Property Record
458 W PRAIRIE ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Nelson Sawyer House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 3512 |
| Location (Address): | 458 W PRAIRIE ST |
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| County: | Columbia |
| City: | Columbus |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1874 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1996 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
| Architect: | Henry Bolte |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Prairie Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 1/7/1999 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 7/26/1998 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | ROUND ARCHED WINDOWS, PAIRED ON FRONT, BARGE BOARDS, CNR BRACKETS, BALCONY ON FRONT W/HEAVY CARVED SUPPORTS. SAWYER CAME FROM VERNON, NEW YORK IN 1867 TO JOIN HIS BROTHER IN A HARDWARE BUSINESS. SAWYER HAD EXPERIENCE IN BLACKSMITHING, CARPENTRY, AND MERCHANDISING. HE WAS AN ACCOMPLISHED BUILDER WHO BUILT AT LEAST 2 HOMES AND 128-140 W. JAMES. This is one of the finest Italianate style houses in Columbus and was built for Nelson Sawyer in 1874 by masonry contractor Henry Bolte. "This assymetrical cream-brick residence is a pristine and excellent example of the High Victorian Italianate Style that was made popular by "High Victorian" includes the used of incised and jig-sawn designs at numerous locations. In addition to its handsome proportions, note the especially fine craftsmanship of this house; the careful brickwork surrounding the paired second-floor windows allows the insertion of ornamental infill, the wooden elements on the porches and eaves are exceptionally well-executed. Sawyer came from Vernon N.Y. in 1867 to join his brother in a very successful hardware business. Sawyer was a versatile and talented man with experience in blacksmithing, carpentry and merchandising. He was an accomplished builder who added to the architectural heritage of the city. In addition to at least two lovely homes, he built 128/132/136/140 W. James." Columbus Historic Architecture Tours, undated. |
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| Bibliographic References: | COLUMBUS HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE TOURS, COLUMBUS HISTORIC LANDMARKS AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION, 1994. City of Columbus Real Estate Tax Rolls. Columbus Democrat: May 24, 1872, p. 1. Columbus Republican: April 18, 1874, p. 1; July 25, 1874, p. 1; August 15, 1874, p. 1; May 8, 1875, p. 1. Stare, Frederick A. The Story of Columbus. Installment Nos. 154-159 (pp. 230-238). Columbus Historic Architecture Tours, undated. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |