Wilgus Block / Rothschild Brothers Department Store

The Wilgus Block built in 1868, encompassed buildings at 155 E State St, 157 E State St, and 159 E State St. It was home to Marsh & Hall Dry Goods (dry goods, groceries, crockery, and carpets) and GW Melotte Dentist circa 1878, and Rothschild's Department Store 1889-1975. The 3rd and 4th floors housed the Wilgus Opera House and Ithaca Conservatory of Music (later Ithaca College) from 1894-1911. The Wilgus Block was demolished in 1975 and replaced by Center Ithaca in 1980.

Rothschild Brothers began in 1882 as the Boston Variety Store at 224 E State St. In 1889 Rothschild Bros dry goods and variety store  moved to  the Wilgus Block where it was located until a new building opened at 215 E State St in 1975.

See individual entries for Sanborn Fire Insurance Information.