Property Record
121 N STATE ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Ezra and Martha Wheeler House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 48892 |
| Location (Address): | 121 N STATE ST |
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| County: | Green Lake |
| City: | Berlin |
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| Year Built: | 1854 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1991 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Early Gothic Revival |
| Structural System: | Balloon Frame |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Nathan Strong Park Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 5/10/2005 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/21/2005 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Another map code is 2/34, found on the DOT map. Other photo codes may include J16/13, GL 4/21. This one and one half story Gothic Revival styled house features an irregular shaped plan configuration, a stone and concrete foundation, a clapboard, wood shingled and wood exterior, a wood trim and an asphalt shingled multi-gabled roof with dormers. Distinguishing the upper story are various gabled wall dormers, most of which contain flat arched windows. One dormer in particular has a pointed arch transom above a double window. Its Gothic tracery and lintel moulding are similar to another found on a window adorning an open gable end. Decorative wood shingles and Stick style woodwork embellishes the open gable ends. A balcony window is almost Palladian, with round arched, narrow lights and carved mullions flanking a centered and Gothic transomed window. The residence is in poor condition. A garage is a related building. Architectural/Engineering Significance: This sturcture contributes to the significance of the Nathan Strong Park Historic Distict under Criterion C as an outstanding example of a frame Gothic Revival house of the 1850's. The house is distinguished by its steep gables and attenuated dormers containing Gothic arched windows. The gables are shingled and inset with undulating half-timbering - probably a late Victorian addition - adding to the story book appearance. This is a rare and unusual example of a Gothic Revial villa displaying considerable originality in form and detailing. Historical Background: In 1854, this house was built by John Ayers for his daughter Martha upon her marriage to Ezra Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler moved to Berlin in 1849 from New York State to practice law. He formed a partnership with J. Volney Sweeting and later with George D. Waring. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1852 and later became the judge of Green Lake County. Mr. Wheeler was also very influential in bringing the railroad to Berlin in 1857 and he was a district congressman from 1863 to 1865. He died in Washington D. C. in 1871 and his wife remained in the house until 1898, when she sold it to Jennie P. Brown. [1]. Jennie Brown was the Daughter of J. A. Wilcox, a pioneer resident. She was married to John R. Brown, a druggist, who had the largest and most progressive store in the area. He died in 1899 and his wife and her mother lived in the house until 1919, when it was sold to Fred Scobie. [1]. Mr. Scobie was an insurance agent and he conducted his business from this home until 1929, when he sold it to Earl Johnson. Dr. Johnson was an optometrist in Berlin for more than fifty years. [1]. |
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| Bibliographic References: | 1. Gillett, Early Houses of Berlin, Wisconsin," 1976, pp. 22-25. Victorian Walking Tours, Berlin, Wisconsin's Walking Tour of Beautiful Victorian Homes, undated. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |