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South Side Historic District Walking Tour Guide, 1993: "Joseph Miller was one of Racine's earliest and successful industrialists. In 1857 he established J. Miller and Company, which made footwear--including boots for Wisconsin Soldiers during the Civil War. Mr. Miller died in 1905 and his company closed in the 1920s. From the 1920s to 1940s this was the home of George and Maume Wheary. He established the Wheary Trunk Company in 1922. It was a part of Racine's once extensive luggage industry until 1955."
"Two homes standing side by side at 1100 and 1110 South Main were built by the Miller family, immigrants from the Rhineland who prospered through the shoe manufacturing business.
The corner house was built by Joseph Miller, one-time mayor of Racine, in 1893. Its round turrets reflect the chateauesque style of architecture, borrowed from the French chateau. Other interesting details include heavily designed chimneys, pediments embossed with fleur-de-lys, leaded glass and keyhole windows, and ornate metal grilles. Inside the house, five fireplaces depict fruit and flower themes. The third floor was once used as a ballroom.
The house next door, at 1110 Main Street, was built in 1899 by Joseph Miller's son, Henry, for his bride. It is a neo-classic structure incorporating elements of the Roman (Ionic columns), Renaissance (the circular porch), and Georgian (the pediment and third floor front windows) styles. Crane and Barkhausen were architects for the house." Renewing Our Roots: A Guide To Racine, Wisconsin, Central City, Southside, Preservation-Racine, 1977.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
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