Property Record
950 CASS ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | J.E. Wheeler House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 34783 |
| Location (Address): | 950 CASS ST |
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| County: | La Crosse |
| City: | La Crosse |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1884 |
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| Additions: | 1891 |
| Survey Date: | 1996 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | Balloon Frame |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
| Architect: | Schick and Stolze |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | 10th and Cass Streets Neighborhood Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 12/13/2000 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 7/14/2000 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| 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, Division of Historic Preservation-Public History. This highly eclectic, Queen Anne influenced house was built for, but never lived in by, E.E. Bentley. It features intersecting gable roofs with brackets and block dentils under the eaves and along the gables; full attic story with open arcaded inset balustrated porch with twisted column supports in the gable; jerkin head gable roofed east side second story balustrated balcony with spindle-work arched opening supported by large brackets; bargeboards with appliqued ornament; gable roofed east side roof dormer with Palladian styled window; several enclosed porches have been added to original structure; carriage house at rear. Although altered on the lower levels through the years, the Bentley House, a complex combination of decorative elements, contributes to the architectural environment of the city as one of the more unusual significant interpretations of the Queen Anne style in La Crosse. Although sometimes called the Bentley-Wheeler house, Edward E. Bentley never lived in this house. From 1875 to c. 1912, when he probably died, Bentley, a resident of La Crosse beginning in 1855, resided at 821 King Street. Bentley was president of the Batarman Bank. J.E. Wheeler and Rice (Nicholas S.) lived at 938 Cass Street in 1890, the first year he appears in the city directory. In 1891, he is listed at 950 Cass Street; two years later he is president of the Exchange State Bank. The Exchange State Bank was one of the three major financial institutions of La Crosse during the late 19th century. 2015- "The three-story Bentley/Wheeler House is a patchwork of elements and a significant example of Queen Anne style architecture. The towering irregular mass with multiple gables freatures distinctive recessed and projecting second-story porches with lavish spindle-work. The multi-textured and colored surface, tall brick chimneys and neo-classical decorative detailing are typical of the Queen Anne style. The carriage house is located south of the dwelling. For many years in the mid to late 20th century, this house was operated as a multi-family rental. In the 1990s this landmark residence was restored and is currently operated as the Bentley/Wheeler Bed and Breakfast." -"La Crosse, Wisconsin: 10th & Cass Residential Historic District Tour", Prepared by Eric J. Wheeler, (2015). |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Dr. L. Crocker "Older Homes Can Be a Study in Style," La Crosse Tribune 14 May 1978. (B) La Crosse City Directory, 1871-1912. (C) La Crosse Daily Press 4 July 1891. LaCrosse Tribune 7/27/2003. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |