Property Record
149 W LAFLIN AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | William A. Sinsel House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 29865 |
| Location (Address): | 149 W LAFLIN AVE |
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| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Waukesha |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
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| Year Built: | 1886 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | Balloon Frame |
| Wall Material: | Aluminum/Vinyl Siding |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Laflin Avenue Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 10/28/1983 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of Waukesha |
| 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. This tall frame building is asymmetrically composed, with sections covered by gable roofs. The two stories and attic level have been covered with asbestos shingles, but important decorative details, including original window surrounds have been retained. The windows are paired on the facade, and like the remainder of the windows, are capped by shaped lintels with incised details in the pediment. A distinctive front porch, composed of chamfered posts, a sawn frieze and a front gablet, remains on the facade. This home originally belonged to William A. Sinsel, Superintendent of the Fountain Spring House. It predates the rest of the buildings in the district and was probably constructed around 1886 when Sinsel was hired by Matthew Laflin. The home is on the 1887 Birds-Eye map but not that of 1880. Sinsel was Superintendent of the huge hotel from 1886 until it closed in 1905 and then worked for the Laflin estate until 1913. His home is significant as a remaining component of the once magnificent Fountain Spring House and grounds. The entire Laflin district was once part of that property, subdivided around 1890. Thus, the Sinsel house predates the rest of the homes around it and is the sole surviving reminder of the earlier resort of which the district was part. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Waukesha Freeman, 8/10/1994. (B) Birds-Eye Map of Waukesha, 1880, 1887. (C) Obituary, William A. Sinsel, Waukesha Freeman, Oct. 20, 1934. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |