Property Record
509 BEASER AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Captain Daniel Beaser Residence |
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| Reference Number: | 529 |
| Location (Address): | 509 BEASER AVE |
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| County: | Ashland |
| City: | Ashland |
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| Year Built: | 1872 |
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| Additions: | 1883 |
| Survey Date: | 20082016 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Greek Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
| Architect: | Antoine Perinier |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. BAY WINDOW. FANLIGHTS AT ENTRY TRANSOM AND SIDELIGHTS. Based on the recollections of a person who lived in the house in the late 1960s, there was a cement gold fish pond that was filled in with dirt. If you look at the black and white picture, you can see just a whitish line in the grass on the left center area of the lawn. The original sunroom had French doors between the dining area and the sunroom and the sunroom had what were believed to be the original wood Venetian blinds. In addition, there was a back staircase from a bedroom that led down to the kitchen, but that had already been blocked off and was used as a pantry. 2008--since last surveyed and recommended for futher research in 2000, a second-story addition was added to the rear of the home--above the former garage space. Following in-depth research for a DOE in 2008, it was determined that the two-story main block was built in 1872, while the home's mid-section was likely built in 1883, following the home's purchase by attorney John J. Miles. In 2005 the rear wing was altered from a garage to living space and a second story added. 2008- "This gabled, Greek Revival-style house rises from a sandstone (or brownstone) foundation and consists of three sections. The main block, which was thought to date to the 1860s, rises two-and-one-half stories and is sheathed with clapboard. The primary (northeast) elevation consists of a doorway that features a wooden surround with fluted pilasters which encompass sidelights and a transom. Two, six-over-six-light sashes are located north of the entrance, while a series of three, symmetrically arranged, six-over-six-light, double-hung sashes are located on the second floor. Windows along the main block's northwest wall, as well as the visible rear facade, are also six-over-six examples and are arranged regularly. However, the home's southeast facade carries fenestration only along its rear (westerly) half, the most notable feature of which is the rectangular bay. The home's mid-section carries somewhat regular window openings; however, modern sliding glass doors have been installed on the northwest side, while a modern window occupies the southeast side. Finally, the rearmost section of the home was just recently altered in 2005 and is covered with vinyl siding. Prior to the construction of the second level, this rearmost section stood one story in height and was utilized as a garage. In both 1982 and 2000, this house was identified as "the Beaser house" as a result of a notation from a 1930 publication. Despite those cites, no further research was done to specifically identify the Beaser family connection. Based on tax roll information, this parcel (identified as Lot 4 of Block 54 in Ashland Proper) was purchased in March of 1856 by Martin Beaser. This parcel was included along with two-and-one-half written pages of properties purchased by Beaser. Beaser died in 1866 and, in 1873, the Beaser estate was divided equally between his three children--Margaret (Crozier), Percy & Henry--with the subject parcel included in the allotment to son Percy. It does not appear that a structure was built upon this land before this point. In 1875, Percy's ownership of the parcel was deeded to Melinda Beaser (Martin's sister-in-law) and the house is believed to have been constructed by Captain Daniel Beaser-Martin's brother. In February of 1883, John J. Miles purchased the property from the Beasers. Miles, a partner in Miles & Shea, was a state attorney, notary public and president of the Ashland County Bar Association in 1888. Miles maintained ownership of the property until at least 1917-18. In 2000, it was recommended that further research be done to confirm the home's date of construction, as well as to confirm (or deny) the Beaser family ownership. Indeed, the property has been in the Beaser family since 1856; however, it is still unclear as to when the home was built and by whom. As well, while the home's Greek Revival styling is indeed notable, it was cited that the characteristic return eaves were missing from the Beaser home. As a result of the home's missing eave returns, and without a wide wooden cornice, the house was not recommended as potentially eligible under Criterion C. To further deny its eligibility under Criterion C, a significant addition has been added to the rear of the home. Despite the home's ineligibility under Criterion C, it still offers potential eligibility under Criteria A and B. Therefore, a DOE is recommended." - "Beaser Ave, 18th St to Lake Shore Dr W", WisDOT ID #9952-14-00, Prepared by Heritage Research, Ltd (Schnell) (2008). |
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| Bibliographic References: | Newsbrief (re: construction of home for Daniel Beaser), The Ashland Press, 10 August 1872, 3/1 and 24 August 1872, 3/1. Tax rolls, LaPointe County (later Ashland County), 1859-1870. See Determination of Eligibility for this property, completed in June 2008. Tax rolls, City of Ashland, 1887-1935. Reference to Daniel Beaser dwelling--24' x 20', two-story on Main Street in "Ashland! its Growth During the Year 1872," The Ashland Press, 2/5. Newsbrief (re: J.J. Miles purchased Beaser home), The Ashland Press, 24 February 1883, 4/1; The improvements made by Miles were quantified as follows "J.J. Miles, ad. & imp. res., Main & 5th, $875." in "'The Metropolis' of the 'New Wisconsin' Comes to the Front," The Ashland Press, 17 November 1883, 2/2. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |