Property Record
1233 GRAHAM AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Elijah Swift Residence |
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| Other Name: | Geraldine Wing House |
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| Reference Number: | 41315 |
| Location (Address): | 1233 GRAHAM AVE |
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| County: | Eau Claire |
| City: | Eau Claire |
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| Year Built: | 1883 |
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| Additions: | 1910 1950 |
| Survey Date: | 1981 |
| Historic Use: | one to six room school |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
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| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
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| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| 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. The Swift Residence is a two and a half story clapboard-covered dwelling. The structure is capped by a gable roof which also provides an area for decorative detailing. The gable is accented by various shingles patterns and by an ornamental truss. A rectangular bay with leaded glass panels is also featured. On the first floor a veranda stretches across the facade. The Swift Residnece was constucted in 1883 by Elijah Swift, a dealer in pine lands, logs, and lumber and was located at 615 Graham Avenue (formerly River Street). The home was built as a kindergarten and was used for that purpose until 1887 when Kate Hardy opened the Hardy School for young Ladies and Children. The school was closed three years later and the building was moved to its present location, where it has been used as a residence. In 1908, Ambrose and Edith Wing purchased the home and soon after it was converted into a duplex (A). Front porch screened in and the rear side porch removed in 1950. Rear half converted into an apartment in 1910. 2016- "This simple style was common in the 1800s and was typical of working class city neighborhoods and rural areas of the Midwest. This home was originally located at 615 Graham Avenue and was used as a kindergarten until 1887 when Kate B. Hardy converted it into the Hardy School for Young Ladies and Children. The school was closed in 1890, the same year the structure was moved to its present location. Moving large houses was not uncommon in the late nineteenth century. Eau Claire's William Palmer listed his occupation on the 1900 United States Census as "contractor, house moving." Structures to be moved were rested on logs and pulled by several teams of horses." -"Eau Claire Landmarks: Designated Historic Properties in Eau Claire, Wisconsin", Eau Claire Landmarks Commission, P.O. Box 5148, 2016. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Eau Claire Landmarks Commission File. (B) Barland. Tour of Saw Dust City. Eau Claire Landmarks booklet published by the Landmarks Commission in 2002. Eau Claire Landmarks booklet published by the Landmarks Commission in 2002. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |