| 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 Description:
The Welch House, later known as the Stillrock Sanitarium, is a fine example of late Queen Anne design in Waukesha. Built on a cut stone foundation, this frame house is fairly contained in plan, but porches and bay windows do extend from the basic rectangle. The massing of the building is not particularly dramatic but is carefully balanced and nicely articulated with classically inspired ornament. The building stands two stories plus attic and is covered by a steeply pitched hip roof. Gable roofed blocks project from the rectangular mass of the building, and those on the east and south are adjoined by one story porches. The facade is also enhanced by a cylindrical turret, adjoining the front porch, and a bay window set diagonally to the southeast corner of the building. The Welch House was originally constructed as a single family residence; however from 1909 to 1913 Dr. Hodgson operated the building as a spa. Beginning in the early 1920's the house was divided into two units which functioned as company housing for the White Rock Mineral Springs Company. [D]. The interior was modified during the 1920's remodeling, but remains in excellent condition with important features carefully preserved (fireplaces, stained glass windows, staircase). [D]. The residence is in good condition. The facade is oriented to the East.
Douglas T. And Katherine Hennig owned this dwelling in 1982.
Architectural Significance:
A fine example of the Queen Anne style in Waukesha, the Welch House combines the asymmetrical massing identifed with the style with a more restrained classical form of decoration. The Welch House is considered significant as an example of the local interpretation of the style, and because it represents a type, period or method of construction. Other comprable nominated examples of the Queen Anne style in Waukesha are detailed with a profusion of turned elements (as in the Jones House 501 W. College, WK 37/27; the Dwinnell House 442 W. College, WK 37/28; or the residence at 603 West Avenue WK 39/15) or with oversized classical ornament (such as the Mann House 346 Maple Avenue, WK 39/18). The design of the Welch House successfully merges the picturesque and classical strains.
Historical Statement:
Charles A. Welch was the manager and later the President of the White Rock Mineral Spring Company. He arrived in 1882, so the presumption is that the house was built between that date and its listing in the 1890 Directory. Between 1909 and 1913, this building housed the Still Rock Sanitarium (or Spa), which was operated by Dr. Albert Hodgson for treatment of diabetes and kidney disease (treatment included strict regulation of diet and liberal use of mineral water). At the fame of the sanitarium spread, larger quarters were required and the sanitarium was relocated to the Park Hotel (since razed). [B, C, E]. After the spa left, the house was acquired by the White Rock Mineral Springs Company and converted into company housing for the bottling plants employees (in the 1920's). The property is significant to the city's history for its association with Welch, as the Still Rock Sanitarium, and as company housing for the White Rock Mineral Spring Company.
Waukesha Local Landmark #3. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Waukesha City Directories 1890.
B. Phillips, Charles R., "A King's Mixer," Landmark, Summer-Autumn, 1970, pp. 9-12.
C. Waukesha City Directories 1912, 1914.
D. Interview with Doug Hennig by Steele 7/23/82.
E. "Diabetes Treated at Still Rock Spa," Freeman Centennial Edition, Sec. K p. 10.
F. Waukesha Freeman, 4/30/1994. |
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