Williams Block and Original Opera House

The Williams Block, built in 1868 for Nelson Williams, housed Stoughton’s second bank and the original Opera House.  Founded in 1883, the Dane County State Bank occupied the first floor.  After the Dane County State Bank went out of business, the First National Bank of Stoughton was formed in October 1899 and then occupied the space vacated by the Dane County State Bank.  The First National Bank remained in the Williams Block until March of 1962 when they moved to a new building designed for them by John Steinmann, purportedly a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Norwegian Cod Liver Oil - "Christian Melaas importing great quantities of the famous Lofoten Cod Liver Oil and distributing it all over the United States."  Oak Opening, The Story of Stoughton, Ferd Homme

Built in 1868 by Nelson Williams, who came to Stoughton in 1859 and married Huldah Delette Stoughton, second daughter of Eliza Page and Luke Stoughton.  

The Williams Block, also known as the Opera House, was the first building constructed with space dedicated to the performing arts.  Architect Gary Nettleton of Janesville, designed the second and third floor of this three-story building as the public area with a circumscribing gallery for spectators.  The Opera House was opened with a concert by famous Norwegian violinist Ole Bull.

In 1904 the building was remodeled and at that time the second floor was converted to office space and the third floor was created from the gallery and used as a public meeting space for clubs and lodges.  The Williams Block also housed a bank, hardware store, Post Office and a grocery.  

Norwegian Cod Liver Oil - "Christian Melaas importing great quantities of the famous Lofoten Cod Liver Oil and distributing it all over the United States."  Oak Opening, The Story of Stoughton, Ferd Homme
Fire destroyed this property in 1966.