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Summary
Phillip Orth Boathouse
9204 Country Club Road, Minocqua, Oneida County
Architect: A.H. Rantz
Date of construction: 1926
Situated on the southeast bank of Lake Minocqua, the Phillip Orth Boathouse was constructed in 1926. Phillip Orth of Milwaukee commissioned A.H. Rantz, a locally noted architect and contractor, to design and build this two-story boathouse. In addition to summer cottages and boathouses, A.H. Rantz is known to have designed public and religious buildings in Minocqua. The Phillip Orth Boathouse is a fine example of an early twentieth century wet boathouse in the Craftsman style. Characteristic architectural details include a broad hip roof, exposed rafters, clapboard exterior, and multi-light casement windows.
Boathouses are a resource uniquely tied to the resorts and summer homes of Oneida County. Just as garages were built to house automobiles, boathouses were constructed to protect boats from the elements. Wet boathouses in northern Wisconsin are typically one- or two-story frame buildings with hip or front gable roofs. The buildings are located over water and typically rest on a foundation of wood pilings. The interior of the first level, where the boats are docked, is often rustic with exposed wall framing. In the Orth Boathouse, a wood deck extends around the interior boat slips, and each boat slip features mechanical hoists. The second level of the boathouse contains a living space with bands of windows providing views of the lake.
Even though boathouses are largely vernacular, elements of the Craftsman, Rustic, and Queen Anne styles were incorporated into boathouse design in Northern Wisconsin. Typically the overall form, massing, and wall materials contribute to the display of the architectural style. The application of architectural details is frequently limited to smaller details, such as exposed rafters, window style, and flower boxes. The Orth Boathouse's large-scale upper-story living area and Craftsman detailing demonstrate this building's significance compared to other more vernacular boathouses in the area.
The Orth Boathouse is private property and is not open to the public. Please respect the owner's privacy.
Property Details
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Designations
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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7220 Newell Road
05001493
Located in Town of Hazelhurst, Oneida County
