Property Record
123 MCCALL ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | AARON S. PUTNEY HOUSE |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 28658 |
| Location (Address): | 123 MCCALL ST |
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| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Waukesha |
| Township/Village: | |
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| Year Built: | 1878 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1991 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | Balloon Frame |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | McCall Street Historic District (Boundary Increase) |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 3/29/1993 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Architectural Statement: The Putney House, constructed in 1878, owes its current appearances to the addition of various components over the years. The resulting design is eclectic, with Picturesque, Queen Anne and Classical components equally important. The building is asymmetrically massed and stands two stories above a cut stone foundation. An attic is covered by the combination hip and gable roof; attic windows are barely discernable behind bargeboards and cross pieces in the gable peaks. The gables which project to the north and east from the hip roof are steeply pitched and decorated with angular bargeboards. Two story bays with large single lights flanked by smaller single-light double-hung sashes distinguish the front and side elevations. Other windows on the house are irregular and include several single-light double-hung sashes, a small single-light square bay lighting the interior staircase, and a lunette. A classically inspired veranda leads to the entrance of the house (adjacent to the main gable). The flat roof and pedimented gable of the veranda is supported by thin columns, grouped together on stone piers, and aligned with a blank wall. A denticulated corncie, a spool and spindle balustrade, and a lattice-like porch base are other porch elements. The veranda curves from the blank wall to the east, the location of the main entrance. This veranda obviously replaced a previous porch. Another later addition is the Queen Anne porte cochere, (a frame structure with hip roof rising to a finial) extending over the driveway east from the building. The former residence, which is in good condition, was used as a group home from 1980 to at least 1991. A related building, which is a contributing resource, is a carriage house (WK 78/13A). Other map codes include City Map # 21, 38/13 and Map C. Architectural Significance: The Putney House is architecturally significant as a period of construction. It is a good example of the Queen Anne architectural style. The irregularity in plan, the complex roofline, the elaboarate bargeboard, bays and the veranda, are all details commonly seen in the style. The porte cochere is a fine detail that is not extant on most houses from the period. The current design results from a number of additions of ornament but reflects the form and detailing of late nineteenth century design. Situated on a large lot at the top of a slight rise, the Putney House is an important landmark within the district and has been evaluated as a pivotal structure. Historical Statement: Aaron S. Putney was a partner in the Putney Bros. Co., a general merchandising business. This house was built for him and occupied by him until 1913. Between 1917 and 1950, Roy and Charlotte Putney lived in the dwelling. [A] |
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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 Walking Tour" Waukesha Co. Historical Museum, p. 3. I. Waukesha City and County Directory, 1890-91. J. Waukesha Freeman, Vol. XX, No. 25, June 20, 1878. K. Birds Eye View of Waukesha, 1880, (Knauber & Co.). |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |