417 BLUFF ST

417 BLUFF ST

Rock

Beloit

1847

1850

1981

house

Greek Revival

Limestone

No

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. Also a contributing resource in the Bluff Street Historic District. The Selvy Blodgett house (ca. 1847-1850), a simple Greek Revival residence built of locally quarried limestone, is architecturally significant as a well-preserved example of a type and period of construction. Built in an L-form plan, the house is composed of two sections which are flush at the rear (or east side). The main (north) section is 22 feet wide and 27 feet deep, facing west, and the side wing, recessed about a foot from the front elevation, extends about 15 feet to the south and 26 feet to the east. The building's thick limestone walls are laid in courses, with raised mortar bands on the front facade and more randomly laid stone on the sides and rear. The gabled roofs, heavy cornice with unornamented frieze and returns, flat lintels, and six-over-six windows all reflect the inspiration of the Greek Revival style popular at mid-century. In its adaptation of that style into a local vernacular employing local materials, the Selvy Blodgett house represents a significant example of the architectural heritage of Beloit's early settlement. The Selvy Blodgett house is closely associated with a prominent pioneer family who contributed to both the early settlement and the subsequent development of Beloit. Selvy Blodgett (1812-1881) came to Beloit the year after his father established himself as the first permanent settler. In 1847, Blodgett purchased the lots on which he soon after (circa 1847-1850) built the house that stands today. In 1857, Blodgett purchased an interest in one of Beloit's pioneer flouring mills, serving the rich wheatlands of surrounding Rock County, and in 1867 he and his son bought out his partner to form the Blodgett Mill. Although fire eventually forced the operation to move to Janesville in 1898, the mill remained an important element of Beloit's milling industry throughout the 19th century. Selvy Blodgett continued to live in the house until his death in 1881, and the house remained in his family until 1893, when it was purchased by the F.N. Gardner family.

(A) NRHP nomination form, 1980.

Blodgett, Selvy, House

May 23, 1980

Jan 01, 1989