Property Record
MAIN ST, S SIDE OF 11 AT SE CORNER OF CROSS ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | BECK, THOMAS HOUSE |
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| Other Name: | |
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| Reference Number: | 66636 |
| Location (Address): | MAIN ST, S SIDE OF 11 AT SE CORNER OF CROSS ST |
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| County: | Lafayette |
| City: | Benton |
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| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Greek Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | A frame two-story with sloping roof that has an extended rear slope giving the house a "salt box" shape. The second level door in the front facing, symmetrically planned facade indicates there was a second level porch across the facade. Segmental arched eyebrow window heads and a sidelighted entrance door with a transom further characterizes the front facade. This house, important to the streetscape of Benton because of its unusual shape for a mid-western community, contributes to the architectural variety of the community. Furthermore, it is important to the community as the house of a prominent family situated on a prominent site on Benton's Main Street. The Thomas Beck house is significant for its association with a prominent merchant in Benton. Thomas Beck, born on the Isle of Man, England in 1840 came to Benton in 1864. He worked in the mines in New Diggings for two years. He then opened a store in Aetna and continued in business there until 1875. That year he returned to Benton and built a rock store on the corner of Main and Railroad Streets. He also built a lumber warehouse near the depot. His home was built sometime between 1875 when he arrived in Benton and before he moved to Aspen, Colorado in 1882. He later died in Colorado. He had a large mercantile business. He also served as Town Treasurer. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Interview with Wacker Bainbridge, 10/12/82. (B) Commemorative Biographical Record, 1900, p. 369, 371. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |