| Additional Information: | Another map code for this building is WK 49/7, found on the DOT Hartland map.
Description:
Located at 338 East Capitol Drive in Hartland's East Capitol Drive Historic District, the Dr. Henry G. B. Nixon House is a two-and-one-half-story Queen Anne residence with the lower story and the foundation made of fieldstone. Built in 1893-1895, reputedly according to award-winning designs obtained at the 1890 Chicago World's Fair, the irregular silhouette features a three-story shingled turret with a conical roof on the southwest corner of the house, a fieldstone chimney, and a small leaded glass round-arched window on the west facade. The main entrance is located on the interior of the enclosed fieldstone porch. Wood shingles appear in the multi-gable ends, as well as on the upper stories of the tower. Alminum siding occurs on the second story, and the multi-gable roof is covered with asphalt shingles. Elaborate late-Nineteenth Century details prevail on the interior of the house, such as California eucalyptus woodwork, luncrusta walton wainscot imported from Belgium, and original light fixtures including a signed Quaezel. Following Mrs. Nixon's death in 1950, Nels Selbo pruchased the house, converting it into a nursing home in 1952 with minimal alterations. The house is presently a private home. It was owned in May of 1985 by Richard H. Bolt.
Architectural/Engineering Singificance:
The Nixon House is a contributing structure in the district, and is individually significant. The house represents the best example of high style Queen Anne in Hartland, and although it has undergone some alteration, shows good integrity. According to the owner, in the course of a geological survey conducted by the State of Wisconsin in 1950, the house was discovered to be one of only three remaining in the state with a foundation built in the traditional Welsh manner, in which all the stones are laid first, and subsequently the mortar is applied.
Historical Background:
Dr. H. G. B. Nixon was born in Wellington County, Ontario in 1865. Having studied medicine in Detroit, he arrived in Hartland in May, 1887, and began his professional practice. His first office was in the west half of the Burr Oak Hotel. In addition to providing Hartland with competent medical service for over fifty years, Nixon was very involved in community and business activities. He was physician of the Burr Oak Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America, a mason, and a charter member of the fire department. He served on the local boards of health and education. Nixon was also vice president and later president of the Bank of Hartland, and served as president of the Waukesha Medical Society. Perhaps the pinnacle of the health care quality he gave to Hartland was reached in 1937 when he opened an emergency hospital in the old Burr Oak Hotel. It was equipped with waiting room offices, an operating room and an x-ray room. Dr. and Mrs. Nixon were avid travelers, touring for two to four months a year. Nixon died of a heart attack in 1939, as he and his wife were preparing for such a trip. The doctor was not soon forgotten as he left quite a legacy. The care he provided a traveler later prompted a major contribution to the Hartland Community, Inc.. But more significant was the gift of land that he and wife made to the village. It was developed and came to be known as Nixon Park. (See Bib. Ref. A, B, C).
Mrs. Antoinette Nixon was born in 1865. She was the daughter of John Rudberg, the only enduring member of an early Hartland Public Library, maintaining an affiliation through 1949. She was also a president of the Waukesha County Medical Society Auxiliary and served as director of the county historical society. Mrs. Nixon died in 1950. (See Bib. Ref. D, E).
Historical Significance:
This building is significant under cirterion B for its association with H. G. S. and Antoinette Nixon, who played a significant role in Hartland's growth. They were involved in civic and business ventures, but perhaps more importantly, they were vitally concerned with the quality of life in Hartland. Dr. Nixon's emergency hospital and Dr. and Mrs. Nixon's donation of land for a park attest well to that fact. |
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