Property Record
234 WARREN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | James Simmons House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 67684 |
| Location (Address): | 234 WARREN ST |
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| County: | Walworth |
| City: | Lake Geneva |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1867 |
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| Additions: | 1868 |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Early Gothic Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Board |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Maple Park Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 6/17/2005 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/21/2005 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | "Circa 1860. Pure Gothic. The James Simmons House also described as English Farmhouse... the style is classified as "moral" in Europe, as opposed to the "pagan" Greek Revival. It was popular in the United States because it was romantic and pitcuresque as against being cold and logical. Note the steeply pitched gables, often trimmed with ornaments, windows topped with pointed arches, and carved label molds embellishing the windows with small, antiqued glass panes. Some are the original panes that distort the view. The house stands on a solid foundation on native granite fieldstone, two feet thick. The exterior is tongue in groove clodding, producing a smooth surface. In the 1930s, due to the Great Depression, Lake Geneva businesses needed incentives so that the tourist trade was important. To provide rooms to rent many houses in Lake Geneva added on extensions, as did this place. An addition, including a garage did not affect the facade of the house, however. The first owner was James Simmons, attorney and legal referee. In 1875 he authored the book, "History of Lake Geneva". Mr. Simmons was one of the most prominent citizens of Lake Geneva. Among other community activities, he published the Geneva Herald, forerunner of the Regional News." A Walking Tour of Olde Lake Geneva Towne by the Lake Geneva Plaque and Walking Tour Commission, Spring 1993. |
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| Bibliographic References: | "Century Old House an Individual," Lake Geneva Regional News, 2-17-1977. A Walking Tour of Olde Lake Geneva Towne by the Lake Geneva Plaque and Walking Tour Commission, Spring 1993. A Walking Tour of Lake Geneva, WI, Lake Geneva Historic Preservation Commission, 2015. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |