| 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, State Historic Preservation Office.
Designated Eau Claire's first landmark in 1975, the house is a significant example of late nineteenth century picturesque architecture. The residence incorporates elements of the Queen Anne and Stick Styles in a wholly vernacular yet visually interesting manner.
The two story house was erected in two stages and brought to its present appearance in 1881. The irregularly massed building (a result of its construction pattern) is generally rectangular in plan with projecting elements on each major facade. On the Fourth Street facade which contains the main entrance, a two story bay window and cantilevered gable form a dominant component. Large machine-sawn brackets support the gable which is shingle covered as is the area separating the windows. An ornament with a semi-circular latticework design further distinguishes the gable. Similar ornaments are visible on a dormer located just to the north and on the prominent gable on the south elevation. Flanking the projecting section on the ground level are two nearly identical verandas. Embellished by spindle valances and turned posts, this element is repeated on the west elevation. On the south elevation (facing Broadway Street) a boxed bay window is featured. Sheltered by a pent roof, the bay is composed of three narrow one-over-one sash windows with small panes of stained glass above. All gabled areas are shingled while the walls of the house are covered with narrow clapboards. Corner boards outline each section of the structure.
George Coghlan built the first half of the house in c. 1867. In 1873 Ethen Allen, a riverboat captain, added another large section, giving the house its present size. In 1881 I.K. Kerr, an owner of several lumber camps in the northern part of the state, purchased the property and totally renovated the home (photos of the earlier appearance are unavailable). He added the Stick style porches, along with the pulpit style stairway landing and the fancy trim work on the interior of the house.
2016- "George Coghlan built the original structure on this site. In 1873, Ethan Ellen, a riverboat captain, added a section. I.K. Kerr, owner and operator of several lumber camps in northern Wisconsin, bought the home in 1881 and completely renovated it. Two stick style porches on the front and back of the house were added at that time, along with a pulpit style stairway landing and trim work on the interior of the house.
The Coghlan house was the first landmark in Eau Claire, designated in 1975."
-"Eau Claire Landmarks: Designated Historic Properties in Eau Claire, Wisconsin", Eau Claire Landmarks Commission, P.O. Box 5148, 2016. |
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