About this property
The Callas Sweet Shop, at 420 Frederica Ave. in Owensboro, Kentucky was built in Beaux Arts style in 1921. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Its National Register nomination termed it "elegant" and described it: "The buff color terra cotta and tile decorative elements, such as brackets, shields, and cornices, create a simple, classical appearance. Framed by tiled piers, the recessed storefront on the first floor retains its central entranceway and transom windows. The entranceway is flanked by large display windowsresting on marble panels. A modern steel awning runs above the display windows. The word CALLAS is carved into terracotta panels directly above the storefront. The second story is dominated by a row of three window bays. A slightly projecting tiled window surround frames all three of these bays. The second story is topped by a bracketed cornice resting on slightly project panels. The building front rises to a curvilinear parapet wall highlighted by a central ornamented shield. The interior retains the original counter and ice cream booths and the walls are covered with enlargements of postcards from the early 1900s showing early scenes of downtown Owensboro." It was deemed significant as "having the only surviving example of complete terracotta tile fronts in downtown Owensboro. The building is especially refreshing because it lacks the overly elaborate detailing of many Beaux-Arts structures. The original owner was typical of European immigrants' families who came to Owensboro and operated [family businesses]. He came to Owensboro as a young man and his first job was shining shoes. His first shop was on Main St. in a rented building and called Progress Candy. In 1921 he built his Sweet Shop on Frederica, next door to the Empress Theater. When Callas' health failed, it was rented to Barney Elliott who added sandwiches to the menu. It is an Owensboro 'tradition'."
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Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).
Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Everything a full report reveals about Callas Sweet Shop
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Questions about this property
When was Callas Sweet Shop listed on the National Register?
Callas Sweet Shop was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 28, 1986.
What type of historic resource is Callas Sweet Shop?
Callas Sweet Shop is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.
What is the period of significance for Callas Sweet Shop?
The period of significance for Callas Sweet Shop is recorded as the industrial era, specifically around 1921.
Can I research the history near Callas Sweet Shop?
Yes. Aubrey Research reports search National Register listings, battlefield records, land patents, and other primary historical sources within any radius of a US address. A report for an address near Callas Sweet Shop will include this listing and all other historical records in the area.
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