Property Record
113 ANN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | George Buffington; D.R. Davis |
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| Reference Number: | 40860 |
| Location (Address): | 113 ANN ST |
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| County: | Eau Claire |
| City: | Eau Claire |
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| Year Built: | 1867 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1997 |
| Historic Use: | apartment/condominium |
| Architectural Style: | Second Empire |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stucco |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | The Buffington/Davis residence is a much altered example of the Second Empire style. The two story building is pictured in Eau Claire Illustrated; an additional photo is available at the Chippewa Valley Museum. Currently, the brick structure is covered with stucco and the mansard roof, the hallmark of the style, which originally was covered with wood shingles and topped with a balustrade, is now punctuated with dormers and new shingles have been applied. Additional alterations include the loss of window hoods and the veranda and the construction of a rear addition. Originally located at 709 Second Avenue (the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Lake Street), this residence was moved to its present location in c. 1920 (A). George Buffington, father of Byron Buffington (see 1500 State Stree, 3P/21) was one of the original settlers in Eau Claire, arriving in 1856. In 1859 he purchased half interest in the Ball and Smith sawmill which in 1874 was incorporated at the Valley Lumber Company. The newly organized firm was located on the west side of the Chippewa River at the inlet to Half Moon Lake. In addition to Buffington's lumber interests he was also active in politics, being elected mayor, alderman, and county board chairman. Buffington died in 1893 (E). Beginning in c. 1899 D.R. Davis resided in the home. (Note: it is not known who lived in the house between Buffington and Davis.) D.R. Davis was the first president of the Dells Paper and Pulp Company which was organized in 1894 by Davis, his brother William, and O.H. Ingram. The Dells Paper and Pulp Company was the successor to the Eau Claire Pulp and Paper Company which was first operated by local people. (See Intensive Survey Final Report for further information concerning the company.) Davis died in 1903 and his position went to William who had been the manager of the Winnebago Mills at Neenah. Mrs. Davis continued to live in the house until c. 1910 (E, F). |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) 1918 & 1920 Directories. (B) Barland, L. 1960. Sawdust City, p. 44. (C) Chippewa Valley Museum - photo collection. (D) Eau Claire Illustrated. (E) History of Eau Claire County, 1914, p. 660, pp. 693-695. (F) 1880-1920 Eau Claire City Directories. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |