| Additional Information: | Clad with brick, this two-story, gabled house is comprised of a two-story, front-gabled block along Lewis Street from which a one-and-one-half story wing extends to the rear (north). An additional brick-clad wing extends to the west from the rear corner of the two-story block. Regarding the two-story block, it features a modest wooden cornice beneath the roof’s eave and a hipped-roof, open porch with turned supports and a replacement railing that extends across the Lewis Street elevation. A rectangular bay projection extends from the west wall of this block. Another hipped-roof open porch with turned supports is located along the rear (north) wing and which retains its original turned railing and much of its original porchwork. Window openings throughout the house are largely symmetrically arranged and include a segmental-arch header comprised of two rows of flush header brick; however, the windows themselves are rectangular replacements that were installed in 2015.
Although the 1871 Birds Eye map of De Pere indicates that a house was located on this parcel at that time, it is more likely that the brick home replaced an earlier frame house located on that parcel. Indeed, an 1887 newspaper citation notes that Robert Doak (a Canadian-born house mover) sold his house and two lots to Felix Dart, with tax rolls confirming this transfer, as well as an increase in valuation by 1890. Furthermore, an 1889 citation in the local paper reads, “Felix Dart moved into his new residence the latter part of the last week.” While the reference to a “new” house could simply reference that it was new to Dart, it could also mean a new house was built or substantial alterations were completed. In any case, the house--with an appropriately matching footprint and which is identified as veneered with brick--is depicted on the 1890 Sanborn map. Dart worked as a blacksmith and was in business with Irish-born John C. Mularky. Together they built a blacksmith and wagon shop and their business was known as Dart & Mularky, farm implements (which was formerly located immediately west of the house).
In 1902, Dart sold his half interest in the business to Irving C. Hannan, who would engage in the machinery business with Mularky, while Dart would maintain the blacksmith portion of the business. The house is identified (per tax rolls) as in the possession of Hannan for 1902 and 1903; however, by 1904, the parcel was owned by Mularky, who would, thereafter, move his family into the house. With John continuing the business, the Mularkys remained there until moving in 1927 to their new house at 436 N. Michigan Street, where both John and his wife Julia would remain until their respective deaths in 1938 and 1953. As of 1931, the house is identified as occupied by Sidney Stevens. |
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| Bibliographic References: | 1871 Bird's eye view; built prior to 1871.
Citations for 2017 survey report information provided below in Additional Comments:
While Birds Eye maps are a useful tool in dating homes, please note that the form of the house depicted on the 1871 map is not consistent with the extant house, as the ell that currently exists on the home appears to have been added between 1900 and 1914, Birds Eye Map of De Pere, Wisconsin, 1871 (Madison: J.J. Stoner, 1871); Sanborn-Perris Fire Insurance Map of De Pere, Wis., 1900, 1914.
Newsbrief (re: Doak sold property), Green Bay Press-Gazette, 11 April 1887, 3; U.S. Federal Census, Population, 1900; Tax rolls, City of De Pere, Various dates reviewed between 1870 and 1910; Newsbrief (re: Dart’s new residence), Green Bay Press-Gazette, 8 November 1889, 3; Sanborn-Perris Fire Insurance Map of De Pere, Wis., 1890.
“Felix Dart Sells Implement Business,” De Pere (WI) News, 22 January 1902, 1/5; in the sale, the house is mentioned; however, it is unclear if Hannan ever moved into the house; Dart died in 1909, “Aged De Pere Resident Passes Away at Home,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, 20 February 1909, 7; Tax Rolls, City of De Pere, 1902, 1903, 1904; U.S. Federal Census, Population, 1910, 1920, 1930; Green Bay City Directory, 1931; “John Mularky Passes Away,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, 9 May 1938; “Mrs. Mularky, 90, Passes on Sunday, Green Bay Press-Gazette, 18 May 1953. |
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