| 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 State Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation.
1999: "This residence consists of two historic-period blocks: a one-and-one-half-story log portion built in 1861 and a two-story wing dating to circa 1900. The addition was originally of frame construction, but was covered with stucco by the current owner. Both sections rise from a quarried stone foundation. The residence's multiple-level, multiple-gable roof is entirely sheathed with wooden shingles, which were installed during a recent renovation. Additionally, the rear extensions's gabled roof was constructed at this time. The log block features hand-hewn logs and full dovetail notching. The chinking and daubing have been refurbished in recent years. The original, primary entry is centered on the north facade and consist of a simple board door accessed via a small, concrete stoop. A secondary entry is situated within an enclosed porch that spans the length between the log and stucco east gabled end walls of the two sections. The porch was constructed upon a brick foundation and retains historic-period, three-over-one windows. Throughout both blocks, the majority of the extant fenestration is of modern origin and is generally composed of one-over-one, double-hung sashes. Additionally, six small, square, historic-period, one-light openings are regularly spaced along the east, north and west walls of the log section's second story. A modern, deck porch spans the east half of the south (rear) wall, it replaced an historic-period that was situated on the facade's west half. Sliding glass doors open onto the porch; installed by the current owner, these doors replaced an original window opening. Finally, off-centered on the rear wing's west side, a concrete stoop accesses a modern entry.
A brick barbecue grille, former pump house, modern shed, garage, former summer kitchen and small playroom are associated with this property. The pump house and summer kitchen are covered with stucco; excluding the grille, shed and playroom, all of these structures' roof are sheathed with wooden shingles. The stucco and shingles are both the result of the above-referenced renovation. Located directly east of the residence's northeast corner, the grille is of modern origin. It was built of bricks that had historically been used as street pavers in the City of Milwaukee. Slightly south of the grille, the former pump house is a small, square structure that retains a period, vertical board door off-centered on its south wall and a Z-braced wooden door on its west facade. The gambrel-roofed, modern shed is situated east of the pump house alongside the property's concrete driveway. A pair of doors with wooden appliques (created a fachwerk-like effect) is centerd on the west (primary) elevation. Across the driveway from the garage and slightly southeast of the residence is the former summer kitchen. It rises from a fieldstone foundation. A stuccoed chimney is centered on its front-gable roof. A modern entry is located near the west corner of the north facade. The east longitudinal wall features two small, stained-glass windows (both installed by the current owner) and a pair of historic-period, Z-braced, wooden, sliding doors (a second pair of such doors was removed during the renovations). Finally, west of the summer kitchen and to the rear of the residence, a small, square, frame structure (built by the current owner to function as a playroom) stands on temporary footings. Asphalt shingles cover the front-gable roof, and a symmetrically placed door and window punctuate the north (primary) facade; a second window is centered on the east side.
Census data and historical plat books indicate that this property was likely owned by the Saaler family for more than fifty years--although spelling of the name appears to have been recorded with slight variations. The earliest available plat (1873) lists a 36.65-acre farm owned by J. Sauler. However, the 1870 federal census included a Jacob Saller, age 61, who was a farmer in the Town of Menomonee. He and his wife, Agnes, were both born in Darmstadt. Their four children were Barbara, Jacob, George and Agnes; another relative, Louis Saller, age 73, also resided with the family. Their real property was valued at $3,500, while their personal property was estimated to be worth $525. Jacob Saller is also included in an 1865 state census, when his household was recorded as including four males and two females. George Saaler (the youngest son of Jacob and Agnes) owned the family farm by 1891, when is encompassed 40 acres. He retained ownership through at least 1930, by which time he had increased his holdings to 50 acres. Finally, a 1949 plat book lists Jacob Saaler as the owner of the 50-acre farm. Jerry Sheehan, the current owner, purchased the property in 1976." |
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