Property Record
421 BAKER ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | DR. PHILLIP MAXWELL HOUSE |
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| Other Name: | THE OAKS INN |
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| Reference Number: | 28931 |
| Location (Address): | 421 BAKER ST |
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| County: | Walworth |
| City: | Lake Geneva |
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| Year Built: | 1856 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1985 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stucco |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
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| 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. The Georgian is an 1856 Italianate building, now used as an inn. The main block of the two story brick (now painted) house is square. Narrow eaves on the low hiped roof include cornice brackets. Facade openings, windows and the central doorway are arched. A recent picture window has replaced two of the original first story facade windows. Two later additions on the north side of the building afffect the building's integrity, while the site - a large corner lot - has been altered to provide a parking lot in front of the house. The former residence is much altered and in excellent condition. It once had stables and an ice house. Architectural/Engineering Significance: Significant alterations have affected the integirty of this 1856 building. Historical Background: The house was built in 1856 by Dr. Philip Maxwell after he retired as an army surgeon. He served in the seminole Wars and participated in the California gold rush. [C]. Maxwell died in 1859, but his wife continued to live in the house until her death in 1875. The name "the Oaks" was given because of many large oaks on Maxwell's five-acre property. Owners in the 1930s, Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Lord, tracked down and repurchased many of the original pieces of Maxwell's furniture. Historical Significance: This building has an association with Dr. Maxwell, who was one of the seven original proprietors of Lake Geneva. Maxwell was not only well known as a physician, but also as a businessman. Maxwell Street in Chicago was named after him. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Butterfield, C. W., History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, 1882, pp. 858-59. B. Cour, Rose, "Old Maxwell Place a House with a Past," Chicago"Tribune," 8/20/1939. C. Cour, Rose, "Sturdy 83-year-old Structure Monument to Father of Lake Geneva," Lake Geneva "Regional News," 6/8/1939. A Walking Tour of Olde Lake Geneva Towne by the Lake Geneva Plaque and Walking Tour Commission, Spring 1993. A Walking Tour of Lake Geneva, WI, Lake Geneva Historic Preservation Commission, 2015. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |