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Summary
Charles and Theresa Cornelius House
118 Clay Street, Neillsville, Clark County
Architect: Anton Billmeyer
Date of Construction: 1909
As a young man Charles Cornelius worked long hours in a mercantile selling sewing machines, pianos and organs. In 1876, he opened an implement dealership in Granton, Wisconsin. The business's success led to a second store in Neillsville, nine miles away, and the family moved to Neillsville. In 1904, the Commercial State Bank of Neillsville named Cornelius its vice-president.
In 1907, the Cornelius family moved to Boston, where daughter Lydia studied music. Charles used the opportunity to enroll in Boston Commercial College, studying commerce and finance. On the family's return to Neillsville, Charles began The First National Bank of Neillsville.
He built an impressive bank building and commissioned Wisconsin Rapids architect Anton F. Billmeyer to design his new three and one-half story home. Constructed at the very end of the Queen Anne period, Billmeyer incorporated several of the stylistic elements of the emerging Colonial Revival style. Classical columns replaced turned posts on the 70 foot long front porch.
The Cornelius house was built toward the end of a period of great expansion and prosperity in Neillsville's history. The Cornelius family home, which once sat in a large private park, was a physical display of Charles Cornelius' success and status in the community.
The Cornelius House is a private residence. Please respect the rights and privacy of the home's residents.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture |
| Period of Significance | 1909 |
| Architectural Style | Queen Anne |
| Architect | Anton Billmeyer |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Single Dwelling,Secondary Structure |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 3 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| 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 16, 2012 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Oct 18, 2013 |
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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Email UsAttribution
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115 S Third St
100003008
Located in Eagle River, Vilas County
319 Hewett Street
11000716
Located in Neillsville, Clark County
