Casket Co 1798 Washington, Nat'l Register Historic Places
Planning Services Department
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864
(563) 589-4210 office
(563) 589-4221 fax
(563) 690-6678 TOD
planning@cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org
:1 f
THE C~TY OF ~.~
DUBUt2UE
~~~
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September 16, 2005
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Dubuque
City Hall-50 W. 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
RE: National Register Nomination -- Dubuque Casket Company, 1798 Washington St.
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
The City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission has reviewed the above-cited
request. The nomination, staff memo and related materials are attached for your review.
There were no other public comments.
Discussion
John Gronen of Gronen Adaptive Reuse LLLP presented the nomination, reviewed the
renovation plans for the property, and spoke in favor the request.
Staff Member Carstens reviewed the criteria for significance. She noted that the
nomination indicates that the property is significant under criterion A. Criterion A is a
property that is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of our history.
The Historic Preservation Commission discussed the nomination and the proposed
renovation and reuse of the property. Commissioners noted that the property warrants
placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Recommendation
By a vote of 4 to 0, with 1 abstention by Vice Chairperson Olson, the Historic
Preservation Commission recommends the nomination of the Dubuque Casket
Company to the National Register of Historic Places based on Criterion A.
A simply majority vote is needed for the City Council to concur with the request, and to
forward the nomination to the State Nominations Review Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
~~~/~
Christine Olson, Vice Chairperson
Historic Preservation Commission
Attachments
Service
People
Integrity
Responsibility
Innovation
Teamwork
. In the event that the Mayor was unable to attend the meeting. The Commission Chairman should
forward the Review form to the Mayor for review and comment. Have the Mayor sign the form and
return them to the Historic Preservation Commission.
. Item #3 on the Review form asks for the review and comment of a preservation professional. If your
commission does not have a professionally qualified historian or architectural historian who can
complete this part of the form, you may leave Item #3 blank and I will arrange to have a State staff
member complete that part of the form.
. After you have completed Items #1 through #2 (through #3 if a preservation professional is
available), please make a copy of the completed review forms for your file and send the original
copies of the completed forms to me.
. The Commission should keep the nomination and photographs. File them together in your inventory,
as you will need the information for future reference. If a State preservation professional was
needed to complete Item #3 on the review form, I will return a copy to the commission for filing.
If the Historic Preservation Commission and the Mayor disagree with one another on the property's
National Register eligibility, both views will be presented to SNRC for their consideration during review
of the nomination. If both the Historic Preservation Commission (by Commission majority) and the
Mayor do not consider the property eligible for National Register listing, we must halt the nomination.
Be advised that when a nomination is halted, the property owner, the person who prepared the
nomination or any interested party may appeal the decision. In addition, the nomination will still go
forward to the National Park Service for an official "Determination of Eligibility."
Please contact Kerry McGrath, CLG Coordinator at 515/281-6826 with any questions or concerns
regarding the CLG program or the process for this review.
Sincerely,
4~JuitA till
Elizabeth Foster Hill
Tax Incentive Programs Manager!
National Register Coordinator
"
CLG NATIONAL REGISTER REVIEW
CLG Name Dubuaue Date of Public Meeting
Property Name
Dubuaue Casket Company. 1798 Washinaton street. Dubuaue. Dubuaue County
1. For Historic Preservation Commission:
o Recommendation of National Register eligibility
o Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature
Date
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
2. For Chief Elected Local Official:
o Recommendation of National Register eligibility
o Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature
Date
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
3. Professional Eyaluation:
o Recommendation of National Register eligibility
o Recommendation of National Register ineligibility
Signature
Date
Print Name
Title
Reason(s) for recommendation:
RETURN TO: State Historical Society of Iowa, ATTN: National Register Coordinator, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines,
IA 50319
NPS Form 10-900
(Rev. 10-90)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
AUG - 5 2005
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
REGISTRATION FORM
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual
properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National
Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A) .
Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the
information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being
documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural
classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and
subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items
on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or
computer, to complete all items.
===============================================================================
1. Name of Property
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
historic name
Dubuque Casket Company
other names/site number
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Location
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington Street
vicinity N/A
IA county Dubuque
not for publication
N/A
street & number 1798
city or town Dubuque
state Iowa code
code
zip code 52004
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. State/Federal Agency Certification
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966,
as amended, I hereby certify that this X nomination request for
determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering
properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and
professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property
X meets does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that
this property be considered significant ___ nationally statewide X locally.
( See continuation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of certifying official
Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
==============================================================================
In my opinion, the property ____ meets does not meet the National Register
criteria. See continuation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of commenting or other official
Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
'"
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Dubuque Casket Company
. Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. National Park Service Certification
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I, hereby certify that this property is:
entered in the National Register
See continuation sheet.
determined eligible for the
National Register
See continuation sheet.
determined not eligible for the
National Register
removed from the National Register
other (explain):
Signature of Keeper Date
of Action
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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5. Classification
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Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply)
X private
public-local
public-State
public-Federal
Category of Property (Check only one box)
X building(s)
district
site
structure
object
Number of Resources within Property
1
Noncontributing
buildings
sites
structures
objects
o Total
Contributing
1
Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National
Register 0
Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a
multiple property listing.) N/A
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Dubuque Casket Company
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
================================================================================
6. Function or Use
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
Cat: INDUSTRY Sub: Manufacturing Facility
Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions)
Cat: COMMERCE/TRADE Sub: Business
WORK IN PROGRESS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------~
7. Description
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------=~
Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions)
Late 19i1i and 20ili Century Revivals
Classical Revival
Materials (Enter categories from instructions)
foundation Stone
roof Asphalt
walls Brick
other
Terra Cotta
Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property
on one or more continuation sheets.)
"
USDIINPS NRHP Registration Form
Dubuque Casket Company
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Statement of Significance
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the
criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing)
X A
Property is associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our
past.
C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period,
or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or
possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.
D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important
in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.)
A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes.
B removed from its original location.
C a birthplace or a grave.
D a cemetery.
E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.
F a commemorative property.
G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past
50 years.
Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions)
Industry
Period of Significance
1895- 1955
USDIINPS NRHP Registration Form
Dubuque Casket Company
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
Significant Dates
1895
1905
1919
Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above)
N/A
Cultural Affiliation
Architect/Builder
Unknown
Unknown
Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on
one or more continuation sheets.)
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Dubuque Casket Company
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
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9. Major Bibliographical References
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or
more continuation sheets.)
Previous documentation on file (NPS)
preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been
requested.
previously listed in the National Register
previously determined eligible by the National Register
designated a National Historic Landmark
recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey #
recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #
Primary Location of Additional Data
X State Historic Preservation Office
Other State agency
Federal agency
Local government
University
Other
Name of repository:
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------------------------------------------------------~--------------------------
10. Geographical Data
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acreage of Property
Less than one
UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet)
Zone Easting Northing
1 3
2 4
See continuation sheet.
Zone Easting Northing
Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a
continuation sheet.)
Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation
sheet. )
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Dubuque Casket Company
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
=================================================================================
11. Form Prepared By
===============================================================================
name/title Sam Erickson, Vice President
e-mail addresssam@chihousing.com
organization Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.
date
May 28, 2005
street & number
1505 Springs Drive
telephone
515-262-4932
city or town
Pleasant Hill
state Iowa
zip code
50327
===============================================================================
Additional Documentation
===============================================================================
Submit the following items with the completed form:
Continuation Sheets
Maps
A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage
or numerous resources.
Photographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Property Owner
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.)
name Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.
street & number
14 West 21st Street, Suite 3
telephone 712-262-5965
zip code
51301
city or town Spencer
state IA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for
applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for
listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend
existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in
accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470
et seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to
average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions,
gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct
comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief,
Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.o. Box 37127,
Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork
Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503.
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMS No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
7
Page
1
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Narrative Description
The Dubuque Casket Company is a four story red brick edifice located on the comer of Washington Street and 18th
Street East in the center of Dubuque's potential Old Town historic district. The front of the four story building
faces West on Washington Street. The north facyade lines 18th Street East. Designed in the Classic Revival style,
this commercial building has served as an industrial building since its construction in 1895. Exterior features of the
Classic Revival building are simple in nature to reflect its industrial use and include arched windows, pilasters and
a minimal ornamental cornice detail on the front and sides of the building.
The original Dubuque Casket Company building was constructed on the northwest comer of the lot. Historic
records indicate the original 1895 building has undergone two major additions. The first addition was made in
1904 and the second in 1919. Both additions were constructed on the south end of the building. The exterior of the
building continues to posses a high degree of architectural and historical integrity with little alteration to the brick
facades. The only visible change that has been made to most of the exterior is the replacement of a significant
portion of the windows with either boards or brick. A metal loading dock has been added to the south side of the
building.
Exterior
The Dubuque Casket Company occupies a prominent comer located in the heart of Dubuque's potential Old Town
historic district. The Dubuque Casket Company is positioned on the comer of Washington Street and 18th Street
and is surrounded by residential dwellings on three sides and bordered by a car lot to the East.
The rectangular Dubuque Casket Company measures 163 feet in length on the East and West facades and 100 feet
in length on the North and South facades. The building does feature a metal garage addition that is not historic on
the South facyade of the building. The roof is flat in design and constructed of asphalt.
The building's design was fashioned in the Classical Revival style which enjoyed popularity in the late 19th and
early 20th Centuries. The architect for this building and its additions is unknown.
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMS No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
7
Page
2
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
West Facade- Front of Building
The Dubuque Casket Company was designed in the Classical Revival style with simple detail and little
ornamentation, consistent with its planned use as an industrial building. The uncomplicated design is constructed
of red brick and divided into eight symmetrical bays that house three windows on each of the building's four
stories. The front of the building is the most ornate facyade. Windows are gently arched in Classical Revival style
and are divided by wide pilasters of brick. The exception to the symmetry of the three windows in each bay is four
entry doors that are designed in keeping with the building's symmetrical design. The original entry doors no longer
exist, but historic photos demonstrate the doors were very simple and utilitarian. Each of the doors has four cement
steps at the base. A small ornamental cornice of red brick accents the building's roofline.
The exterior of the building's front facyade has sustained few alterations over the years. Most notably, 90% of the
windows have been replaced with boards, metal or brick. The remaining 10% of the windows are modem
replacement windows. Three of the building's four original entrance doors have been removed and closed in with
wood. The fourth and southernmost entrance door has been replaced with a metal replacement door. The original
brick of the building is in good condition, but has suffered deterioration in some places and is in need of
restoration.
South Facade (side of building)
The south facade of the building is constructed in red brick and features very little architectural design detail. The
roof line is stepped in three descending levels with no ornamentation. Original arched window bays may be found
on the first, second and third stories. As with the front facyade of the building, windows are grouped in sets of three
and vertically symmetrical. The notable difference of window placement on the south facade is the lack of
windows on the entire fourth story and the southwest comer of the second story. On the fourth story, the name
"Dubuque Casket Company" is painted in white on a black background. A large metal three stall garage measuring
55 ft by 41ft. has been added to the south facyade of the building. This addition is less than twenty years old.
East Facade (rear of building)
The rear of the building faces east and is constructed of red brick. This facade provides a clear demonstration of
the three phases in which the building was constructed. The northern portion of the building is the first phase of
development. Two additional phases of development were later added on to the south of the building. On the street
level, the building has three large freight bays and several narrow arched windows. The second, third and fourth
levels feature eight symmetrical window bays that each contain three gently arched narrow windows separated by
brick pilasters. The notable exception to this pattern is one bay that contains on two symmetrical windows, located
on the southernmost portion of the first phase of construction, abutting the first addition to the original building.
NPS Form 10-900-a
. (8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
7
Page
3
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
North Facade (side of building)
The North face of the building faces Eighteenth Street and is the faltade that most closely resembles the front of the
building. The red brick construction is divided into six symmetrical bays, flanked by simple brick pilaster columns.
Each bay houses two gently arched windows. A simple cornice adorns the roofline of the building. The most
notable change to the north faltade of the building is the replacement of windows with metal, brick and wood.
Interior
The interior of the Dubuque Casket Company building reflects the building's industrial use. On all four levels,
floors are clean and open, allowing for ease of movement with manufacturing materials and fInished goods. The
building houses three interior wood staircases that are simple in construction. The building's interior is divided into
fIve bays by four interior brick walls. Two of these separation walls are the result of additions to the building.
First Story
The exception to the open floor plan occurs on the fIrst floor at the building's main entrance to the south. This
interior space housed offices and a show room for the Casket Company. The office area is outlined by plaster and
wood detail in a simple Tudor design. This space is not original to the building and was used as offices for the
Casket Company business. The area was also used as a show room for caskets in the later years of the business.
The vault is also located in the office area at the southwest comer of the building.
The remainder of the fIrst floor interior is an open plan. Exposed wood beams that remain in good condition are
present throughout the fIrst floor level. In addition, wood floor joists are visible and in good condition. Window
bays on the fIrst story have been fIlled in with wood or brick and glass block. There are few remaining wood
window casings, and those are remaining are in very poor and deteriorated condition. The building has concrete
floors on the fIrst level.
Second, Third and Fourth Stories
The second, third and fourth stories of the building were historically utilized for the manufacturing and
warehousing of funeral caskets and have sustained few alterations over the past one hundred years. The floor plans
of the upper stories are simple and open in design. Red Brick walls divided each of the upper stories into fIve bays.
In many cases, the brick walls have been painted white.
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section 8 Page 4 Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Exposed wood beams that remain in good condition are present throughout the upper three stories. In addition,
wood floor joists are visible and in good condition. In some cases, the joists have been covered with wood tongue
and groove ceilings that are also in good condition. Three wood stair cases of simple construction are visible in the
building's upper three stories.
Window bays have been filled in with wood or brick and glass block. There are few remaining wood window
casings, and those remaining are in very poor and deteriorated condition. ,The building does have wood floors on
the upper three stories. However, the wood floors are in serious disrepair and in many cases, the wood has been
permanently damaged by oil stains.
Historic Significance
The Dubuque Casket Company building achieves historic significance according to Criterion A of the National
Register Criteria because of its contribution to the series of events, activities and social patterns of development in
Dubuque. The building site served as a casket company site from 1877, when the Dubuque Casket Company's
predecessor firm, the Dubuque Furniture and Burial Case Company, built its first facility. The Dubuque Casket
Company was the most successful of three casket manufacturers in Dubuque, operating from 1877 to 1987. The
building is one of the key buildings in Dubuque's potential Old Town district, and is the only remaining casket
manufacturing building in the city of Dubuque. Furthermore, the limited alterations to the exterior of the building
over the years and the building's overall good condition render the building a prime example of Dubuque's
industrial architecture and Classical Revival design. In summary, the Dubuque Casket Company building does
contribute significantly to the history and industrial growth of the City of Dubuque and the State of Iowa.
Dubuque, Iowa established itself as a national leader in the coffin making industry in the later part of the 19th
Century. Three significant manufacturers contributed to the city's strength in the industry. All three of the coffm
makers chose to operate in what is now Dubuque's potential Old Town historic district, locating on sites from Elm
and 15th Street to 18th and Washington Street. The Dubuque Furniture and Burial Case Company (later to become
Dubuque Casket Company) was the first coffin maker in Dubuque, established in 1877. The Iowa Coffin Company
was established in 1880 and incorporated in 1882. The facility for the Iowa Coffm Company was two blocks
southeast of the Casket Company site on the comer of Elm and 15th. The third casket manufacturer, Hawkeye
Casket Company, was organized in 1905 and moved into the former Key City Furniture Company building located
at 11 th and Elm. Both the Iowa Coffin Company and the Hawkeye Casket Company had gone out of business by
1924, both buildings have since been demolished.
The Dubuque Furniture and Burial Case Company was the first coffm maker established in Dubuque in 1877. The
firm was governed by three board members, John Hartman, Henry Huber and A. Koester who contributed an initial
investment of $16,000. Within three years, the company grew from a small manufacturer into one of the largest
coffin making establishments in the West. By 1880, the company employed 50 workers making large furniture
items and caskets.
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
8
Page
5
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Dubuque Furniture and Burial Case Company factory was located at the comer of 18th and Washington Street and
also set up a retail storefront for the furniture line at 584 Main Street. In 1883, a large fire swept through the
Dubuque Furniture and Burial Case Company, destroying most of the building. Eventually, the owners were forced
out of business.
The Dubuque Casket Company filed articles of incorporation on January 21 st of 1893, listing initial officers as
Frank A. Beiler, president; J.K. Deming (local bank president), vice president, and A.C. Gasser, secretary-
treasurer. Stockholders were listed as M.M Hoffman (casketmaker), J.H. Whatmore (CGW Railroad), J.C.
Longueville (attorney), J.C. Althauser (retailer) and Arnold Nicks (contractor). The purpose of the company was
listed as "manufacture, buying and selling of caskets, coffins, and undertakers supplies, goods and wares. The
initial amount of capital stock was $50,000, divided into 500 shares of $1 00 each.
Two days after filing articles of incorporation, on January 23rd, the Dubuque Casket Company purchased the three
story 40x80 warehouse at 1798 Washington Street from the Dubuque Furniture and Burial Case Company. The
Casket Company also leased a number of lots adjoining the building with an option to purchase those lots. The
founders of the Dubuque Casket Company soon made plans for expansion of the facility and construction of the
current building started in the summer of 1893.
The first Dubuque Casket Company building cost $7,000 to construct. The first floor of the new company was to
be the machine and equipment room. The second floor was for the manufacturing of fme cloth covered caskets.
The third floor was to be used to manufacture undertaker's dry goods, which was a new industry for Dubuque. The
Fourth Floor was to be used for storage.
In 1895, the new Dubuque Casket Company facility was complete and the Dubuque Enterprise noted "its plant at
Washington and Eighteenth streets is one of the very largest manufacturing establishments in the city. It is devoted
to the manufacture of caskets, robes, linings and other accessories to a general jobbing business in funeral
directors' supplies, such as chemicals, instruments and everything used by undertakers."
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
8
Page
6
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Dubuque Casket Company (Enterprise, c.1902). This illustration depicts the first phase of construction.
Construction on the second and what is now center section of the building began in 1903. Construction was not
complete on the $12,000 addition, designed to accommodate signifIcant growth and expansion of the business,
until 1905. Early photographs indicate the construction resulted in differing floor levels and window elevations.
~. lll"-
Dubuque Casket Company (Enterprise, September 26, 1903)
NPS Form 10-900-a
. (8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
8
Page
7
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
By 1911 the Dubuque Casket Company was ready to expand the building for a third time, and planned a $60,000
addition. Photographic evidence from 1911 indicates that the third phase of construction updated the first two
phases of construction in order to visually unify the front fa9ade. In that same year, the company was capitalized
at $100,000 and employed over 70 employees. The Dubuque Casket Company listed a sales force of 8 gentlemen
and reported annual sales at over $300,000 per year. The company stood put among typical casket manufacturers
because it maintained its own lumber yard, and was the frrst business west of the Mississippi to make burial robes
and coffm liners as well as manufacture caskets. The market area for the Dubuque Casket Company was North and
South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Nebraska and Wyoming.
.I ':lt~
: Ul"
" .~....(l c
j( ~1~~1~~1
't .,. ..
... ..-
Dubuque Casket Company c. 1911 (Towards A Greater Dubuque)
A 1958 Dubuque Daily Telegraph Herald article listed the Dubuque Casket Company as the nation's 21st largest
coffin manufacturers of 472 such companies across the nation. By that time, the company employed 43 specialized
workers. The Dubuque Casket Company remained a unique entity in the 1950's by continuing to custom make
every order. For that reason, the building was never fully automated. Products produced by the Casket Company
fell in to three product categories, caskets manufactured of metal, highly polished hardwoods and cloth covered
wood. Custom tailoring was also offered for casket interiors and included over 400 interior designs in several
fabric choices of taffeta, twill, crepe, velvet or satin. A display room featured over 100 casket models.
The economic downturn of the 1980's proved fatal for Dubuque's casket making industry. The present building
was owned by the Dubuque Casket Company from 1893 until 1988. In 1988 the building was sold to Boyes Auto
and Truck Parts Co. In 2005 the Boyes' family sold the building to Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
8
Page
8
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Future Plans
The limited alterations to the exterior of the Dubuque Casket Company have preserved the building as a wonderful
example of the Classical Revival style. New owners of the Dubuque Casket Company intend to restore the exterior
of the building as closely as possible to its 1911 appearance. Future plans for the building are to preserve the
building according to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Exterior brick will be cleaned and
tuck pointed. Window openings will be re-opened and outfitted with historically appropriate wood and metal
replacement windows. The four entry doors on the west fa9ade will be restored with wood and glass historically
accurate replacement doors. The metal additions to the building will be removed. Any and all signage on the
exterior of the building will be cautiously cleaned to preserve writing.
The interior of the Dubuque Casket Company will retain some of its historic integrity through the restoration
process. The first floor will be renovated and offered for rent to local non-profit organizations. The upper stories of
the building will be converted to 36 one and two bedroom apartment units. Twenty four one bedroom units will
average 1027 square feet. twelve two bedroom units will average 1270 square feet. Wherever possible, interior
brick walls will be left exposed, interior wood columns and exposed floor joists will also be restored and left
exposed. Total estimated project cost for restoration of the Dubuque Casket Company is 5.6 million dollars.
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the :Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REG:ISTER OF B:ISTOR:IC PLACES
CONT:INUAT:ION SHEET
Section
9
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
8
Page
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Date: May, 2005
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NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REG:ISTER OF B:ISTOR:IC PLACES
CONTnroAT:ION SHEET
Section
8
Page
10
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
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Date: May, 2005
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the :Interior
National Park Service
NAT:IONAL REG:ISTER OF H:ISTORIC PLACES
CONTnmAT:ION SHEET
Secti.on
8
Page
11
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, :Iowa
county and State
Third FJ.oor Sketch
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Source: In/Vi.si.on Archi. tecture, Sioux City, Iowa
Date: May, 2005
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
NationaJ. Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
8
Page
12
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Fourth Fl.oor Sketch
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Source: In/Vision Archi. tecture, Sioux City, Iowa
Date: May, 2005
NPS For.m 10-900-a
(8-86)
Uni.ted States Department of the Interi.or
National Park Servi.ce
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
8
13
Page
OMS No. 1024-0018
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Site Pl.an
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Source: In/Vision Arcbi.tecture, Sioux City, Iowa
Date: May, 2005
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Legal Description:
Dubuque Casket Company Building
1798 Washington Street, Dubuque Iowa.
lot 102. 103, 104, 105 and 106. East Dubuque Addition,
City of Dubuque. Dubuque County, Iowa.
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMS No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
Nationa1 Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HIS'l'OR:IC PLACES
CONTnroATION SHEET
Section
8
Page
14
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Pl.at Map
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Source: City of Dubuque
Date: November, 2004
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
Nati.onal Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
8
Page
15
OMS No. 1024-0018
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Sanborn Map- 1909 Depi.cts
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NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
United States Department of the Interior
Nationa1 Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
16
8
Page
Sanborn Map- 1909 Depicts third and final phase of construction
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NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
Uni ted States Department of the Interior
Nationa1 Park Service
OMB No. 1024-0018
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
9
Page
17
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Bibliography
Advertisement (quarter page ad). Dubuque Casket Co. Manufacturers of Fine Burial Caskets,
Dubuque Daily Telegraph Herald, March, 23, 1913.
Anonymous. Casket Company Will Erect a New Building, Dubuque Daily Telegraph Herald,
August, 5, 1904.
Anonymous. Dubuque Casket Company, Dubuque Daily Times, January 21, 1893.
Anonymous. Dubuque Casket Company Files its Articles of Incorporation, Dubuque Daily
Telegraph Herald, January, 21, 1893.
Anonymous. Dubuque Firm's Output Ranks High in Nation, Dubuque Daily Telegraph Herald,
June, 29, 1958.
Anonymous. Greater Dubuque, Compliments of Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company,
1911.
Anonymous. The New Casket Company Leases the Building of the Old Burial Case Company,
Dubuque Daily Telegraph Herald, January 25, 1893.
Anonymous. The New Casket Factory Will Begin Business in a Short time, Dubuque Daily
Ledger, January, 21, 1893.
Goudy, Willis, Sandra Charvat Burke, Margaret Hanson. Iowa's Counties: Selected Population
Trends, Vital Statistics and Socioeconomic Data, 2001 Edition. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State
University Press, October, 2001.
Jacobsen, James. Iowa Site Inventory Form. On file with State Historical Society of Iowa.
May 23, 2003.
Lyon, Randolph W. Dubuque, The Encyclopedia. Dubuque, Iowa: Presented by First National Bank
of Dubuque, Union-Hoermann Press, 1991.
Poppeliers, John C., S. Allen Chambers, Jr., Nancy B. Schwartz. What Style is it? A Guide To
American Architecture. New York: National Trust For Historic Preservation, National
Park Service, Department of the Interior of the United States, Preservation
Press,1983.
NPS For.m 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
9
Page
18
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION
Dubuque Casket Company- Legal Description
The bui~di.ng described as sitting on Lots 102 to '106 East Dubuque addition
to the city of Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa.
VERBAL BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION
The nominated property includes the entire parcel historically associated with the Dubuque Casket Company
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
CONTINUATION SHEET
Section
10
Page
19
Dubuque Casket Company
name of property
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
county and State
Photographs:
All Photographs #1-6
Dubuque Casket Company
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
Photographer- Dale McKinney, In/Vision Architecture, Sioux City, Iowa
Photo Date- May 2005
Negative Location- Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. Spencer, Iowa
Photo #1- Dubuque Casket Company camera facing East, Washington Street facade
Photo #2- Dubuque Casket Company camera facing South , 18th Street facade
Photo #3- Dubuque Casket Company camera facing West, rear facade
Photo #4- Dubuque Casket Company camera facing North, side facade
Photo #5- Main entrance
Photo #6- Third floor