Property Record
1230 N 4TH ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Charles Ruebhausen House |
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| Reference Number: | 15328 |
| Location (Address): | 1230 N 4TH ST |
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| County: | Dodge |
| City: | Watertown |
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| Year Built: | 1850 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1986 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Federal |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. Another map code for this dwelling is DO 1/18, found on the DOT Watertown map. Designed in both the Federal and side gabled styles, this two story house features an L-shaped plan configuration, a brick foundation, and a painted brick exterior and trim. Brick parapets rise above the shingled gable roofline and are characteristic of the Federal style. The eaves at the side elevation display a brick dentil trim. Rectangular windows have brick lintels and projecting sills. Fronting the ell is an open designed porch whose shed roof is supported by wrought iron posts. This porch was a later addition. Another addition is rear shed roofed extension with board and batten siding. The residence is in fair condition. Historical Background: This was the home of Charles Ruebhausen, a harness maker. His daughter Ella eventually earned her doctorate and left money that came to be used for scholarships for Watertown students. (See Bib. Ref. B). Historical Significance: This house has some historical interest as the home of the Ruebhausen family. They are not individually significant, however, so the house does not meet the criteria for the National Register. Architectural/Engineering Significance: The Charles Reubhausen house is architecturally important as an example of a vernacular home influenced by the Federal style. One of four homes showing some influence of the Colonial house, particularly the Federal style remaining from the early period of Watertown's development, the 1850's Reubhausen house exhibits only the centonication of the brick wall, making shaped gables or parapets. Laking the symmetry and details seen in the remaining examples of this house type in the city, the Reubhausen house is not an architecturally significant example of the style. Better examples are the houses at 406 South Washington (DO 54/29), 1215 Western Avenue (DO 35/13) and 214 North Water (DO 64/35). Further research may indicate this house is significant as a house type associated with the German culture. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Evelyn Ruddick Rose, Our Heritage of Homes, (Watertown Historical Society, 1980). B. Ibid, p. 47. C. HISTORIC WIS 109 PAMPHLET PUBLISHED BY WISDOT. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |