website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown,
Wisconsin
Joseph Herro
Joseph Herro
Discontinues Golden Pheasant Tavern
1903 First Movies in Watertown were shown at the Palace
Theater by Joseph E. Herro of 109 Jones Street in 1903.
Mr. Herro and his two brothers, George Herro, of Fort Atkinson, and
Charles Herro, opened the first movie house here. It was the Palace
Theatre and was located at 206 Main Street.
Mr. Herro conceived the idea of a movie house
after seeing his first motion picture in Chicago. The new medium was considered more or less a
toy at first but it quickly caught on and became one of the world's major
entertainment industries.
Cross
Reference:
Review article on Watertown movie theaters
1933
1934
08
02 GOLDEN
PHEASANT TO CLOSE
The Golden Pheasant, popular
Main Street tavern operated by Joseph Herro, will close its doors. In the days when the city permitted dancing
in taverns it was a popular gathering place for many people from out of-town. The interior resembled a huge Arabian tent,
an idea Mr. Herro carried out after he returned from a trip to the Orient two
years ago. The building has been leased
to a chain shoe concern. Mr. Herro will
retain his license for another tavern he operates in Madison Street, one block
from Main Street. WD
06 26 A BIT OF A PROFILE
Mr. Herro has been a resident of Watertown
since 1901. He is still somewhat of a
movie fan, but not a rabid one and sees a film only occasionally. He also opened the first billiard parlor in
Watertown in 1904, located on South Second Street, and in 1905 opened the first
street popcorn stand here, at Third and Main Streets. Later he had a popcorn wagon which he drove
around the city at night, led by a horse, selling popcorn to all comers. In his business career here he was also
engaged in the fruit store and ice cream business and the tavern and restaurant
business. Now he is taking things easy
and planning another trip abroad with his wife.
They plan to go next year, making the trip by plane.
1969
07
15 STREAMLINE
BAR AND BUILDING SOLD
The Streamline Bar
and building located at 121 West Main Street has been sold by Mr. and Mrs.
Lester J. Herro of Watertown to Mr. and Mrs. Roman Blankenheim of Portage. The Blankenheims will reopen the business the early part of August. The property has
been in the Herro family since the building was built in the early 1940s by the
late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Herro, parents of Lester J. Herro. The operators of the Streamline Bar for the
past 14 years were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sobek who retired June 3. The Blankenheims have been experienced and
successful operators in the restaurant and bar business for many years. They previously ran the Whitewater Inn in
Whitewater, the Country Inn at Columbus, the Gaslite in Fort Atkinson and most
recently the Trails Lounge in Portage. The
Blankenheims plan extensive remodeling and redecorating and expect completion
within 90 days.
2018
01
03 PLANS
TO DEMOLISH FOR PARKING LOT
The Common Council has approved acquisition of 109 Jones Street. This home (Herro home; today Patrick A. Arpin
Law Office), along with the adjacent at 113 Jones, will eventually be
demolished to a municipal parking lot.
Cross Reference:
Herro Joseph E. (1 4 1879-11 22 1959) Buried in St. Henry’s
cemetery
History of Watertown, Wisconsin