05 Jan 2026 4 min read Blog

History Behind Oscar’s Wine Bar in Downtown Hartford, Wisconsin

Built in 1900 and originally known as the ‘Welsh Building,’ Oscar's Wine Bar has history in its bones. With its Cream City brick surround and other surviving architectural elements, 100 N Main Street is an essential component of Downtown Hartford’s historic charm. And just like a good bottle of wine, this building has only gotten better with time!

History of Oscar's Wine Bar in Hartford, Wisconsin — '1904 - The view is from the west sidewalk of Main Street looking to the northeast. On the right is River Street. The first building on the right is the Welsh Building. Next is the Wagner Theater and then Spagnola Confectionery.'

Oscar’s Wine Bar - Commercial Vernacular Architecture in Hartford, WI

Oscar’s Wine Bar is a prime example of Commercial Vernacular Architecture. What’s that, you ask? These buildings are designed for everyday community use- putting function first. Large windows for airflow and light, plenty of floorspace, and a spacious second floor speak to this aspect.

This architectural style also incorporates the use of local materials. (Take a good look at the Cream City Brick!) Commercial Vernacular style buildings are common in Wisconsin’s downtown communities. They lack the more ornate and decorative elements of monument-style buildings, instead having an authentic, rooted appearance that is cohesive with the neighborhood.

History Main Street Hartford, Wisconsin — *'1932 - The mid-street view looks north from the intersection with River Street. On the left is City Hall.'*

History of the Welsh Building: Past Owners and Uses

Built in 1900, this building was originally known as the Welsh Building. Before being built, a meat store occupied this site. Over the years, this building remained a commercial property. In 1909, it was a saloon, and then a men’s wear store in 1948. 1963 brought Heero’s Tot-n-Teen Shop, followed by a clothing store - Mode O’Day - in 1977.

The Painted Lady Gallery bookstore entered the scene in 1993. Following was The Mole Hole Gift Store in 2003. Today, this building’s present use is as Oscar's Wine Bar.

Historic Downtown Hartford, Wisconsin

Oscar’s Wine Bar isn’t the only historic building in downtown Hartford - its neighboring buildings are equally worth noting.

Glancing out the front-facing windows of Oscar’s Wine Bar, you’ll notice the Hartford City Hall. Wouldn't you know - this building is actually the second version. It was built in 1930 over the foundation of the first City Hall Building that resided on the site.

Left/top image - '1900 - Image of the earliest City Hall building on this site. It houses the city offices, fire department, and community library. The current city hall was built on the foundation of this structure.'

Center image - '1950 - The current city hall building, built in 1930.'

Right/lower image - 'Present-day view of the City Hall building.'

Parting Words

Much of downtown Hartford's original architecture remains. These old buildings, including Oscar's Wine Bar, are living witnesses to the past. They give us a sense of culture and reveal what life was like way back then.

Good Reads on Historic Buildings in Washington County, WI

Preserving the Past, for Tomorrow

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