Property Record
N908 NEBRASKA ROW
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | CLUBHOUSE |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | SPARESHACK |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 59 |
| Location (Address): | N908 NEBRASKA ROW |
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| County: | Ashland |
| City: | |
| Township/Village: | La Pointe |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | 50 |
| Range: | 3 |
| Direction: | W |
| Section: | 30 |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1895 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1992 |
| Historic Use: | recreational building/gymnasium |
| Architectural Style: | One Story Cube |
| Structural System: | Balloon Frame |
| Wall Material: | Wood Shingle |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | Historical Background: This building is the reason Nebraska Row started. Colonel Frederic Woods had spent one summer in a cottage built for him at the Old Mission Inn, but was disenchanted with the arrangement when Rev. Edward Salmon denied his request to construct a bowling alley on the grounds. Woods bought property on Nebraska Row and proceeded to build his own house [N 899 Nebraska Row, 43-23]. This bowling alley was constructed in 1908. A grand dedication was held for its opening. [A, B] Historical Significance: This bowling alley contributes to the local significance of the Nebraska Row Historic District in the area of Social History under Criterion A of the National Register of Historic Places. The issue of its construction was the catalyst for the settlement of Nebraska Row - a settlement of summer residences. This building, and Nebraska Row in general, reflect the phenomenon of vacationing with an extended circle of family and friends from one's primary business and social environment - in this case, Lincoln, Nebraska. Description: This one story cube has an asphalt-clad hipped roof, wood shingle walls and rests on a concrete foundation. Fenestration of pairs and triples of large twenty-four-over-twenty-four double-hung wood sash windows pierce the walls. The main entrance is centered under a projecting shallow gable hood. The building extends to the rear by the same depth as the main cube block. Architectural Significance: This building contributes to the locally significant Nebraska Row Historic District under Criterion C of the National Register of Historic Places as an example of the leisure activities pursued on Nebraska Row from circa 1900 through the 1920s for a well-to-do extended circle of family and friends from Nebraska. |
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| Bibliographic References: | [A] Nancy O'Brien, 26 August 1993, Nebraska Row tour with Rebecca Sample Bernstein and Tricia L. Canaday, Madeline Island. [B] "Bowling Alley or Woods Clubhouse now known as `Spareshack'" manuscript on file in MIHPA house tour files. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |