Architectural Survey Research*

Narrative Description

This is a 2-story, commercial block of masonry construction. Two brick pilasters extend slightly from the building and divide it into two units, one at 805 and one at 807 Main Street. The space between these pilasters visually separates the two units and provides for an entrance to the second floor from grade. Although substantially infilled with modem materials, the storefront of the 805 unit retains its original cast iron support columns. The centrally placed entrance is flanked on both sides by small windows. Although also remodeled, the storefront of the 807 unit features large storefront windows. The entrance to the second floor features a double-paned transom. The upper floor of both units are similar. Each possesses three bays with 1/1 double-hung sash windows. These windows are capped with elaborate hood molds. The windows on the 805 unit are taller than those on the 807 unit. The latter have been foreshortened up from the bottom. Historic photographs of this commercial block show that these windows originally were of the same height. Brickworked dentils surmount the front facade of this building. A pressed metal cornice and pediment, which once crowned the building, is none extant. Although not inexpensive to recreate, the replacement of this cornice would add considerable visual appeal to the building.

Note - changes were made after this narrative description was written to restore the storefront to its original storefront appearance through a Community Development Block Program.

Statement of Significance

This building is National Register eligible as a contributing resource to the historic district under Criterion A. It calls attention the evolution of land use around the Public Square in Adel and local entrepreneurs' preference to locate businesses within the 800 block of Main Street.

This building is a contributing resource to the historic district because of its significance under Criterion C. The building calls attention to the influence of the Late Victorian styling to its design. This influence is most evident in the high windows and elaborate hood molds on the upper floor, the small-scale dentils below the (nonextant) cornice, the cast iron columns and I-beam support system on the first floor of the 805 room, and the high doorway and transom at the central entrance to the building

Historic Uses*

805 Main Street

• 1881 - J. W. Bly Grocery Store; S. Sweeley Tailor

• 1883 - Lon B. Smith and brother-in-law Lee Kasin purchased grocery store

• 1900 - Lon B. Smith bought out Kain

• 1900 - New building 803 and 805 by Lon B. Smith

• 1914 - Theater called the Palace

• 1933 - Gamble Store owned by Albert Stalh

• 1949 - Gamble Store purchased by Jay Everhart

• 10/31/1985 - Owned by Chapman

• 5/13/87 - Owned by Byers

• 12/30/99 - Purchased by Jim Van Werden Law Firm

• 2/17/2000 - purchased by Wm, Byers Law Firm

807 Main Street

• 1940-Grocery. Tom Saunder and sister Emma Forher sold to Amos Shinn

• 1945 Shinns moved to 903 Main

• 19??map of Adel businesses shows cafe

• Gambles expanded to 807 and took in Adel TV Furniture and Appliance

*Survey research completed in 2004 so only includes building uses prior to that time. Additionally, this building was part of the 2013 facade project that helped restore storefronts to their historic appearance.