Property Record
328 W MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | HAMILTON HOUSE |
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| Other Name: | HAMILTON HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 10432 |
| Location (Address): | 328 W MAIN ST |
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| County: | Walworth |
| City: | Whitewater |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
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| Year Built: | 1868 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2007 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Second Empire |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
| Architect: | M SHEARD |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Main Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 12/21/1989 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 11/8/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| 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 Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. ARCHED DORMERS. 2 TOWERS ON OPPOSITE ENDS. ELABORATE SPINDLEWORK PORCHES. TALL SEGMENTAL AND ROUND ARCHED WINDOWS. POLYGONAL BAYS W/DENTILLED EAVES. One door east, the cream-brick Hamilton House, built in 1861, illustrates a mansard-roofed version of the Italianate style, with its bay windows and bracketed porches. Recently restored crestings crown the mansard roofs atop the towers (one of which is actually a bay window) on the house’s east and west sides. A Queen Anne porch was added sometime between 1880 and 1900. A striking wooden staircase, replete with spindles, panels, and pendants, highlights the interior; carved wood and stone fireplaces grace several rooms. The House is a bed-and-breakfast inn. "This Second Empire house, with alterations from the Queen Anne style, was built in 1861 and served as part of the Underground Railroad. The house was significantly enlarged in 1881 and Queen Anne style details were added in the 1890s. One of many owners over the years, the Hamiltons owned the house in 1903. In the 1950s the house was used as a fraternity and actor/comedian John Belushi lived there. After a major restoration in 1994, the house has operated as a bed and breakfast." Touring Historical Whitewater, n.d. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Janesville Gazette 1/26/1999. Buildings of Wisconsin. Touring Historical Whitewater, n.d. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |