Charles Foote arrived in Neillsville in 1854. With the funds he earned working on the Wage farm, he began to buy land on Pleasant Ridge. The land was on a hillside with a spectacular view of Saddle Mound, located over thirty miles away. Charles enlisted into Clark County¿s Company I Fourteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry in 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War. Arriving home from war, Charles was able to take advantage of Clark County¿s offer to returning soldiers, purchasing tax delinquent land for ½ the payment of the taxes owed.

The booming logging village known as Neillsville needed the likes of Charles Foote, a farmer, to raise the crops, beef and poultry needed to support the hungry loggers working in the area. In 1893 Charles built a two-story Italianate farmhouse, substantial in nature, showcasing his success. The exterior is faced with the soft orange brick made by local brick makers King and Vine. Paired and single brackets adorn the block design frieze. Balustrades top the main house roof, projecting bay and the second story porch. Queen Anne influences are expressed with fish scale shingles found on the sides of the second story porch and with gingerbread porch details.

The interior has a grand central staircase that extends to the second floor ceiling. The oak banister circles around to the east wall on the second floor level. The master bedroom wall matches the curve created by the banister. Original wide oak woodwork with decorative corner blocks surrounds the four-paneled doors and windows.

The house, elegant enough for city living, was located one mile from Neillsville¿s commercial downtown. It remains today in its original form and in excellent condition offering a glimpse into Neillsville and Pleasant Ridge¿s past.

The house is a private residence and is not open to the public. Please respect the owners¿ privacy.