Historical Nomination Wins

The first nomination, the High Bridge in the City of Eau Claire, was submitted together with the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire History Department, City of Eau Claire, and Wisconsin Historical Society. This bridge was built in 1881 to replace the original wooden railway bridge constructed in 1870. In 1898 additional work was completed on the structure and then in 1992, at the age of 94, it was retired from rail service. Twenty-three years later it was converted into a pedestrian facility. Last year it received the Wisconsin Historical Society’s prestigious Board of Curator’s Award (which was submitted on the City’s behalf by Bob Newberry) and is now listed on the National Register of Historic places as an example of an iron lattice deck truss railway bridge.  

The second nomination, the Baumann Block, was built in 1894. Originally a grocery store and butcher shop, the north half was converted into a movie theater in 1910. The building is eligible for the National listing as an example of Queen Ann commercial architecture and as an example of an early movie theater. The building nomination received enthusiastic support from local organizations and state representatives.