Property Record
331 GILBERT AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Chester Moon Residence |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 41274 |
| Location (Address): | 331 GILBERT AVE |
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| County: | Eau Claire |
| City: | Eau Claire |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1885 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Third Ward Historic District (Boundary Increase) |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 9/10/2004 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 4/16/2004 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of Eau Claire |
| Additional Information: | The former Moon residence is a large two story structure situated at the crest of the hill leading to Summit Avenue. The clapboard sided dwelling is irregularly massed with prominent gabled sections forming the core of the structure. An over-sized gabled entrance porch is located at the northeast corner. The porch is supported by Tuscan columns and the gable is shingled. Another member of the Moon family (Delos Moon, Jr. resided at 1328 Wilson Street, 4P/17; and Sumner Moon, at 1307 Wilson Street, 3P/34. These are Chester Moon's brothers.) who made his home in the city's Third Ward, Chester Moon was also involved with the Northwestern Lumber Company. In addition to this activity, Moon was manager of Eau Claire's Grand Opera House which was erected on S. Barstow Street in 1883. Chester Moon's father, Delos Moon, Sr., purchased the opera house in 1892 following a foreclosure procedure. In 1898 he sold it to his son who became its manager during the 1900-1901 season. The opera house, a focal point for Eau Claire's cultural activity, featuring plays, light opera, and concerts, was open until 1930. The building was demolished in 1938 (B). Moon lived in this house from 1908 until 1926. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) 1908-1926 Eau Claire City Directories. (B) Wolfert, W. 1972. "Theatre in Eau Claire, Wisconsin: A History of the Grand Opera House (1883-1930)" PhD. University of Wisconsin. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |