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Summary
Charles C. and Katharyn Sniteman House
319 Hewett Street, Neillsville, Clark County
Date of Construction: 1915
Architect: George Awsumb
In the early 1900s, the Victorian era was coming to an end and new forms of architecture were emerging. Architects moved away from the extreme ornamentation of the Queen Anne to a more organic, linear style of house. Charles C. Sniteman selected the new Prairie Style when he built his new home in 1915. He admired the new Neillsville Carnegie Library designed by architect George Awsumb being built across the street. Sniteman quickly procured Awsumb's services and asked him to design a home which would be a complement to the new library. While the library displays classical elements in its design, Awsumb duplicated the strong horizontal line of the library, as well as some of the materials used in the building's construction.
Awsumb's design for the Sniteman House incorporates the architectural elements of the Prairie Style. The outside of the house is reflected on the inside through the use Colfax sandstone in the one-story sun porch wing, and the placement of the exterior second story brick on the fireplace chimney breast. The house presents a strong horizontal line through the built in flower boxes, stringcourse, ribbon windows, deep roof overhang, and one and two story wings. The stone pilasters anchor the house to the site. The transfer of light is facilitated through the many exterior windows and the many interior multi-pane doors.
Charles C. Sniteman contributed a great deal to his community. He arrived in Neillsville in 1879 as the new pharmacist. Upon his arrival, Sniteman filled prescription number one. At his death at the age of 91, Sniteman had filled prescription #466,890 the day before he died. Throughout his lifetime in Neillsville, Sniteman used his own monies in several attempts to promote new businesses in the city that he loved. In 1881, he contributed to the first electric plant, bringing electricity to Neillsville. Sniteman invested heavily in the Neillsville Furniture Factory, Neillsville Canning Company, Neillsville Overall Factory, and the Neillsville Armory and Opera House. All of these endeavors failed, leaving him to suffer severe capital losses.
The Sniteman House is a private home. Please respect the rights and privacy of the residents.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture |
| Period of Significance | 1915 |
| Architectural Style | Prairie School |
| Architect | Awsumb, George |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Single Dwelling |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 1 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Nov 19, 2010 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Sep 29, 2011 |
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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118 Clay Street
13000749
Located in Neillsville, Clark County
