Property Record
447 W 1ST ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | William Johnston House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 47838 |
| Location (Address): | 447 W 1ST ST |
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| County: | St. Croix |
| City: | New Richmond |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
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| Year Built: | 1888 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1983 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Side Gabled |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Aluminum/Vinyl Siding |
| Architect: | Leroy Buffington |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | New Richmond West Side Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 5/31/1988 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Aluminum siding is the exterior fabric on this two story residence. The plan is basically rectangular.Asphalt shingles cover the gable roof. The eave side of the roof faces the road and has a box cornice. The south or front of hte house has a two story porch at the center. This semi-circular with a flat roof has simple railing. There rae two round columns with capitals and two pilasters. The main entry under this porch is flanked by a window on each side. Above these windows are identical ones on the second story. To the west and east are paired windows on both stories. The east side of th house has a one story screened in porcfh with a shed roof. This extends past the rear of the house. A small round window is on the second story (NE part of the wall) as is a square one. The gable has two windows separated by the exterior brick chimney that extends just past the roof. A garage is under the residence on this side. On the west side is an ell with one window on each story. A first story three part picture window is to the north of htis. The north side of the house has an addition (rear). Landscaping consists of a few evergreens and small trees in front. The lot is larger in back and extends to the river. This residence has been severely altered to the extent that it has none of its original architectural integrity. For this reason it has no architectural significance. In spite of this it is not an intrusion in the neighborhood and actually fits in quite well. The plain white facade stands out and is an imposing site in the streetscene. In general size and massing this building is similar to others on the street. In July of 1883, W.S. Williams (See SC20-13, 339 West First) bought this land and almost immediately sold some to J ohnston brothers (William and James). William got the west half of ten acres and was supposed to have built a house there in the next year. However, according to the January 4, 1888 "St. Croix Republican," Johnston was planning to build a brick residence between "aldermen Williams and Beal". This would be the location. No brick residences are on this side of the street. There is only one further east of these properties. The property abstract does show activity (i.e. - mortgage, deed) at this time. It is safe to date the house from this time. On October 10, 1895, the newspaper reported that "last week Harry H. Smith bought the splendid west end residence of Hon William Johnston. Mr. Johnston will build a new home on the vacant lot east of Mr. Alex Beals' residence" (See SC20-9, 467 West First Street for the residence.) An 1897 plat map shows H.H. Smith living here. A neighbor confirms that Johnston built the house and then Smith moved in. William and James Johnston were partners in Johnston Brothers in 1875. This was a flour milling operation in Boardman, Wisconsin. Newspaper accounts in 1875 and 1891 say Johnston Brothers were also loggers on the Willow River. The Johnston family was related to the Bell family through Katherine (see Johnston). Katherine and William lived on West First Street around the turn of the century (Bell at SC20-5, 350 West First Street and SC20-10, 425 West First Street; see also farm SC27-24). William was the mayor in 1890. He was married to Justina Starkweather and by 1909 was dead. Henry H. Smith was a lawyer in partnership with George Oakes. The 1910 census noted Smith was a lawyer from Wisconsin whose family was from the Eastern U.S. Smith was 52 yeras old and married for 21 years to Anna F., aged 45. They had two children. Smith was on a 1905 committee to rebuild the local school after it burned that year. Other civic involvement is no known. A c.1930 photo shows that this residence has a center gabel roof. The exterior fabric is clapboard and wood shingles. There was a second story box bay window and first story bay window with railing above it. To the west and east sae paired second story windows. The entry is on the east edge of the front. It has a one story gable roof with the gable and facing the road. The foundation looks rock faced. Historically, this residence has no significance. It is not associated with any significant person or event. The economic and ethnic background of early occupants of this home are similar to those in the rest of the neighborhood and this contributes to the overall character and integrity of the district. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. M.E. Hagan - photo. B. "St. Croix Republican" 1/4/88, 7/4/83, 10/10/95. C. 1897 Plat Map. D. Wisconsin State Gazeteer, 1895-6 and 1901. R.C. Polk and Company. E. 1910 U.S. Census. F. Photo and abstract lent by owner. New Richmond News 1/23/1997. New Richmond Walking Tour brochure, 2000. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |