10779 Evergreen Avenue

Summary

Dahle, Onon B. and Betsy, House
10779 Evergreen Avenue, Daleyville, Town of Perry, Dane County
Construction Date: 1864

Onon B. Dahle emigrated from Norway to the United States in 1848. After a successful period spent in the California gold fields, Dahle settled in the Town of Perry, then home to a sizable community of fellow Norwegian immigrants. Here, in 1853, Dahle built a log home and a general store. The latter was the first commercial establishment in this part of the County and quickly became the center of daily life for the surrounding rural community. When the Town of Perry was officially organized in 1854, Dahle was elected its first Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Justice of the Peace, and Superintendent of Schools. Dahle and his sons subsequently established other stores in the nearby community of Mt. Vernon and in the nearby city of Mt. Horeb. By 1897, Dahle was described in a national publication as one of the most successful Norwegian businessmen in Wisconsin. In recognition of his role as its founder and most successful citizen, the community that grew up around Dahle's first store and home later called itself Daleyville in his honor.

By 1864, Dahle's business success enabled him to build a new house across the road from his store. This ten-room, two-story limestone house is based primarily on Greek Revival style models. However, the repeated pairs of wooden brackets found just below the roof line are Italianate features. Together these elements mark the Dahle house as a transitional example whose construction occurred during a period when the new Italianate style was supplanting the older Greek Revival style.

Please note that the house is private property and is not open to the public. Please respect the privacy of the owners.

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