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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Number: 2000-1130 Property Location: 406 W. Madison Property Owner: Indiana Land Trust Landmark or District Designation: LL Rating: C/10 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCEAMSTORIC CONTEXT Lorenz Fuerbringer, a tinner, was born in 1820 in Bavaria. He married Katherine Shricker and immigrated to the United States in 1850. The couple resided in Harris Township until 1853 when they purchased three lots in the Hendricks and Grants Addition to South Bend, with Jacob Drone. Mr. Fuerbringer built a two story Federal Style house on part of lot 19 and 20 in 1855. Fuerbringer and Drone continued to co-own the land until 1870 when they divided the lots leaving lot 20 and half of 19 to Lorenz. In 1880, Lorenz and his son, William who was also a tinner, constructed a Colonial Revival style tin shop/hardware store behind the family house. Lorenz and Katherine moved to Stover Street in 1875 and later relocated to Cottage Grove. When they moved William moved into the family house. Lorenz and William operated the tin shop and hardware store together until Lorenz's death in 1905 at age 85. William continued to operate the store for the next nine years. However, by 1924 William sold the house, which had long since been used as a rental, and the tin shop to William Ransberger. Mr. Ransberger was born in 1868 in Walkerton County. He married Addie Forsythe and had two children, Mrs. Humphrey and Donald. William refurbished the house on William Street and moved the tin shop around the corner from 319 N. William to 406 W. Madison. He then converted it into a paint shop for his business, William Ransberger & Son, Paint Contractors. He continued to have a hand in the family business until his death in 1941 at age 72. His son, Donald inherited the business, which he extended to include interior decorating. Donald was born in South Bend in 1899; he - wed Blanche David in 1922 and had two children; Jean Warren and Donn. Donald Ransberger owned and operated the family business, still located at 406 W. Madison until 1966, at which time the business transferred to his son, Donn. Donald lived to by 81 years old, passing away in 1980. Donn David Ransberger was born in South Bend in 1926; he married Mildred Vadas and had two children. He continued to operate the family paint business until his death in 1986 at age 60. A few months after Donn's