Property Record
154 S 3RD AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | L.C. Thorkildson House |
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| Reference Number: | 49770 |
| Location (Address): | 154 S 3RD AVE |
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| County: | Door |
| City: | Sturgeon Bay |
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| Year Built: | 1893 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2006 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Boomtown |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | This vernacular commercial/residential structure is a plainly detailed example of the false front or "Boomtown" architectural style. Clad with clapboard, the only decorative details are the simple wood cornice which contrasts with the ornately scroll sawn brackets and turned porch posts supporting the shed type porch roof. There is no evidence of a storefront or show windows. The porch railing and apron have been clad with wood siding. This building is of architectural interest as an example of this once locally common building type. June 2006- Resting on a raised, cement covered foundation, this two story, Boomtown-front structure is sheathed with clapboard; a gabled roof is evident behind the false front. The primary (west) facade consists of a one story, shed roof porch with turned post supports and a porch railing sheathed with clapboard. Two single windows and a door are sheltered by the porch, while two single, sash windows occupy the second floor. Windows throughout the remainder of the building are one over one, double hung sash examples that rest within a simple wooden surround. A one story wing extends from the rear of the building, while a cellar entrance is evident along the north elevation. A gambrel roof shed constructed of rock faced concrete block is located at the rear of the lot. This building was erected in 1873 and was one of a few structures erected along South Third Avenue by the Charnley Bros., owners of the #28;Upper Mill,#29; which was built in 1856. The structure's first occupant was Mr. Henry Sporeland, who operated a bakery out of this building for approximately six months, closing in the spring of 1874. Local research indicates that the first level originally included large storefront windows in which Sporeland reportedly displayed his baked goods. In 877, the Charnleys sold the structure for $500 to David Machia. Sanborn maps suggest that the building was remodeled to include the existing front porch (and likely to exclude the original storefront windows) between 1898 and 1904. By no later than 1900 to at least 1918, the structure was owned by John F. Nelson. In 1922, the structure was purchased by shoe repairman George Rankin Sr.; he and his wife resided here until his death in 1954. The structure continues to be used for residential purposes. Previously surveyed in 2000. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Sanborn Perris Map of Sturgeon Bay, 1885. B. Tax Roll - City of Sturgeon Bay. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |