N9888 STATE HIGHWAY 13

N9888 STATE HIGHWAY 13

Columbia

Wisconsin Dells

1899

1984

house

Other Vernacular

Wood Shingle

Alexander C. Eschweiler, Sr.

No

Wawbeek is one of the finest and most intact turn-of-the-century summer homes remaining in the Wisconsin Dells area. In 1897, Horace and Mary Upham purchased this four-hundred-acre site overlooking the Wisconsin River Valley for their summer home. They named it Wawbeek after the rock that threatened the West Wind in Longfellow's "Song of Hiawatha." To design their retreat, the Uphams chose Eschweiler, who was then little-known but became one of Milwaukee's most distinguished architects. Construction began in 1899, and the Upham family occupied their new home in the summer of 1900.

The rustic residence rises from a high ridge at the center of the estate. Cedar shingles, now painted, sheathe the walls, which are sheltered by a broad multi-gabled roof. The one-and-one-half-story main block rests on a massive foundation of pinkish random-coursed sandstone that was quarried on site. A shed-roofed veranda, supported by massive paired posts, extends across two-thirds of the western elevation and curves around the end of the house to form a broad base for a three-story circular stone tower with crenellation. Here, the Uphams could enjoy a spectacular view extending some forty miles in all directions.

The floor plan of Wawbeek is open and informal, reflecting the Uphams' casual summer lifestyle. A living hall, 40 feet square, was the center of activity. Dominating the room is a large red-brick fireplace, flanked by windows with window seats. A cozy inglenook is nearby. In 1906, Eschweiler added a wing to the east elevation containing additional bedrooms, a bathroom, an enlarged kitchen, and a dining room.

Wawbeek reflects a turn-of-the-century impulse, widespread among well-to-do urbanites like the Uphams, to seek regeneration in the rural landscape. Horace Upham worked as a prominent attorney in Milwaukee, and Mary Upham was an active community volunteer.

Buildings of Wisconsin manuscript.

Upham, Horace A.J., (Camp Wabeek) House

Jun 19, 1985

Jan 01, 1989

No