Property Record
87 APPLETON ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | FRANK ENGELS HOUSE |
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| Other Name: | |
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| Reference Number: | 59517 |
| Location (Address): | 87 APPLETON ST |
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| County: | Winnebago |
| City: | Menasha |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
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| Year Built: | 1879 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Gabled Ell |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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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, Division of Historic Preservation-Public History. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Frank Engels was a farmer residing in the city who's significant agricultural holdings were leased to various tenant farmers.(A) Along with John Clovis and Rueben Scott, Engels was one of a number of landlords who controlled the outlying agricultural industry serving Menasha's flour mills and groceries. In the case of Frank Engels, this control resulted in his being shot by a tenant objecting to Engels' meddling in the management of the farm.(B) Active in city affairs as a holder of elected office, Engels built his residence in 1879.(C) It is still maintained by members of his family. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE The Frank Engels house is historically significant for its association with a man who helped establish Menasha control of the outlying farmlands by residing in the city with other agricultural landlords. DESCRIPTION Situated on the old main road to Appleton, the Frank Engels home is a gabeled ell built on a "L" plan with a multigabled roof. The roofing materials are asphalt, the walls are brick with a stretcher bond, and the foundations are stone. The windows are two-over-two, double-hung sash, and the porch is recessed into the main facade at the vertex of the ell. ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING SIGNIFICANCE The Frank Engels house is architecturally significant as a fine example of the gabled ell building form. While modest and devoid of ornament, the building retains exceptional integrity of site and structure, reflecting the simple tastes of the farmer residing in town. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Menasha Press; April 6, 1889; page 1, column 1. B. Ibid.; July 9, 1900; page 3, column 1. C. Ibid.; April 5, 1877; page 2, column 4. Ibid.; July 24, 1879; page 3, column 1. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |