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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDesignating Historic Homes and Historic Districts Final report - EXCERPTEmpson Report 1 ** EXCERPT FROM ** Designating Historic Homes and Historic Districts. Report to the Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission by Donald Empson, Consultant July 2006 Stillwater Landmark Sites Landmark Houses and Sites are the finest old houses and the most remarkable sites in Stillwater. They have architectural integrity a nd they have a strong connection to the history of Stillwater. These are sites I believe might be eligible (or are already on) the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A, (significant happening), Criteria B (significant people), or Criteria C (significant architecture.) In Stillwater the choice has been made to maintain a Stillwater (local) version of the National Register, rather than seeking National Register designation of our local sites. These homes and sites designated as “Stillwater Landmark” sites, would be subject to review under Section 22-7, Subd 6 (1) of Stillwater’s Heritage Preservation Ordinance. Under the rules of the National Register, a site may not be designated without the permission of the owner. I would suggest that same rule be applied to these “Stillwater Landmark” sites. No doubt some owners may not wish their property designated a “Stillwater Landmark,” because of the restrictions (real or imagined) and review that would be placed on these sites. In those cases where the owner will not consent to the “Landmark” status, I would urge that these sites be added on the “Heirloom House” list. This list is by no means inclusive. The surveys of the South, West and North hill did not go into detail on individual houses, so further research should be done. Empson Report 2 For information on these sixty-one sites, I relied primarily on two sources: 1.) the previous Stillwater surveys I have done, 2.) a survey done under the auspices of River Town Restoration in 1976: Stillwater’s Lumber— Boom Architecture: An Annotated Photographic Essay by Paul Clifford Larson. Larson’s survey can be found in the Stillwater Public Library. This listing contains only a minimum of information on each “Stillwater Landmark;” additional information can be found in the two sources just listed. If the site is to be listed as a “Stillwater Landmark,” and the owner has agreed, additional research may have to be done on some of these sites. Most of Stillwater’s grand “lumber baron” mansions were demolished in the 1900-1930 period. The Hospes mansion on North First Street, the Sabin Mansion on North Third, the Marsh Mansion on South Broadway, the Staples Mansion on what is now Pioneer Park are only a few examples. I have tried to include a representative sampling of those large impressive houses remaining, but I have also tried to include a few “working man’s” houses, and the kind of homes ordinary people lived in. To begin this program of Landmark Sites, the H.P.C. must agree on a listing of potential sites. a.) I would recommend a pamphlet or brochure be prepared explaining the program. Owners of the sites should be contacted in person to discuss the program and given a copy of the brochure. Follow up calls should be made to answer any questions. b.) If the owner agrees in writing (there should be some kind of contract with the city, I believe), the exterior (and maybe interior) of the house should be photographed for future reference. c.) Like the Heirloom Houses, these Landmark Sites could be included on the H.P.C. web page. d.) The building department should be notified so that any permits for these sites are first routed to the H.P.C. Like the Heirloom Houses, information on the history of the Landmark Sites could be included on the web site along with links to the National Register and other pertinent sites. e.) These Landmark Sites could be the source of a brochure about historic Stillwater. Empson Report 3 1.) 805 Abbott Street. Janda House. WA-SWC-833 Generally known as the “Janda” house, this home was built in 1880 by Peter and Mary Jourdain; he was a wealthy lumberman. In 1923, the Jourdain family sold the house to Louis and Mary Janda, owners of a department store in downtown Stillwater. This commodious and fancy house in an Eastlake Stick style with its profusion of roof lines, and estate occupying six lots, remains nearly as original as it was over a century ago. More information can be found in Empson: Holcombe Additions Survey and Larson. 2.) 706 West Anderson Street. Hanley House. WA-SWC-851 This wonderful stone house (the only one in Stillwater) was built about 1862 by Michael and Mary Hanley. He was a local stonemason who helped in the building of St. Michael’s Church. Like others in the neighborhood, it was the type of small home built by families around the time of the Civil War. For more information, see Empson: Holcombe Additions survey. 3.) 12588 Boutwell Road. Boutwell House. Rev. William T. Boutwell, and his wife, Hester Crooks (daughter of Ramsey Crooks) are figures of statewide significance. Born in New Hampshire, William came to the Northwest in 1831 as a Protestant missionary. He was with Schoolcraft at the discovery of the source of the Mississippi River and supplied the name Itasca. He later served as a missionary to the Ojibway moving to the Stillwater area in 1847. The present Boutwell house at this address appears to date from the 1870’s. 4.) Across from 12588 Boutwell Road. Boutwell Cemetery. The Boutwell Cemetery, containing members of the Boutwell Family, is owned by the Washington County Historical Society. 5.) 1122 North Broadway. Carli House. WA-SWC-1087 This house was built by Christopher H. Carli, Jr. (the son of Stillwater pioneers Lydia and Christopher Carli) in 1886. Christopher, along with his mother, operated the north hill quarry along the east side of North Broadway, a quarry which supplied much of the stone used in nineteenth century Stillwater. The house has only had two owners, and remains in very original condition; it is an excellent example of a middle class home of the period. More information can be found in Empson: South Half of the Carli & Schulenburg Addition survey. Empson Report 4 6.) 651 South Broadway. Castle House. WA-SWC-027 Luke B. Castle was one of the pioneers of Stillwater, who came to Stillwater in 1867 where he worked in a variety of occupations. His house was built in 1879 upon land purchased from Fayette and Emma Marsh. In the 1930’s, after the house went into foreclosure, a large two story addition was removed from the back of the house. Although not as elaborate as some of the neighboring homes, this house does have a sense of integrity. Many people know Brad Castle, Luke’s grandson. 7.) 435 South Broadway. Webster House. WA-SWC-006 This early cube Italianate house, said to be built in 1862, is capped by the only cupola left in the city. The location offered the builder, Mortimer Webster, a stunning view of the riverscape. This house is on the National Register of Historic Places. More information can be found in Larson’s book. 8.) 117 East Burlington Street. Welshons House. WA-SWC-130 Gordon Welshons was the owner of St. Croix Lumber Company in Bayport when this house was built in 1887 and remodeled in 1902. Mahogany wainscoting lines the dining room, seven rooms have parquet floors, and the walls were originally covered with hand-painted papers and gold leaf. There are still members of the Welshons family in Stillwater. More information can be found in Larson’s book. 9.) 618 East Burlington Street. Brown House. WA-SWC-958 Built in 1874 by Edward Brown, partner in the Hersey, Bean & Brown Mill below the bluff, this stately house has both Greek Revival and Italianate characteristics. More information can be found in Empson: Hersey, Staples & Co. Addition survey. 10.) 106 East Chestnut Street. Cutler House. WA-SWC-1180 This elaborate Italianate house (which has a large modern addition as an ell) was built in 1868-1869. The Republican newspaper called it “a fine residence” and a “Minneapolis house.” At the time it was built, it was on the western edge of downtown. For more information, see Larson. 11.) 114 East Chestnut Street. Brunswick House. WA-SWC-230 Some claim this is the oldest house in Stillwater, built by Carl Penny about 1849 when it served as the IOOF lodge. However, Larson places the building as having been built in 1856, which would place it among the earlier houses of the city, but not the first. For more information, see Larson. Empson Report 5 12.) 208 West Chestnut Street. Nichols House. WA-SWC-141 Built as a countrified Gothic Revival parsonage in 1857, this house with its steep gables, fanciful vergeboards, and picturesque profile is one of Stillwater’s gems. For more information, see Larson. 13.) 220 West Chestnut. James S. Anderson House. WA-SWC-142 This Greek Revival house perched on the edge of the cliff is surely one of the earliest houses in the city, but it requires more research. It is mentioned in the South Hill survey. 14.) 622 West Churchill Street. Mulvey House. WA-SWC-870 Built in 1878 by James and Miranda Mulvey, this impressive Italianate house serves as a B & B today. Mulvey was a lumberman, and the family lived in the house for three-quarters of a century. More information can be found in Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey and Larson. 15.) 717 West Churchill Street. Warner House WA-SWC-876 This charming residence, built before Minnesota became a state, is one of the gems of the city. With its broadside symmetrical front to the street, and its Greek Revival return eaves, it is representative of the small houses in which the majority of the population of Stillwater lived 145 years ago. 706 West Churchill and 310 West Churchill are other examples of small pre-Civil War homes. More information can be found in Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey. 16.) 404 West Elm Street. Berglund House. WA-SWC-1589 This house, built in 1887, was the home of Sven Berglund, a Swedish carpenter, who later formed the Stillwater Manufacturing Company. Both the house, a Queen Anne style, and its owner are significant history in Stillwater. More information can be found in Larson. 17.) 625 North Fifth Street. Sauntry Gym. WA-SWC-430 Inspired by William Sauntry’s tour of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, this “Moorish Palace” was the most fantastic of all Stillwater’s lumberman’s fantasies. The building, now a residence, once contained a conservatory, bowling alley, and swimming pool. 18.) 407 South Fifth Street. St. Mary’s parish house. WA-SWC-084 This neat brick house, associated with the church next door, looks to have been built about 1870-1880. While little is known about his residence, further research would, I am sure, justify its inclusion as a Stillwater Landmark. Empson Report 6 19.) 416 South Fifth Street. Seward House. WA-SWC-089 Built about 1886, Larson writes: “In a city filled with architectural eccentricities, this is perhaps the most peculiar of all. Built when cupolas and square towers were well past their zenith in house fashions, it pushes each form in directions that would have horrified the designers of ‘correct’ Italianate dwellings.” Victor and Elizabeth Seward were publishers of a Stillwater newspaper. For more information, see Larson. 20.) 504 South Fifth Street. Jenks House. WA-SWC-091 Austin and Harriet Jenks had this brick home built in 1880. Its tall windows and corner tower recall the Italianate villas of the 1860s. Captain Jenks was active in the lumber trade. On the National Register. For more information, see Larson, nomination forms. 21.) 1018 South First Street. Nelson School. WA-SWC-1383 Named for early pioneer and landowner, Socrates Nelson, this “modern” school was opened in 1897. Almost demolished in the 1970s, today the school is divided into condominiums. On the National Register. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter’s Addition survey, nomination forms. 22.) 223 North Fourth Street. Carnegie Library. WA-SWC-165 A local landmark. 23.) 303 North Fourth Street. Hospes House. WA-SWC-408 Built about 1892, this house united the two lumbering families of Hospes (Adolphus) and Staples (Aurora). Remarkably complete for its age, situated next to the library, the house today is a B. & B. For more information, see Larson. 24.) 626 North Fourth Street. Sauntry House. WA-SWC-427 On the National Register of Historic Places, this 28-room house was built by William Sauntry at the end of the nineteenth century. It has lost some of its ornament and today functions as a B & B. More information can be found in Larson, and the nomination forms for the National Register. 25.) 1121 North Fourth Street. Minnesota Hospital. WA-SWC-1137 Seymour, Sabin & Co. built this elegant house with a central hallway and front bay in 1878. In the mid-1880s it served as the Minnesota Hospital, one of three hospitals in Stillwater at the time. The owners used an early form of health insurance to finance this private venture. For more information, see Empson: South Half of Carli & Schulenburg Addition survey. Empson Report 7 26.) 220 South Fourth Street. Proctor House. WA-SWC-065 This elegant smaller Greek Revival was most likely built in 1854 by John Proctor, attorney for Elizabeth Churchill of the firm Churchill & Nelson, as well as a Warden of the Prison. For more information, see Larson. 27.) 416 South Fourth Street. Hersey House. WA-SWC-068 This spacious house built in 1880 by Roscoe Hersey, a wealthy Stillwater lumberman is on the National Register of Historic Places. George Orff is said to be the architect. For more information, see Larson, nomination form for the National Register. 28.) 711 South Greeley Street. Lampi House. WA-SWC-896 This classic bungalow was built in 1911 as a $1,000 dwelling by G. W. Tolen for his chauffeur and handyman, Herman Lampi. The elaborate woodwork inside this modest house came from the Holcombe/Nelson house when it was demolished to build the Tolen house at 720 Greeley. The Minnesota Historical Society has a tape recording of Herman Lampi talking about his experiences. For more information see Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey. 29.) 720 South Greeley Street. Tolen House. WA-SWC-898 In 1911, Gordon Welshons Tolen demolished the original William Holcombe/Charles Nelson home on this site, and built the present home at a cost of $15,000. Both the site overlooking Lily Lake, and the present house have significant historical associations for Stillwater. For more information, see Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey. 30.) 812 South Harriet Street. Putz House. WA-SWC-910 Perched on top of the ravine at a dead end street, this small house was built in the 1850s by Elizabeth and Robert Putz, the namesake of what was once Putz Street—now Martha. Before the Civil War, Peter Jourdain purchased the house where he and his family lived until moving into 805 West Abbott Street. (See Jourdain House.) For more information, see Empson: Holcombe’s Additions survey. 31.) 304 South Holcombe Street. Torinus House. Built in 1902 by Louis and Mary Torinus, this is one of the last of the “lumber baron” houses, a mixture of several architectural styles. The Torinus family remains in Stillwater to this day. For more information, see Larson. Empson Report 8 32.) 604 West Myrtle Street. Elisha Brown House. WA-SWC-566 Built about 1856 in what was then a very unsettled portion of the city, this house retains much of its original integrity. Elisha Brown was a carpenter who lived in the house for over 20 years. For more information see Empson: Greeley Residential Area survey. 33.) 118 West Oak Street. Potts House WA-SWC-156 This gingerbread house was built (or remodeled) about 1880 shortly after Philomena Potts purchased the property from Elizabeth Sawyer. With its dramatic position, it is a landmark in the city. It is particularly evident in the 1879 Birds Eye View map of Stillwater. For more information, see Larson. 34.) 306 West Olive Street. O’Brien House. WA-SWC-150 The John O’Brien house is said to have been the first full-fledged Queen Anne house in Stillwater. O’Brien was active in both city and state affairs. Today it is the Rivertown Inn, a B & B. For more information, see Larson. 35.) 406 West Olive. Ernest Hospes House. The fortunes of the Hospes family are tied to the Schulenburg & Boeckler mill in Dutchtown. This is a good example of a modest lumber baron’s home. For more information, see Larson. 36.) 713 West Olive. Ole Olsen House. Built in the 1890s, this Queen Anne house in brick is quite unusual for Stillwater, a lumberman’s town. Olsen was a building contractor. For more information, see Larson. 37.) 518 North Owens Street. Streetcar Station. This industrial building was the beginning of the streetcar ride from Stillwater to St. Paul through Wildwood Park in Mahtomedi. More information is available. 38.) 101 East Pine. Historic Courthouse. WA-SWC-466 Already on the National Register, it should be on Stillwater’s Landmark House register as well. 39.) 223 West Pine Street. Whiteside House WA-SWC-165 This is one of the few Gothic houses in Stillwater, and the only one in brick. Despite unfortunate alterations, it still commands attention. It was built about 1876 by John Whiteside, a plasterer. For more information, see Larson. Empson Report 9 40.) 319 West Pine Street. Hersey-Bean House. WA-SWC-167 Built in 1879 by Edward Hersey, one of the lumbermen of Stillwater. Probably designed by George Orff, this eclectic styled house is distinctive in Stillwater. For more information, see Larson. 41.) 320 West Pine Street. Hersey-Atwood House. WA-SWC-168 Built in 1883 by Edward Hersey after he sold his house across the street to Jacob Bean. Designed by the nationally famous architect, William H. Wilcox, it is said to be the first house in the state in the avant garde Shingle Style. Recently restored, this is a gem of a house. For more information, see Larson. 42.) 2007 Schulenburg Alley. Dutchtown House. WA-SWC-798 This small house with its hatch in the loft is the only remaining example of what I have called “The Dutchtown House” in my Dutchtown survey (p. 25). Unfortunately the house sits on a double lot, and will probably be gone by the time it might be designated. Or the owner will n ot allow its designation. For more information, see Empson: Dutchtown Residential Area survey. (This house was recently purchased for destruction.) 43.) 504 North Second Street. McKusick House. This is the most complete example of French Second Empire Style in Stillwater. On the National Register (with the wrong date), the front part of the house was added to a small house in the rear in 1872 according to a newspaper article: Stillwater Messenger, July 12, 1872. For more information, see Larson. 44.) 1905 North Second Street. Mill Workers House. WA-SWC-819 This is the second old house—with its barn—remaining in Dutchtown. Wonderfully intact, the house has been neglected and will could be demolished in the near future. For more information, see Empson: Dutchtown Residential Area survey. 45.) 437 South Second. Edward Durant House. WA-SWC-035 This was the site of Edward Durant’s Italianate house that appears in the Andreas Atlas. The house was apparently extensively remodeled around 1910. It has a commanding site. It is mentioned in the South Hill survey. 46.) 310 South Sixth Street. John Booren House WA-SWC-104 According to Larson, this house is typical of the carpenter-designed homes of the period. Because Booren was a member of the Stillwater Hardware Company, there is some unique hardware in the house. For more information, see Larson. Empson Report 10 47.) 522 South Sixth Street. John Proctor House. WA-SWC-121 This is the second John Proctor house in Stillwater. According to a newspaper listing of new construction, it was built in 1870, making it one of the first Italianate houses in the city. It is on a commanding lot as well. There is a mention of it in the South Hill survey. 48.) 204 North Third Street. Water Department Building. Nicely maintained with much of its original integrity, this building should be on any local register. 49.) 401 North Third Street. Register House. WA-SWC-390 Larson calls this the most complete example of the Greek Revival in Stillwater. Built in the 1850s, this home is well maintained and preserved. For more information, see Larson. 50.) 510 North Third Street. Roney House. WA-SWC-397 Apparently built is different pieces beginning in 1867, this striking Italianate house on its large lot is a commanding piece of Stillwater history. For more information, see Larson. 51.) 611 South Third Street. St. Michael’s Church. WA-SWC-059 There are several fine churches in Stillwater; this is highly visible and one of the best. Well documented in a recent history. 52.) 703 South Third Street. O’Shaughnessy House. WA-SWC-1448 Built in 1870 in what was then noted as a “suburb,” this house is a testament to the O’Shaughnessy family who lived in Stillwater for close to a century. The 13th child of this family was Ignatius O’Shaughnessy, a leading philanthropist of Minnesota. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey. 53.) 704 South Third Street. Tozer House. WA-SWC-1449 Although modified over the years, this house retains the character of its 1874 origins. David Tozer was a prominent Stillwater lumberman. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey. 54.) 719 South Third Street. Glaspie House. WA-SWC-1453 John Glaspie was a businessman and developer in 1888 when he had contractor Thomas Sutherland build this Queen Anne house with the most monumental house tower in Stillwater. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey, and Larson. Empson Report 11 55.) 821 South Third Street. Chalmers House. WA-SWC-1462 William Chalmers, president of the St. Croix Lumber Company had local contractors Adolph Sprich and Eugene Schmidt built this substantial home designed by architect William Kingsley of St. Paul in 1895. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey, and Larson. 56.) 904 South Third Street. Joy House. WA-SWC-1465 Built by David Tozer in 1874, and quickly leased to Frank Joy, this pristine house with its old storm windows and other period details, situated on a prominent corner of the city deserves greater recognition. For more information, see Empson: Churchill, Nelson & Slaughter survey, and Larson. 57.) 1306 South Third Avenue. Lammers House. On the National Register, this most extravagant Queen Anne home was built by another lumber baron in 1893. It is said to have been constructed by Norwegian carpenters. For more information, see Larson. 58.) 1204 Third Avenue South. Dudley Hersey House. WA-SWC-1063 This relatively modest Italianate house has suffered some unfortunate alterations over the years, but I believe there are enough details—including some inside the house—to merit its inclusion on this list. It was one of the three lumberman’s houses to be built on this block in 1874, making these among the first (remaining) lumber barons houses in Stillwater, and giving identity to this part of Stillwater. For more information see Empson: Hersey, Staples & Co. Addition survey. 59.) 205 East Walnut Street. Spencer House. WA-SWC-176 Built about 1870, this is one of the few Gothic Revival houses in Stillwater and it happens to be set in a particularly romantic location. For more information, see Larson. 60.) 907 West Willard Street. Kern House. WA-SWC-944 There are five of these cute 1890’s small Queen Anne houses in Stillwater; all of them nearly identical. Three of them have been “restored,” but this is the most recent restoration and best example. Each of them, however, is a treasure. 61.) Rutherford Cemetery. Manning Avenue north of Co. Rd. #12. This cemetery, established in the 1850s, served the “Rutherford Neighborhood” on both sides of Manning Avenue.