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Summary
Melvin W. and Mary Perry House
519 Third Street, Algoma, Kewaunee County
Architect: W.W. De Long
Date of Completion: 1909
Melvin Perry, entrepreneur, industrialist, politician and philanthropist, was a central figure in the development of Algoma. Perry occupied this house from its completion in 1909 until his death in 1951. His establishment of the Ahnapee Veneer and Seating Company in 1892 coincided with the arrival of the first railroad in Algoma. Both developments sparked the city's industrial rise. The company eventually became the largest employer in the city. It produced veneer seating and paneling, as well as furniture for commercial use. Perry also helped found and lead the Algoma Net Company in 1914 and the Algoma Foundry and Machine Company in 1922. Additionally, he served as city alderman, mayor, and Wisconsin State senator. He was active on the school board and school building committee. He played an important role in the conversion of an old factory into a community center, and he deeded two blocks of his own property to establish a park and athletic field. The prominence of the Perry house reflects the important role that Mel Perry played Algoma's growth.
The Perry house incorporates elements of both Colonial Revival and Shingle Style architecture. The exterior is composed of weatherboard siding on the first floor with cut cedar shingles covering the second floor and dormers. The façade is dominated by a two-story gambrel-gabled projection, sitting above two pairs of Ionic columns. The entry porch is framed by a large, semi-circular, stone arch. Many windows feature leaded clear beveled glass. The house underwent a significant remodel in 1920, which included the addition of two sunrooms. A garage that harmonized with the style of the house was added in 1923. The building's interior showcases decorative elements produced by Perry's own company, functioning as an advertisement for his products. Many of the downstairs rooms utilize mahogany Ionic columns, oak or mahogany veneer paneling, and decorative maple and oak flooring.
Today the Perry house functions as a bed and breakfast. Please respect the privacy of the residents and guests.
Property Details
| Criteria | Person |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Industry |
| Period of Significance | 1909-1951 |
| Architectural Style | Colonial Revival |
| Architect | Pies, Frank (builder),De Long, W.W. (architect) |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Single Dwelling |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jul 20, 2007 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jan 23, 2008 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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PERRY ST, N SIDE, OPPOSITE BUCHANAN ST
26547
Located in Algoma, Kewaunee County
