Benjamin Church House (Shorewood, Wisconsin)
The Benjamin Church House (also known as the Kilbourntown House), a modestly sized Temple-style Greek Revival home, was built in 1843–1844 by a pioneer carpenter of that name[2] in Kilbourntown, a settlement on the west side of the Milwaukee River. In 1846, Kilbourntown merged with Juneautown on the east side of the river and Walker's Point to the south to create Milwaukee, today the largest city in Wisconsin. The house is thought to be Milwaukee's earliest surviving home.[3]
Benjamin Church House | |
 | |
| Location | Parkway Drive, Estabrook Park Shorewood, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Built | 1843-1844 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000059 |
| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1972[1] |
Description and history
The house was constructed in Greek Revival style with four fluted Doric columns out front and a symmetrical floor plan. The front entrance opens into a living room, with a dining room behind and then a kitchen. A bedroom wing is attached to each side.[2] The style was also known as Greek temple or national style. The structure was for four decades the family home of Benjamin F. Church, his wife Permilia, and their children including Ann Maria known as Hannah, Ann Augusta known as Anna, Charles, John and Susan. Benjamin, a native of Ulster County, New York, arrived in early Milwaukee on November 15, 1835, and later was a member of the Old Settlers Club. In addition to his carpentry and construction business, Benjamin held a number of local offices. Permilia was born in New Hampshire.
In 1884, the house was sold to George Binzel, a bookkeeper[3] who eventually was assistant secretary of the Valentin Blatz Brewing Company. George was one of several Binzel brothers who came to southeast Wisconsin from Germany. In 1900, George, his wife Rosa, daughter Louise and sons Paul, Albert and Clarence lived in the house. The address in this period was 501 Fourth.
The Binzel family sold the house and moved away on August 10, 1922. Due to financial difficulties on the part of those who purchased the house, the structure eventually went to the city for payment of taxes.[3]
Rescue and restoration
In the 1930s, the house was recognized as having historical value worthy of rescue for future generations to enjoy. Local Cream City brick and hand-hewn timbers were among its distinctive features.
On July 20, 1936, the house was measured through the Historic American Buildings Survey.[2] On August 21, 1936, architectural drawings of the house were prepared. At that time, due to a city renumbering project, the address of the house was 1533 North Fourth Street, Milwaukee. HABS documents state that the house was then owned by Louise Binzel.[4]
Through the Works Progress Administration or WPA, the house was restored and moved in 1938 to Estabrook Park in Shorewood, Wisconsin, north of Milwaukee.[5] Furnishings from the 19th century were provided by the Wisconsin Society of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America.[2]
Today
The Church house, also known as the Kilbourntown House, is maintained today by the Milwaukee County Historical Society. It is open to the public on Sunday afternoons during June, July and August, with docent tours provided.[5]
References
- "Benjamin Church House". Wisconsin Historical Society. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
- Donald N. Anderson (1971-08-19). "NRHP Inventory/Nomination: Church (Benjamin) House". National Park Service. Retrieved 2018-09-21. With one photo.
- Tanzilo, Bobby. "Urban Spelunking: Benjamin Church House". OnMilwaukee.com. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
- Guth, Alexander. "Historic American Buildings Survey: Benjamin Church House". Prints and Photographs Online Catalog. Library of Congress. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
- "Kilbourntown House". Milwaukee County Historical Society. Retrieved 2018-09-21.
- Benjamin Church (1807–1887) Biographical Sketch, Federal Writer's Project (Wis.), 1935–1942, Wisconsin Historical Society Record 16372
- “Pageant Stirs Her Criticism,” Milwaukee Journal, Sept. 17, 1939