntington as well as the town of Markle. Teachers and students in the county schools, another primary/secondary school with a presence in the service area, or Huntington University are also eligible for library cards. It has a large room dedicated as the B. Joan Keefer Genealogy and Local History Center in the main branch, and a small History Room in the Markle branch.

Huntington City-Township Public Library

The original building was built in 1841 as a grocery and provisions store. In 1864, John Roche (one of the owners) decided there was need for another Hotel and work was done to turn the establishment into a hotel. A hotel has been located in this building under many names; National Hotel, Commercial Hotel, Osborne Hotel and finally Hotel Huntington. Hotel Huntington’s grand opening was April 2, 1900 and it was stated that “The building familiarly known as ‘The Osborne’ has been transformed in such a manner as to almost conceal its identity. The old hotel of canal days is no longer. It is transformed into a place of beauty –homelike and a resting place for a weary traveler.” (HND, 30 Mar 1890). Hotel Huntington closed in 1967. Over time the building has been a restaurant, supper club and tavern. Vidco Inc., Cox Bros Panasonic Showcase, Tipton House, and the Swing Inn Restaurant made appearances at this location. The building lay vacant in the 1990s. In August of 2007, the Coach House Day Spa moved into the location and renovated the building but kept some tin ceilings and used old sinks from the hotel rooms.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Greek Revival and Italianate. In Indiana, the Italianate style was most popular between 1855 and 1890. Unlike other late 19th century styles, Hoosiers selected the Italianate style for all kinds of buildings, including commercial and industrial structures. One of the features of this style is the hooded, arched, or decoratively treated window lintels; tall, narrow windows. Greek Revival style was popular in Indiana between 1840 to 1860. Some features represented of this style is the buildings simple box-like structure and the evenly spaced windows and the entrance that may have been marked with sidelights and rectangular transom. Hotel Huntington is location number 102 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

Hotel Huntington was built in 1841, with additions during 1864, and 1883 to 1900. This building displays both Greek Revival and Italianate architecture.

Hotel Huntington

In 1903, the Fort Wayne architecture firm of Wing &amp; Mahurin was awarded the contract for the new City Building. Since the city council remained divided (four votes each for the two plans presented) Mayor Anderson stepped in and cast the deciding vote. Work began and the building was completed and furnished for $38,763. The dedication took place on December 29, 1904. The building undertook a major remodel that finished in 1990 and cost approximately $2.3 million. Gibson-Tourney-Kim Co. were the architects on this remodel. Except for a short period of time around 1920 when Lesh law firm was one of the occupants in the building, the city has always occupied the building.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Richardson Romanesque. In Indiana, this style remained popular until 1910. “The Romanesque Revival style first appeared in Indiana as early as the 1850s. This early phase of the style was imported by German architects and was influenced by a new interest in Romanesque architecture, which developed in Europe during the mid-1800s. Later in the century, American architect Henry Hobson Richardson (1838-86) greatly popularized Romanesque-inspired buildings. Structures that follow his designs closely are often termed "Richardsonian Romanesque" style buildings.” Some features represented of this style include the castle or fortress like exterior with heavy, rough stone walls. The heavy, impressive half-round arches and doorways and of course, the towers. Huntington City Building is location number 1 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

The Huntington City Building is an example of Richardsonian Romanesque style architecture and was built in 1904. It replaced a wood structure on the same site that was built in 1883.In the photo of the first city building (ca. 1890s) notice the elevated plank sidewalks on either side of the dirt street.

City Building

Fred Bippus envisioned his dream hotel for Huntington. To solidify what that might incorporate, he sent his daughter to travel nationwide to over 50 hotels to take notes and log suggestions. He and his wife traveled the East Coast on the same mission. His sons George and Albert started learning the hotel administration trade. He selected W.A. Stevens to be his architect, who then hired his nephew Robert W Stevens to work with him. Preparations came to a halt when W.A. was killed in an accident. During this delay, Robert worked on new plans, incorporating new ideas and some old from his uncle. The plans were presented, accepted and work began in 1923.In October 1925, over 8,000 people visited the hotel in a ten hour period to view the opulent design and features. A swimming pool had an Egyptian motif with imported tiles. The modern bowling alleys were impressive and a promise of leagues to form soon was made by Mr. Bippus. The luxurious design, along with the restaurant, ice cream parlor and other services (shoe shine and stenographer service to name a few) attracted such well known people Amelia Earhart, Johnny Weissmuller (5 gold medals in 1924 Olympics in swimming) and Henry Ford.Unfortunately the hotel was not a financial success and had a progressive decline. In 1974, the hotel closed its doors. In 1983 the hotel was placed on the Indiana Register of Historic Places which gave it protection from demolition. Renovation began March of 1985 to turn the former hotel into an apartment complex for seniors. Dedication of the building was April 1987 and the building continues to be used in this manner today.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Neo-Classical. This style was most popular from 1895 to 1940 in Indiana. “The Neo-Classical Revival style is similar to the much earlier Greek Revival style; however, it differs by its use of elaborate classical detail, usually more permanent materials (brick, stone) and more massive scale. Architects frequently combined elements from Greek, Roman, and Italian Renaissance architecture into one design.” One of features represented of this style is the use of symmetry in the building and the wings. In 1984, Hotel LaFontaine is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also location number 83 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

Opening in 1925, Hotel LaFontaine was the vision of railroad heir, J. Fred Bippus and quite glamorous. The hotel was built in memory of his parents, George and Anna (Purviance) Bippus. It closed in 1974 and nearly everything was auctioned off: including the bowling alley boards. Renovated in 1984, it reopened as the LaFontaine Center, an apartment building for seniors.

Hotel LaFontaine/ LaFontaine Senior Apartments

Huntington Light &amp; Fuel Co. was founded by George J Bippus in 1890. J. Fred Bippus (yes, of Hotel LaFontaine fame) had the administrative building of the then named Huntington Light &amp; Fuel Co. built in 1916. It became the Northern Indiana Power Co. in 1923. In 1941, it became Public Service Indiana. It underwent extensive restoration in 1987/1988. The building has always been owned by the electric company, however it has not always been occupied.In 1880 Wabash introduced electric street lights to the country. At the time, Huntington had gas arc lamps. Electric street lights were first installed in 1886. Huntington Lighting and Fuel appears to have obtained the contract to supply the city electricity in late 1904.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Neo-Classical. This style was popular from 1885 to 1940 in Indiana. “The Neo-Classical Revival style is similar to the much earlier Greek Revival style; however, it differs by its use of elaborate classical detail, usually more permanent materials (brick, stone) and more massive scale.” Neo-Classical features in this building are the use of symmetry in the building, the illusion of columns, the entablature (white fireplace mantle-esque above the name) and the elaborate brick ornamentation towards the top of the building.  The Public Service building is location number 74 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

Built in 1914, the building has always been owned by the local electric company, though not always occupied. It is currently owned by Duke Energy.

Public Services Building

The first depot was a wooden shack. This was then replaced with a wooden building. The current building was designed to include the railroad offices, a waiting room, men’s and woman’s restroom, a heating plant and baggage room. The contact was awarded to Walsh Construction Company of Chicago and the estimated cost was $60,000. The building has served many functions; a passenger station for the Wabash Railroad, a station for the Norfolk &amp; Western Railroad, by 1979 it sat vacant, in 1989 the Express Printing business was housed here. In 2013, John and Shelly Shenkel donated the station to the city of Huntington to be used as a hub for the trails and greenway. The station has been renamed Schenkel’s Station. The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Craftsman/Art Deco. Art Deco was popular from 1925 to 1940 in Indiana. The Art Deco features of this building are the simple building design with flat roof, geometrical details, stylized floral motifs and the herringbone brick panels. The Wabash Railroad Depot is location number 81 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

Built in 1928, the former Wabash Railroad Passenger Station was completed using brick and stone. In 1855, the first train arrived in Huntington from Fort Wayne along the newly built Erie, Wabash &amp; St. Louis Railroad. Much later, the station saw the passing of the famous Wabash Cannonball. The Cannonball was named after the song of the same name which was originally written in the 1880s and re-popularized in 1929 by the Carter Family (including Johnny Cash's future mother-in-law) and 1932 by Roy Acuff. The Cannonball operated on this line from 1950 until 1971.A separate baggage station for freight and other large baggage was built at the opposite end of the courthouse. Most recently it functioned as Pizza Junction.

Schenkel's Station

L.P. Milligan built the first building of the Milligan Block. According to newspaper articles, he then built additional buildings to the south in 1893. When he died in 1899, the building was managed by his son Moses W Milligan. The structure was three stories with a basement. The basement and first floor were for businesses. The second floor touted modern flats with suites for offices and the third floor was for rooming purposes. An inspection in 1906, ordered improvements to the building, especially in the area of fire escapes. In 1909, the city directory lists Mrs. Mary C. Milligan (Moses’ widow) as a tenant.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Italianate. Italianate was popular from 1855 to 1890 in Indiana. “The Milligan Block has a heavy cornice with molded brick and pressed metal ornamentation.” The balance of the layout and the tall narrow windows are also examples of the Italianate style. The Milligan Block is location number 8 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

Built in 1883, the Milligan Block is a three story red brick building that has been home to many different businesses.Over much of its life it has been some sort of saloon, café, or restaurant with additional apartments and/or small businesses on the upper floors. During Prohibition it was a soda fountain and then a cigar store. In 2023 the third incarnation of a tavern/ saloon and restaurant with the name of the Silver Moon opened. The first business with a variation on that name operated from about 1885 to 1893. The second operated from 1994 to 2001.

Milligan Block

The current courthouse is the third to occupy the land donated by General John Tipton. The first was a frame building in 1840. The cornerstone for the second building was laid in 1858. J.W. Gaddis designed the current courthouse in 1903 and the cost including furniture was $346,773. The courthouse is constructed of Bedford, Indiana limestone. The building is four stories tall and the roof contains a stained glass dome topped with a cupola. The cornerstone was laid in 1904 and the building was completed in 1908, but a formal dedication was scheduled but never actually held. So, as part of the centennial celebration in 2008, that omission was corrected.Assessor’s office – On the first floor. Inside the office there are twelve murals depicting each of Huntington County’s twelve townships from the early 1800s to the turn of the century. They are attributed to Will Peaco. There are also mosaic tile floors throughout. Court Room – On the third floor. Much of this room is unchanged from when it was built.Eternal Flame – Outside the courthouse on the northwest corner is the veteran’s memorial. This replaced an earlier memorial specific to World War II veterans, and the cannon which was removed during WWII and melted for scrap. The flame was constructed in 1971 and is actually special light bulbs.G.A.R. Room – This room is located on the 2d floor. The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was organized in 1866 as a veteran’s fellowship and remembrance organization. It was succeeded by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (S.U.V.C.W.), a memorial, education, and lineage society. The courthouse is thought to have one of the last remaining functioning G.A.R. rooms in the country. It was painstakingly restored from 1998 – 2001 by the art class of Manchester College (now University) under the direction of Professor James Adams.Master Clock – In a display case on the northwest wall of the first floor is a pneumatic clock. It was originally the master clock for all of the interior rooms. The pendulum clock has a large weight which used to drive an air pump. The pump produced a puff of air that was directed through a system of ducts to each of the individual office clocks. Each puff would advance the office clocks one minute. The clock required winding once per week.Rotunda Bronze Bust of Samuel Huntington – This bust was commissioned by the Huntington Bar Association as part of the centennial celebration in 2008. It was actually installed in 2009.Rotunda Dome- The dome is made of 116 panels of Tiffany-style art glass. It was taken apart, cleaned, and reinstalled in 1986. The exterior was restored again in 2005.Rotunda Mosaic – The center mosaic of an Eagle on the main floor is comprised of over 100,000 tiles. The eagle is 15 feet from wing tip to wing tip. It is said to have been designed by a local lady, Mrs. Delvin.Treasurer’s Office – On the first floor. This office still has its original bank vault-with brass grill, a banker’s guard, and a high table around a column to be used by customers.Walls and Columns – while the outer hall walls have a wainscot of marble, the columns are plastered and painted in a way to resemble marble in a process called scagliola.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Neo-classical. Neo-Classical was popular from 1895 to 1940 in Indiana, especially in government buildings to show authority and culture. According to Gaddis, “the design is Grecian architecture, using the Ionic and Corinthian styles, which are noted for their beauty of detail and elegance of proportion.” Beaux Arts influence is found in the incorporation of roofline sculptures and the grand interior dome. The Huntington Court House is location number 38 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

The site of the current courthouse is the only place ever used for a courthouse structure in Huntington County. Erected in 1904, the Courthouse is Neo-Classical Revival in architecture style and was designed By J.W. Gaddis, an architect from Vincennes, Indiana. Mr. Gaddis designed other courthouse buildings and libraries many of which are currently on the National Register. The first courthouse was constructed about 1840 of wood. It sat at the northwest corner of the block.The second courthouse was constructed in 1858 of brick. It was situated in the middle of the block.Both the first and second courthouses included the county jail until a separate facility was constructed in 1882.

Huntington County Courthouse

The International Order of Odd Fellows began a formal chapter in the United States in 1819. The Fraternal Order of Odd Fellows has a focus in philanthropy, charity and the Golden Rule. “The historic command of the Odd Fellow is to 'visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan’.” In November 1888, the local paper stated that the old M.E. Church was for sale (on the site that is now the Odd Fellows building). R. P Daggett &amp; Co., architects out of Indianapolis worked on this building and other Odd Fellow lodges in Indiana. By September 1889 another article stated that the brick work was complete. An effusive news article later that month spoke of the building as “the most handsomest front in all of Huntington.” In 1915, the I.O.O.F lodge was finished next door. The phrase “I.O.O.F. Trust” in the middle of the building’s arch was placed there because the income from renting the property was originally used to support the I.O.O.F Cemetery (Mt. Hope). The United Telephone Company was the biggest and original tenant of the building until the early 1960s.United Brethren Publishing was established in 1837. In 1897, they moved their operations to Huntington where they continued until 1981. Initially the main focus was primarily for the purpose of publishing a denominational periodical. Eventually the publishing house produced other publications such as hymnals, disciplines, reports, and other books. IN 1957, the publisher purchased the above two buildings, hence giving the name of the trio of buildings the UB Block. The United Brethren maintained a presence in their building until the 1970s when most of the offices relocated to the growing campus. The publishing business remained until 1981.The two Odd Fellows buildings were sold to United Brethren Publishing by the late 1950s. At that time the three buildings became more directly connected to allow for expanded operations. After publishing operations ceased, the company sold the buildings. They then began a long, slow decline under the management of several owners. By 2009 all that was left according to the city directories were a few apartments and two businesses (Animal Crackers pet shop, and the Army/Marine recruiting offices). These remained until the buildings were condemned in 2013 and the City of Huntington began plans to demolish them.At that time Huntington Alert and the Indiana Landmarks Commission began efforts to save the buildings. They convinced the city to hold off on demolition while they tried to find a buyer willing to rehab the building. In 2014 the Redevelopment Commission took possession because of back taxes. It was listed on the Indiana Landmarks' 10 Most Endangered Buildings list in 2015. A developer was found and plans for redevelopment began in 2016. Actual work started in early 2018, and the buildings reopened in 2020. The first floor is comprised of the UB Launch co-working space, the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce, and the Huntington Arts &amp; Entrepreneurial Center. The upper floors have 37 market-rate apartments.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style in the Odd Fellows building as Victorian/Romanesque. Built over twenty five years later the I.O.O.F Building and UB Building are more a Neo-classical style of building, but looking at the buildings as a block, many features are carried across all buildings. The UB/IOOF/Odd Fellows Hall Building are location number 87 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

The Odd Fellows Hall was built in 1889, I.O.O.F Trust Building in 1915, and the United Brethren (UB) Building was also built in 1915. The three buildings are now called the "UB Block" and are part of the Huntington Courthouse Square Historical District. Beginning in the 1980s the buildings started a long slow decline. Condemned in 2013, the buildings were rescued by Huntington Alert and a combination of private and public funds. The rehabilitated buildings reopened in 2020 just as the state entered the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

UB Block (United Brethren - Odd Fellows Buildings)

Responding to cries from residents, local businessmen got together and proposed the Opera House. The lower floor was dedicated to rooms for various businesses. The upper floor, the opera house, provided live theater for about 500 people on the main floor and 300 more in the balcony. Performances ranged from theater performances, vaudeville shows, concerts, political speeches, motion pictures and of course, opera.When the Huntington Theater opened in 1904 with its sloped floors and larger capacity, the Opera House closed for performance purposes. Over the years, the building has been many different establishments (Moose Hall, Challenge Tire, Petre Cigars, law offices, gymnasium, Tip Top Café tavern, Palace Café, Kroger’s Grocery, and tax preparers. At various times the second floor has been used for small business offices and/or apartments.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Victorian Gothic. The style was short lived in popularity, lasting only from about 1875 to 1885 in Indiana. “Architects of the High Victorian Gothic style favored heavy, structural detailing. Buildings of the style are usually irregularly shaped and nearly always of masonry construction.” Victorian Gothic features in this building are the use of heavy brickwork, large scale and bold forms used. Col. James Woods was the architect on this building and was one of the “well-traveled architects of the 1875-1900 period. He specialized in theatre and opera house design, particularly their interiors, and gained commissions coast to coast.” The Opera House Building is location number 101 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

After residents expressed dismay over nearby towns having an opera house but one did not exist in Huntington, Ground broke in July 1881 for the Opera House on East Market Street. The performance venue was on the upper floor, with shops on the ground floor. Like many venues of its time, the floor was flat with a raised performance platform at one end.

Opera House

In 1902/1903 Jacob E Boos (no, not the Jacob Boos who founded Huntington Brewery; that is his Uncle) and Henry &amp; Mary (Jacob E’s sister) Pfeiffer purchased land on Market Street that would then become the Boos &amp; Pfeiffer Building. The foundation walls were erected in October 1904.The bottom floor was designed to be two different shops with a dividing wall between them. The second floor was designed to be offices, and the third floor an open space (no dividing wall). The two upper floors were very attractive to the Eagles and later the Knights of Columbus for offices and a meeting space.Boos &amp; Pfeiffer were often involved in saloons during this time period; one of which was the Oak saloon. This establishment was moved to the new building upon completion and was mentioned in a local newspaper article. “The bar and all inside work are of mahogany. French plate mirrors add to the decorations. Boos &amp; Pfeiffer are up-to-date business men, and they will continue to conduct the Oak in the usual first-class manner.”The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Neo-classical. Neo-Classical was popular from 1895 to 1940 in Indiana, to show authority and culture. As mentioned on Huntington Alert, Inc.’s site: “The building has the clean lines and smooth surfaces we would expect in a neo-classic building. A series of arched windows at the top of the building suggest a classic arcade. Four projecting brick piers topped by limestone trim suggest flat columns or “pilasters” and serve to visually unite the building’s three stories.” If you walk down the alley to the back of the building you can still make out an advertisement for The Oak. The Boos &amp; Pfeiffer Building is location number 100 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

The first floor of this Neo-Classical style building has frequently been a type of saloon or bar or billiard parlor; while the higher floors were occupied by the Fraternal Order of Eagles until the 1920s, and the Knights of Columbus until 2012. In keeping with its past, one side of the building is currently Legends Bar, while the other is Corn Coast Comics.

Boos & Pfeiffer Building

William H.D. Lewis was one of the pioneers of Huntington Country. A businessman from New York, he settled into the area and pursued business opportunities. The Lewis Block was originally called Lewis Corner (and later the Lewis Building) with the original building built in 1848. As time went on the building became “an eyesore to the public-spirited citizens.” In March 1885, the five parcels that make up Lewis Block were sold. Parcel A was sold to Ed. T Brown, Parcel B was sold to EM Taylor, Parcel C by Jacob Levi, Parcel D was sold to Jacob Boos and the corner lot sold to Mrs. Bettie Lewis for $5,500 (the most expensive of the five lots). A newspaper article in 1885 stated that “The owner of corner lot of the Lewis corner, will build this summer with the owners of the other lots thus forming a solid block and similar design.”Today the block is occupied by Antiqology, the Huntington County Visitor's Bureau, the Happy Camper, and the Party Shop. As with most buildings downtown, the upper floors have been used for a variety of small businesses, apartments and storage. The Party Shop portion of the building has been a coffee, tea, and sweets shop since 1909 when Casner &amp; Jefferies added freshly brewed beverages to the grocery they had operated for a couple of years.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Victorian Romanesque. Information on the National Register application refers to it a Jacobean Revival Style. The confusion may stem from the fact that while this was considered a block, each business owner had elements of their individuality integrated into their building, giving the whole block an eclectic yet cohesive feel. While the tower easily attracts your eye and gives grandeur to the corner building, also notice the stone work on the building going up Jefferson Street. While each building has its own personality, certain features dominate the entire block. The Lewis Block is location number 46 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

In 1885, the Lewis Block (401 – 413 North Jefferson) was sold to five different buyers who worked together to form a solid block of buildings in a similar design. They replaced a previous block of brick buildings with the one seen today.

Lewis Block

In 1833 Samuel Moore opened a business that sold provisions at the Forks of the Wabash. In 1845, he moved his business to Huntington. John Kenower was the builder of the Moore Building and was one of the first 14 families to settle in Huntington. The bricks used for the building were fired locally and were the start of what would become the Montgomery Brick Yards. The building changed hands and was eventually bought by George R Corlew. He made an addition to the building in 1869, making it 102.5’ long. A "modern" façade was added in the 1960s or 70s. It was removed in 1982 when the building façade was returned to its original appearance by Dr. Harman and his family. The last major renovation was in 2020 – 2022. It is currently the HomeCraft store and a couple of market-rate apartments.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Federal. This style was popular in Indiana in 1810-1840. Because of this most examples of Federal style architecture are normally found in Southern Indiana, near waterways as this area of Indiana was more settled during this time period. Simple is the mainstay of the Federal style, with buildings looking like simple blocks, being built of brick or stone and rooflines that are simple. This building shows the use of “parapet walls” which hide the roof and allow the outline of the building to look more simple and clean. The Moore-Corlew Block was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and is location number 13 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

Built in 1844, the Moore-Corlew Building is one of the oldest buildings in Huntington. It has been documented as one of the first brick and the only federal style structure downtown. This building was listed on the National Register in 1982.

Moore-Corlew Building

T.G. Perfect was issued a permit in March of 1919 to build a theater at the corner of Jefferson and Washington Streets. The work was estimated to be completed by September and the cost approximately $25,000. In November, the theater opened and “The Brat” was the first picture shown. In 1921, the name changed to Jefferson Theater. In 1929, the first talking picture show was presented, “On Trial” with Pauline Frederick. The building remained a theater until it closed in 1956/1957 after being managed by Affiliated Theaters, Inc. In the 1960s, it was Lord’s Dress Shop. After sitting vacant for some time, it was opened as the Dream Center in 2014.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as 20th century commercial. An article from American Contractor Weekly of Chicago refers to Henry L. Newhouse (1874-1929) as the architect. Mr. Newhouse was also the architect on the Milford Theater in Chicago and the Blackstone-Slate Theater in South Bend. The article describes the building as a “Motion Picture and Store Building (900 Seat Capacity and Two Stores) … Brick, Reinforced concrete, terra cotta.” The Jefferson Theater building is location number 57 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

Built to be a motion picture theater in 1919, The Perfect Theater (later The Jefferson Theater) featured the first talking movie in Huntington. In addition to the theater, a couple of small businesses were housed in the building including a couple of cigar stores, a confectionary, and the Ash Hat co. When its theater days were over, the building was reconfigured as a single space.

Jefferson Theater

The Huntington Theater was the ninety-sixth theater planned by the architect Col. J.W. Wood of Detroit and was one of the few theaters that had central heating to reduce fire risk. The larger space and ability to hold larger productions (and then eventually motion pictures) was a major reason the Opera house on Market Street closed. In 1916, former president William Howard Taft spoke at the theater regarding the Adamson Law (first federal law that regulated work day hours in private companies).In 1940s, the renovation allowed for a 1,400 seat theater and took on a more Art Deco theme. It continued as a movie theater until June 1999, when the movie theater Huntington7, forced the doors to close. It then became a theater with lower ticket prices and showing classic movies and later a church. In 2007 renovations began to transform it into The New Huntington and Supper Club. Due to lack of attendance, it closed in 2015. The owners of Antiquology purchased the building and started renovations in 2020 and in 2021 Design Collaborative (Fort Wayne) joined the effort. The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Art Moderne. Art Deco/Moderne was popular from 1925 to 1940 in Indiana, to show authority and culture. The 1940s renovation was very focused on shape, sleek design with horizontal lines. The round windows and smooth tile helped to enhance this Art Moderne look as can be seen in the pictures, but alas not the building as it stands today. The Huntington Theater building is location number 30 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

The Huntington Theater opened in 1904 with “The Little Minister” staring Maude Adams. It was renovated in 1940 to an Art Moderne/Deco style and embrace moving pictures. In 2007 it was transformed into a theater and supper club. That closed in 2015. The marquee was removed in April 2019 after a truck ran into it. Renovation began again in 2020.

Huntington Theater

In May 1912, the first copy of Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) newspaper was printed and distributed. The focus of the initial years of the newspaper was to combat anti-Catholicism and teach Catholics about their faith. Father (later Archbishop) John Francis Noll was instrumental in the creation of this newspaper and was the editor. In March of 1923, plans were made to make a larger building to house the printing of this publication and more. In July 1925, local newspapers highlighted the new space and the much touted modern conveniences, including an automatic elevator (no human elevator operator), ‘ice cold water’ from fountains on every floor and natural light (along with the modern electric lighting) from the sawtooth skylight system. The cost of the new building was approximately $75,000. In 19XX, OSV constructed a new, and much enlarged facility on East Park Drive near the Erie Yards. The building was sold and went through several owners and uses, including serving as the administrative offices for Memcor. After much renovation, the current senior housing Park Lofts at Huntington apartments opened in 2015.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Spanish Colonial Revival. This style was popular in the 1900-1920s. Because of the harsh winters in Northern Indiana, the stucco element (seen in California) was frequently replaced with brick. The clay roof tiles, illusion of towers and decorative detail are all features of this architecture style. The Our Sunday Visitor building is location number 128 on the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District which was approved in 1992.

Built in 1925/1926, the Our Sunday Visitor building was designed by the architects Worthman &amp; Steinbech (also known for designing big, elaborate churches in the Chicago area) and incorporated many modern conveniences. For about 40 years it operated as the OSV headquarters. After the new OSV building was constructed on East Park, this building saw several uses, until it opened as the Park Lofts at Huntington in 2015.

Our Sunday Visitor Building

In 1874, the Public School Library Association was formed and the first library was opened as a shared public and school library in the City High School building. Beginning in the 1890s, the Carnegie Corporation promised $25,000 for a library building if a city could acquire a site and $2,500 annual tax levy. After much debate and discourse, a lot was found and the architecture firm of Patron and Miller from Chicago (they designed over 100 Carnegie libraries nationwide) was hired. This new library had electric lighting, indoor plumbing and the stacks became open (like they are today, prior to 1903 you had to request books and the librarian would get them for you).  It opened to the public in 1903.In 1912 under the direction of Miss Winifred Ticer, the basement was opened up and became the “Railroad and Scientific Room”. The Erie Railroad officials donated materials including maps and pictures. The library remained at this location until May 1987 when a new building was built a couple of blocks west to meet the needs of the growing community. The Carnegie building was then used by the school (see tour stop 19) as a media center. Most recently it has been used as a game store and bakery. The original metal shelves and many other architectural features are still included in the interior of the building.The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Neo-Classical.  “America's interest in classical architecture was reborn in the 1890s. Hoosier civic leaders thought that classical architecture would symbolize authority and culture for their growing cities and towns at the turn of the century. The Neo-Classical Revival style is similar to the much earlier Greek Revival style; however, it differs by its use of elaborate classical detail, usually more permanent materials (brick, stone) and more massive scale. Architects frequently combined elements from Greek, Roman, and Italian Renaissance architecture into one design.” One of the features of this Neo-classical style is the dentil details (dentils are a series of closely spaced rectangular blocks that form a molding) along the roofline. The Carnegie City Free Library building is listed on page 14 of the National Register of Historic Places registration form for North Jefferson Street Historic District which was approved in 2010.

In February 1903, the City Free Library opened its doors to the public with 8,306 bound volumes. It circulated its materials about 27,000 times that first year. The standalone building replaced a shared public/school library in the City High School.

Carnegie Library Building

Early 1928 newspaper accounts show the need for a new school was an issue on which the town was divided. Some parties thought a new school was not needed, others felt that it was unsafe for their children to go to the third floor of the existing building. In May of 1928, W.R. Dunkin &amp; Son began demolition work on the existing school, so that the new school could be constructed. Robert W Stevens, the architect on the project, began work on the plans for this and the Community Gymnasium (located at this same spot) in mid-May. The gymnasium was stated to cost approximately $60,000 and would have a maximum capacity of 5,500 people. This school would house grades K through 8 grade until 1967, when it became a K through 6 grade school. The school was dedicated January 17, 1929 and the second semester began January 21, 1929 in the new school. The Huntington County Interim Report, 2nd Edition, labels the architecture style as Neo-Classical.  “America's interest in classical architecture was reborn in the 1890s. Hoosier civic leaders thought that classical architecture would symbolize authority and culture for their growing cities and towns at the turn of the century. The Neo-Classical Revival style is similar to the much earlier Greek Revival style; however, it differs by its use of elaborate classical detail, usually more permanent materials (brick, stone) and more massive scale. Architects frequently combined elements from Greek, Roman, and Italian Renaissance architecture into one design.” Some of the features of this Neo-classical style that can be seen in this building are the simple geometry, the balance or symmetry of the building and the focus on function rather than ornamentation. The Central High School building is listed on page 21 of the National Register of Historic Places registration form for North Jefferson Street Historic District which was approved in 2010.

The Tipton street side of the current location became the City School in 1878 taking the place of several earlier homes. In 1890 a dedicated high school was built on the same block along Jefferson St. The first building was demolished around 1920. When the 1890 building was too small and some people deemed it unsafe, work began on a new school. The new high school opened in what is now Slack Park in 1918 and a new elementary school was built on the block in 1928  (after the existing structure was demolished). In 2012 the remodeled facility was opened as Central Living Senior Apartments. Each apartment incorporates some aspect of the classroom(s) from which it was constructed.

Downtown Huntington Architectural Walk

Kriegbaum Block

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources

Additional Information