| 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.
Architectural Statement:
Detailed in a manner consistent with the Italianate style, the White House is a two story frame building, covered with clapboards and resting on a cut stone foundation. The main gable end features thin corner pilasters which rise to the narrow entablature. Three windows appear on the second story of the facade and are aligned with the two windows and door located on the first story. Fenestration is generally attenuated and surrounded by simple frames with shaped caps. Cross gables increase the house plan on the south end. The west elevation of the cross gable is filled by a two story bay, divided horizontally by a bracketted cornice and capped by cresting at the roof. A later, classically inspired porch extends across the facade and the east side and consists of thin columns supporting a denticulated cornice. The residence is in good condition.
Architectural Significance:
Architecturally significant as a representative example of a period of construction, the White House remains as one of the best examples of the early, frame, Italianate style buildings constructed in Waukesha in the late 1870's, early 1880's. The White House is situated on a large lot which occupies a slight rise on the south side of McCall Street. Given the prominent position and fine architectural detailing, the White House is considered a pivotal structure within the McCall Historic District.
Historical Statement:
The property was purchased by Charles and Hattie White in 1877. Hattie was the sister of Aaron Putney who lived at 123 McCall Street. The house, built in 1878, was sold into the Breese family in 1894. Richard and Mabel Breese were the first of the Breese family to be associated with the building. [A]. Later, Samuel Breese gave the residence to his son as a wedding present. It stayed in the family until recent times; the Breeses occupied this site from 1894 to 1965. [A]. The structure has functioned as a house from c. 1878 until present day. [B, D]. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. City Directories for the City of Waukesha, on file at the Waukesha Public Library, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
B. Sanborn-Perris Fire Insurance Maps and Plat Maps for the City of Waukesha, on file at the Archives of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
C. Tax Rolls for the City of Waukesha, on file at the Waukesha County Historical Museum, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
D. Field observation.
E. Building abstract, in possession of the owner.
F. Information provided by the owner.
G. Building Permits for the City of Waukesha, Building Inspection Office, City of Waukesha Municipal Building, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
H. McCall Street Historic District Walking Tour, Waukesha Landmarks Commission.
I. Waukesha Freeman 3/17/1997.
J. Building Book - Gertrude Breese Report, May, 1976, Waukesha Co. Historical Museum.
K. Waukesha Village Tax Rolls, ARC-UWM, 1880.
L. Land purchased by Hattie White - deed vol. 53, p. 6, Oct. 6, 1877. |
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