| Additional Information: | A 'site file' titled "Menlo Park Historic District" 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, State Historic Preservation Office. RIBBON WINDOWS, ENCLOSED PORCH ON FRONT. Complimentary/sympathetic addition at rear by Ken Dahlin.
On 2 December 1915, the house, which was reported as "practically" complete, was noted as "destroyed by fire". The Daily Reporter cited this on 3 December 1915, along with "arrangements will be made to rebuild as soon as possible." It noted that between 16,000 and $17,000 had already been paid the contractors.
"Sheathed in red brick and stucco trim, the Prairie-style house exhibits strong horizontal lines through its banded ary-glass windows, wide overhanging roof eaves and the western-extending porte cochere. The home's architect was Clare C. Hosmer, who also designed the Gabel house which is also on this tour.
The home's original owner was August Gedhardt and his wife Carrie. August was born in Germany in 1874 and immigrated tot he United States in 1888. By the turn of the twentieth century he founded in Milwaukee the A.L. Gebhardt Company, a leather harness-making concern. A civic leader and founder of Ozaukee Country Club, he died in 1922 (at the age of 48), while playing golf. Having no children, his nephew, Arthur E. Gebhardt, eventually took over both the family business (in 1935) and the Shorewood home (in 1942). The current owners, who have resided here for five years, are the fourth owners.
The beautifully restored interior includes a barrel-vaulted living room ceiling and quarter-sawn oak flooring. Wallpaper was removed to reveal a Roman brick fireplace and, in 1995, a 450 square-foot, family room addition was completed by Ken Dahlin of Genesis Architecture in Racine. The room is a modified replica of the second Francis Little home (1912-1914 and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) in Wayzata, Minnesota. Windows in the living room, as well as the Dana House-inspired Butterfly lamps were made by Oakbrook-Esser Studios of Oconomowoc." Wright and Like 2011: Milwaukee Originals June 10th Through 12th, Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin, Inc., Madison, 2011. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Building permit information cited in The Milwaukee Daily Reporter, 20 February 1915, architect cited as Clare C. Hosmer.
House included in "Three Beautiful New East Side Homes," The Milwaukee Journal, 26 March 1916, page 23.
Home on 2000 HMI Spaces & Traces tour; architect not known at that time. Shortly thereafter a brochure for the home's millwork was located, which cited Hosmer as architect. Thereafter, above information found. House was also on the 2011 Wright & Like tour.
Wright and Like 2011: Milwaukee Originals June 10th Through 12th, Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 2011. |
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