How to Stroll the Gillette District Architecture

The Gillette District, nestled in the heart of northeastern Wyoming, is more than a quiet hub of energy and industryit is a living archive of early 20th-century American urban planning, industrial innovation, and architectural resilience. Though often overlooked in national conversations about historic preservation, the Gillette District boasts a unique collection of commercial, civic, and residential structures that reflect the towns evolution from a railroad stop to a booming coal and natural gas center. Strolling through its streets is not merely a walkit is an immersive journey through time, materiality, and regional identity. Learning how to stroll the Gillette District architecture means developing the observational skills to read building facades, understand stylistic transitions, and appreciate the cultural narratives embedded in brick, steel, and wood. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step framework to help you engage with the districts built environment with depth, curiosity, and respect.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Begin with Historical Context

Before stepping onto the sidewalk, ground yourself in the districts historical timeline. Gillette was founded in 1891 as a station on the Chicago and North Western Railway. By the 1910s, it had become a regional trade center, and the downtown corenow known as the Gillette Districtbegan to take shape. The 1920s and 1930s saw a boom in masonry construction, fueled by coal revenues and the arrival of the first automobiles. Post-World War II, modernist influences crept in, but the district retained much of its original character due to economic constraints and community preservation values.

Understanding this context allows you to interpret why certain buildings appear older or more ornate than others. For example, the 1927 Campbell County Courthouse is a neoclassical structure with Ionic columns and a domed roofa deliberate statement of civic permanence during a period of rapid growth. In contrast, the 1950s-era bank building on Main Street features clean lines and minimal ornamentation, signaling a shift toward functionalism.

2. Define Your Route

Plan a walking route that covers the core of the district. The recommended path begins at the intersection of Main Street and 2nd Street, proceeds west along Main to 7th Street, turns north on 7th to the courthouse, then loops back east along 6th Street, and concludes at the historic railroad depot. This 0.8-mile loop encompasses the majority of architecturally significant structures.

Use a printed map or a GPS app with offline capabilitycell service can be inconsistent. Mark key buildings in advance: the Gillette Theater (1922), the First National Bank Building (1930), the Old City Hall (1915), and the 1924 Masonic Lodge. These are anchors for your exploration.

3. Observe Building Scale and Setback

As you walk, note how buildings relate to the street. In the Gillette District, most commercial structures are two to three stories tall, with consistent setbacks of 10 to 15 feet from the sidewalk. This uniformity creates a cohesive streetscape, unlike the irregular layouts of later suburban developments.

Compare this to newer buildings on the outskirts of town, which often sit far back behind parking lots. The close proximity of Gillettes historic buildings to the sidewalk fosters pedestrian interaction and visual continuity. Pay attention to how awnings, storefronts, and entryways alignthese were intentionally designed to invite foot traffic and create a sense of enclosure.

4. Analyze Materials and Craftsmanship

Examine the materials used in construction. Most buildings from 1910 to 1940 feature locally sourced brick, often in warm red or buff tones. Look closely at the mortar jointshand-troweled, uneven lines suggest early 20th-century craftsmanship, while smooth, uniform joints indicate post-1960 repairs or replacements.

Stone details are rare but significant. The 1924 Masonic Lodge features a sandstone lintel above its main entrance, carved with geometric patterns. This is an indicator of higher investment and likely a fraternal organizations influence. Similarly, cast iron columns in the arcade-style storefronts along Main Street are original to the 1920s and demonstrate the use of prefabricated elements common in commercial construction at the time.

Wood elements, such as cornices and window trim, are often painted in historically accurate hues. Many have been restored using color analysis techniques that match original pigments. Note the difference between original woodwork and modern vinyl replacementsthese are telltale signs of preservation quality.

5. Decode Architectural Styles

The Gillette District is a mosaic of early American commercial styles:

• Commercial Romanesque (19051920): Look for rounded arches, heavy stonework, and rusticated brick. The former Gillette Drug Store (1912) features a semi-circular window above its entranceclassic Romanesque.
• Art Deco (19251940): Geometric motifs, stepped forms, and stylized ornamentation. The 1931 Gillette Theaters marquee and vertical sign brackets are pure Deco, with chevron patterns and sunburst designs.
• Neoclassical (19151935): Symmetry, columns, pediments. The Campbell County Courthouse is the districts most prominent example.
• Modernist (19501970): Flat roofs, large windows, steel frames. The 1958 Western Union building on 5th Street is a textbook example, with its aluminum sash windows and lack of ornament.

Many buildings blend styles. For instance, the 1928 First National Bank combines Romanesque arches with Art Deco metalwork. This hybridity reflects the transitional nature of American architecture during the interwar period.

6. Read the Signage and Storefronts

Signage is a critical, often overlooked layer of architectural history. Original neon signs are rare but prized. The 1937 Gillette Cafe sign, restored in 2018, retains its hand-painted lettering and copper tubingevidence of skilled local artisans.

Look for recessed storefronts, plate glass windows, and decorative transoms. These features were designed to maximize natural light and display goods. Modern replacements often use tinted glass or plastic panels, which diminish the historic integrity. Note how storefront heights and depths varyolder buildings often have deeper interiors to accommodate warehouses or living quarters above.

7. Look for Subtle Details

Architecture is in the details. Scan for:

• Original door hardwarebrass knockers, lever handles with floral engravings
• Fire escapeswrought iron, bolted to brick, often with ornamental scrollwork
• Chimneysbrick stacks with corbelled tops, sometimes capped with terra cotta
• Water tableshorizontal stone or brick bands at the base of walls to deflect moisture
• Decorative keystones above windowscarved or molded to resemble faces, leaves, or shields

These elements are not merely decorativethey reflect construction techniques, climate adaptation, and aesthetic values of their time. A missing keystone or a patched fire escape is not just a repairits a loss of cultural data.

8. Engage with the Environment

Strolling architecture is not passive. Pause at each building. Sit on a bench. Listen. Smell the air. Observe how sunlight hits the brick at 3 p.m. Notice shadows cast by cornices. Feel the texture of the sidewalkoriginal concrete often has a coarse, aggregate surface; newer pours are smoother and more uniform.

Ask yourself: Who walked here before me? What businesses operated here? How did people socialize in this space? The Gillette District was once a social nexusnewspaper offices, barbershops, and movie theaters were gathering places. Today, many storefronts are vacant or repurposed. That absence is part of the story too.

9. Document Your Observations

Carry a small notebook or use a voice recorder. Sketch facades, jot down dates you find on plaques or cornerstones, note architectural anomalies. Photograph details with your phoneavoid using flash, which can create glare on glass or metal. Focus on close-ups: brick patterns, window muntins, door handles.

Over time, these records become a personal archive. They help you recognize patterns across districts and deepen your understanding of regional architectural vernacular.

10. Reflect and Connect

At the end of your stroll, find a quiet spotperhaps the bench outside the railroad depotand reflect. What surprised you? What felt missing? How does this district compare to others youve visited?

Connect your experience to broader themes: How did the railroad shape urban form? Why did certain styles endure while others faded? What does the preservationor neglectof these buildings say about community priorities?

This reflection transforms a walk into a meaningful encounter with history.

Best Practices

1. Respect the Integrity of the Space

The Gillette District is not a museum. It is a living, working neighborhood. Avoid touching historic surfaces, climbing on structures, or leaning on railings. Even minor contact can accelerate deterioration. Use your eyes, not your hands, to study details.

2. Walk at a Measured Pace

Architecture rewards patience. Rushing through the district means youll miss subtle details. Aim for 1520 minutes per building. Pause often. Look up. Look down. Look sideways. The most revealing elements are rarely at eye level.

3. Avoid Modern Distractions

Put your phone on silent. Resist the urge to scroll. The goal is immersion, not documentation. If you must photograph, do so mindfully. One intentional photo is worth ten rushed ones.

4. Learn to Distinguish Restoration from Renovation

Restoration returns a building to its original state using historically accurate materials and methods. Renovation modernizes it for current use, often at the cost of authenticity. In Gillette, the 1922 Gillette Theater was restored with original plasterwork and period lighting. The adjacent pharmacy, however, was renovated with vinyl siding and LED signs. Recognizing this difference helps you assess preservation quality.

5. Engage with Local Knowledge

While not every resident is an expert, many have lived here for generations. A friendly question to a shopkeeperDo you know when this building was built?can yield invaluable oral history. These stories often reveal whats missing from official records: who lived above the store, how the basement was used during winter, or why the original awning was removed.

6. Visit in Different Seasons

Winter reveals structural details obscured by foliage in summer. Snow highlights rooflines and cornices. Spring light casts long shadows that accentuate texture. Autumn colors frame brick facades in warm tones. Each season offers a new lens through which to see the district.

7. Avoid Assumptions

Dont assume an old building is better than a new one. Some modern infill projects in Gillette integrate contemporary design with historic context respectfully. Conversely, poorly executed restorations can be more damaging than neglect. Judge each structure on its own merits and historical accuracy.

8. Support Preservation Efforts

Buy from local businesses that maintain their historic buildings. Donate to the Campbell County Historical Society. Attend public meetings about zoning or landmark designation. Your presence as an informed visitor supports the economic and cultural value of preservation.

9. Educate Others

Share your experience. Post thoughtful photos on social media with contextnot just cool old building. Write a blog, create a walking tour map, or lead a small group. Awareness is the first step toward preservation.

10. Be an Ethical Observer

Do not trespass. Do not enter private property. Respect private residences adjacent to the district. The Gillette Districts charm lies in its authenticitynot in invasive exploration. Your role is to observe, appreciate, and advocatenot to intrude.

Tools and Resources

1. Campbell County Historical Society Archives

Located at 210 E. 2nd Street, the archives hold original blueprints, photographs, and oral histories from 18901980. Access is free. Staff can guide you to specific building records. Ask for the Main Street Building Inventory and Railroad Era Development Maps.

2. Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

The SHPO maintains the National Register of Historic Places listings for Gillette. Their website offers downloadable PDFs of district nomination forms, which include detailed architectural descriptions, historical significance statements, and photographs. Search Gillette Downtown Historic District on their site.

3. Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)

Though Gillette is not extensively documented in HABS, a few structures have been recorded. Visit the Library of Congress website and search Gillette, WY to access measured drawings and black-and-white photos from the 1930s1970s.

4. Google Earth Pro (Historical Imagery)

Use the timeline slider to view aerial photos from 1957, 1978, 1995, and 2010. You can see how rooftops changed, how parking lots expanded, and how storefronts were altered over time. This tool reveals invisible transformations.

5. Architectural Field Guide: American Building: Materials and Techniques by John C. Paige

This book provides a visual taxonomy of construction methods from 18801950. Use it to identify brick bonds (Flemish vs. American), window types (double-hung vs. casement), and roofing materials.

6. Smartphone Apps

• Google Lens: Point your camera at brickwork or stone to identify material types.
• Sketchbook by Autodesk: Free drawing app for sketching facades on the go.
• Historic Pittsburgh (adapted for Wyoming): An open-source database of building dates and ownersuseful for cross-referencing.

7. Local Walking Tour Brochures

Available at the Gillette Visitor Center, these free pamphlets include annotated maps, building dates, and brief histories. They are updated annually and often include QR codes linking to audio narrations.

8. University of Wyoming Architecture Department

Faculty and students occasionally conduct field studies in Gillette. Contact the Department of Architecture for access to student research papers, photogrammetry models, and structural assessments of district buildings.

9. Digital Archives: Wyoming Digital Library

Hosted by the University of Wyoming, this collection includes digitized newspapers from the Gillette News Record dating back to 1912. Search for building openings, fires, renovations, or business changes to contextualize architectural changes.

10. Preservation Oklahomas Architecture Observation Checklist

Though regional, this downloadable PDF (available online) offers a practical, itemized checklist for evaluating building features: windows, doors, roofing, ornamentation, materials, and alterations. Highly recommended for beginners.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Gillette Theater (1922)

Located at 212 E. Main Street, this single-story brick building with a recessed marquee is one of the districts most intact Art Deco structures. The original neon sign was removed in the 1970s but restored in 2018 using archival photos. The interior retains its original plaster ceiling with geometric medallions and a sprung wooden floor. The theater operated continuously until 2005 and now hosts occasional film screenings and community events. Its preservation is a model of community-led restoration.

Example 2: First National Bank Building (1930)

At 208 E. Main Street, this three-story building combines Romanesque arches with Art Deco metalwork. The original bronze teller cages are still in place, though no longer in use. The marble floor in the lobby has been polished, but the original inlay patterns remain visible. The buildings faade features a stepped parapeta hallmark of early commercial Deco. In 2010, a developer replaced the second-floor windows with energy-efficient units that mimic the original size and muntin pattern, preserving the historic appearance while improving performance.

Example 3: Old City Hall (1915)

Now housing the Gillette Public Library, this building was originally the seat of county government. Its symmetrical facade, central clock tower, and limestone foundation reflect Beaux-Arts influences. The clock mechanism was restored in 2003 using original schematics. The buildings interior features original oak doors with brass hinges and a grand staircase with turned balusters. Unlike many civic buildings of its era, it was never demolished or drastically alteredmaking it one of the districts most authentic survivors.

Example 4: The 1924 Masonic Lodge

At 404 E. 5th Street, this building features a distinctive sandstone lintel above the entrance, carved with a compass and squarethe Masonic emblem. The upper floor was used for meetings; the ground floor housed a pharmacy. The building was abandoned in the 1980s and nearly demolished. A local preservation group raised funds to stabilize the structure and restore the faade. Today, it is a private office space, but the exterior remains unchanged. The survival of the carved stone is rare in the regionmost Masonic symbols were removed during modernization.

Example 5: The 1958 Western Union Building

At 501 E. 6th Street, this one-story modernist structure contrasts sharply with its neighbors. Its flat roof, aluminum-framed windows, and lack of ornamentation reflect postwar corporate aesthetics. Though not historically ornate, its clean lines and intact condition make it an important example of mid-century commercial design. In 2020, it was designated a local landmark due to its rarity in the district. It demonstrates that preservation isnt only about ornamentits about representing all eras of development.

Example 6: Vacant Storefronts and Adaptive Reuse

At 102 E. Main Street, a 1920s brick building has been vacant since 2012. Its windows are boarded, the awning collapsed. Yet, the original brickwork, window lintels, and cast iron columns remain intact. This building exemplifies the challenge of preservation: how to save structures when economic conditions dont support traditional reuse. Community proposals include converting it into a microbrewery or co-working spaceprojects that respect the structures form while adapting its function.

FAQs

Is the Gillette District officially a historic district?

Yes. The Gillette Downtown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. It includes 63 contributing buildings and one contributing structure (the railroad depot). However, local zoning protections are limited, so individual building owners have discretion over alterations.

Can I take photos of the buildings?

Yes. Exterior photography of publicly visible buildings is permitted without permission. Do not use drones, and avoid photographing private residences or interiors without consent.

Are there guided walking tours available?

Yes. The Campbell County Historical Society offers monthly guided walks during the summer months. Check their website for schedules. Self-guided maps are available year-round at the visitor center.

Whats the best time of year to stroll the district?

Spring (MayJune) and fall (SeptemberOctober) offer mild weather and optimal lighting. Winter provides clear views of architectural details without foliage obstruction. Summer can be hot and crowded with tourists.

Why are so many buildings vacant?

Like many small-town downtowns, Gillette experienced economic shifts after the 1980s oil bust and the rise of suburban retail. Many businesses moved to highway corridors. Vacancy is a challenge, but not a failureadaptive reuse projects are increasing.

Can I access the interiors of buildings?

Only if they are open to the publicsuch as the library, theater, or a caf. Do not enter private or closed buildings. Respect privacy and property rights.

Are there any endangered buildings in the district?

Yes. The 1920s-era Odd Fellows Hall on 6th Street is structurally unsound and lacks funding for restoration. The Gillette News Record building (1927) is at risk due to proposed demolition for a gas station. Advocacy groups are actively working to save them.

How do I report a damaged or altered historic building?

Contact the Campbell County Historical Society or the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office. They can assess whether the alteration violates local or federal guidelines.

Is the Gillette District accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Most sidewalks are paved and relatively level, though some are uneven due to age. Ramps are limited. The library and theater are wheelchair accessible. Consider bringing a mobility aid or visiting with a companion for longer routes.

How can I help preserve the Gillette District?

Volunteer with the historical society, donate to preservation funds, attend city council meetings about zoning, write letters of support for landmarking, and educate others. Every voice matters.

Conclusion

Strolling the Gillette District architecture is not about ticking off buildings on a list. It is about cultivating a deep, sensory connection to the places that shaped a community. Each brick, each window, each faded sign tells a story of ambition, adaptation, and endurance. In a time when historic neighborhoods across America are being erased by homogenized development, the Gillette District stands as a quiet testament to the value of place.

By following this guidelearning its history, observing its details, respecting its boundaries, and sharing its significanceyou become more than a visitor. You become a steward of memory. You help ensure that the next generation doesnt just see a row of old buildings, but understands the hands that built them, the lives that lived within them, and the enduring power of architecture to hold meaning long after its original purpose has faded.

So lace up your shoes. Pick a sunny afternoon. Walk slowly. Look up. Listen. And let the stones of Gillette speak.