Name/Title
Bulls Head Tavern Racine, WisconsinEntry/Object ID
002121Tags
Bulls Head TavernScope and Content
This is a fascinating piece of history you've shared. The photograph captures the aftermath of a major storm in March 1924, specifically referencing the Bull Head Tavern and Racine, Wisconsin.
Based on the handwriting and the scene, here is a breakdown of what we are looking at:
Transcription of the Text
The writing on the photo provides vital context:
Top: "Charles Larson moving the lumber for M.M.B."
Bottom: "No 10. Bedroom window in Bull Head Tavern—for M.M.B. Mar 28-24. Great [Grand] [S.W. Chandler]"
Right Side: "Of Wm. Bull 4th generation to his Res built 1843 Racine Wis."
Historical Context: The Great Storm of 1924
The date March 28, 1924, refers to a significant weather event in the Midwest. While many remember the "Tri-State Tornado" of 1925, the spring of 1924 saw a massive wind and ice storm that battered the Great Lakes region.
The Damage: The photo shows severe structural failure. The "Bull Head Tavern" mentioned was a historic landmark.
The Bull Family: The note mentions William Bull and a residence built in 1843. The Bull family was among the earliest settlers of Racine, Wisconsin. George Bull arrived in the 1830s, and the family was instrumental in the city's early development.
The Tavern: The Bull Head Tavern was a well-known stagecoach stop and social hub in the mid-19th century. By 1924, many of these older wooden structures were vulnerable to high winds.
Key Details in the Image
The Men: One man is in work clothes (likely Charles Larson), and the other is in a formal overcoat and hat, possibly a member of the Bull family or an insurance adjuster.
The Destruction: You can see the intricate Victorian-style porch trim still clinging to the roofline while the rest of the structure has collapsed into a pile of timber.
The Scale: The debris field is extensive, showing that this wasn't just a minor collapse but a total structural failure of that wing of the building.
Summary of Significance
This photo serves as a primary source document for Racine local history. It connects a specific 19th-century landmark (the 1843 residence/tavern) to a documented natural disaster in the early 20th century.![Top: "Charles Larson moving the lumber for M.M.B." Bottom: "No 10. Bedroom window in Bull Head Tavern—for M.M.B. Mar 28-24. Great [Grand] [S.W. Chandler]" Right Side: "Of Wm. Bull 4th generation to his Res built 1843 Racine Wis."](https://d8e7jbdw4fu0e.cloudfront.net/19990/134f5f80-2f64-11f1-9daf-5d2e37fc6387-wyAHsHL.lg-nt@2x.jpg)