MONROE - Monroe's Square always has been the commercial district of the city.
Hardware stores, movie theaters, clothing stores, restaurants and, of course, the Green County Courthouse, always have been prevalent.
In 1853, G. W. Hoffman opened a hardware store on the east end of the Square's south side. The store sold stoves and hardware, along with agricultural implements and seeds. Through the years, five other hardware stores operated out of the building.
In the 1930s, William J. Bauman and his son, Walter, operated their business out of the building and called it Bauman Hardware and Implement Co. They sold tractors at the business.
Eventually, Bauman's Ace hardware relocated to Monroe's west side in 1976.
In 1962, a new storefront was built to give the building a Swiss look.
Barb Bauman Gelbach bought the building in 1976 and has operated her business, das Baumhaus, out of the building ever since.
The building is the oldest building still in existence on the Square.
Hardware stores, movie theaters, clothing stores, restaurants and, of course, the Green County Courthouse, always have been prevalent.
In 1853, G. W. Hoffman opened a hardware store on the east end of the Square's south side. The store sold stoves and hardware, along with agricultural implements and seeds. Through the years, five other hardware stores operated out of the building.
In the 1930s, William J. Bauman and his son, Walter, operated their business out of the building and called it Bauman Hardware and Implement Co. They sold tractors at the business.
Eventually, Bauman's Ace hardware relocated to Monroe's west side in 1976.
In 1962, a new storefront was built to give the building a Swiss look.
Barb Bauman Gelbach bought the building in 1976 and has operated her business, das Baumhaus, out of the building ever since.
The building is the oldest building still in existence on the Square.