Hotel Rogers

Hotel Rogers
Location 103 E Maple Ave, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Coordinates 43°27′26″N 88°50′11″W / 43.45722°N 88.83639°W / 43.45722; -88.83639Coordinates: 43°27′26″N 88°50′11″W / 43.45722°N 88.83639°W / 43.45722; -88.83639
Built 1927–1928
NRHP reference # 89000120

Hotel Rogers is a historic structure located in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, whose construction was headed by Fred Rogers in 1927-28. Rogers, who was then president of the Malleable Iron Range Company, built the 6 story hotel to cater to the salesmen that frequently visited the city. Additional floor space on the sixth level was added in 1930.[1] This building was operated as a hotel by his daughter, Ann Rogers-Pfieffer until 1987.[2]

The facilities in the building include a large kitchen and dining room on the first level. This dining room was operated part-time as a restaurant[3] and was available for events like meetings and banquets.[4][5] Other facilities included a coffee shop, a drug store, and a barber and a beauty shop. A writing room/parlor was provided for female guests, while male guests could enjoy a bar that discreetly served patrons even during the years of prohibition.

In 1987 a business partnership purchased the building. Extensive remodeling and updating was done at that time. Some of the hotel style rooms were combined into full apartments. Reception areas were furnished with antiques and new carpet in a style similar to the originals was installed. Bronze chandeliers and sconces with Tiffany style glass shades replaced fluorescent fixtures on the main floor. The entire building was updated and upgraded to follow the original style of the building as much as possible.[6] There are currently 41 apartments and 20 sleeping rooms.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The building is currently operated as an apartment building with monthly rates with a mix of full apartments and sleeping rooms.[6]

Numerous claims are made regarding famous people visiting or staying at the hotel. The John F. Kennedy presidential library contains a transcript of a speech that he made there in 1960.[7]

The front desk also played a supporting role in the movie, Public Enemies, filmed at area locations in 2008.[6]

The current owner is Downtown Rogers, Inc. with their offices currently located in the building.

References

  1. ↑ Heggland, Timothy F. (1988-07-20). "Hotel Rogers". NRHP Inventory-Nomination Form. National Park Service. Retrieved 2016-09-04.
  2. ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, Madison Newspapers Inc., March 26, 1987, Section 4, Page 1
  3. ↑ "Hotel Rogers (Advertisement)". Oshkosh Daily Northwestern. 28 July 1928. p. 9. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  4. ↑ "Beaver Dam Jewry Forms Study Group". The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle. 7 March 1952. p. 5. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  5. ↑ "Postmaster Going to Annual Convention". Appleton Post-Crescent. 27 July 1932. p. 20.
  6. 1 2 3 Thomas, Ken (19 March 2013). "Going strong: The Rogers' apartment housing in high demand". Beaver Dam Daily Citizen. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  7. ↑ "A New Dairy Program for Wisconsin and the Nation". John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. 17 February 1960. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
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