Another most unusual P/L dial for L.D. Merrill, Sparta, Wis. This is the 3rd one we have in this thread see Post 174 & 290 and this one.
These dials were so unusual because of the use of the initials as a Logo, instead of the usual Hamilton policy of using the name in script.
I found this on google,
The L.D. Merrill Jewelry Store established itself at this address as early as 1875, but operated in an earlier building than the one that stands there today. That building was either destroyed or razed in 1897. In 1897, L.D. Merrill had the present-day structure built which he continued to use as his jewelry store until circa 1911. In 1911, the Citizen's State Bank was located here which circa 1920-1925 turned into the Farmer's National Bank. From 1916 to at least 1931, this building was used as a bank. The Farmer's National Bank was probably here until 1969, when the Farmers National Bank merged with Monroe County Cank to become the Union Natonal Bank and Trust Co.
The L.D. Merrill Jewelry Store building gains local historical significance under Criterion A as an example of the general mercantile businesses common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As indicated within the Commercial Theme, these enterprises (hardware stores, jewelry stores, etc,.) played a central role in the growth and stability of the community's business. The period of historical significance for this building extends from 1897 to perhaps as late as 1916. In addition, the building gains local historical significance under criterion A in association with Sparta's banking topic under Sparta's Commercial Theme. The period of historical significance for this building extends from 1916 to after World War II.
This two-story, three-bay brick commercial building features a metal front with a small band of half-windows on the second story of the facade. A contemporary metal and glass storefront with an off-set entrance with a transom window and a sidelight on the south bay and an entrance door to the upper story on the north bay is located on the lower story of the facade.
This small commercial building, originally exhibiting a vernacular brick form characterized by a corbeled brick cornice with a small pediment and white stone lintels, has been altered completely by the addition of the metal front. In addition, it has been altered by the replacement of its historic storefront with contemporary storefront.
Constructed in 1897, this small commercial block, 70 ft. x 26 ft., was built for L.D. Merrill. It was built at the same time as the adjacent Millegan building at 116 South Water (MP35/3). Merrill also acted as his own construction contractor. Originally used to house Merrill's jewelry store, this brick block replaced a frame building previously on the site, which had served as Merrill's jewelry store since around 1880. Merrill rented office space on the second floor of his new brick block to Drs. Millegan and Williams
