| Additional Information: | This two-story house features an irregular shaped plan configuration, a stucco foundation, a red brick exterior, a wood trim and an asphalt shingled hip roof. Although altered since its date of construction in 1856, this house retains design elements characteristic of the Federal and Italianate styles. Typical of the Federal style are the low pitch roof, lintel-type window heads, large window lights, and thin muntins. Italianate features include wide eaves and brackets. Exterior changes involved the removal of porches and the alteration of the front entrance. Related to this dwelling is a garage; no description of this particular structure was given in the Intensive Survey form.
This residence, which is in good condition, is architecturally significant in that it represents a type, period, or method of construction. It is historically significant in that it is associated not only with the lives of significant persons, but also with the development of a locality.
Historical Statement: This house was built in about 1856 for Arabut B. Blanchard. (See Bib. Ref. A, B). It was purchased by Henry Palmer in June 1869. Palmer, a physician and surgeon, settled in Janesville in 1856. Between that year and 1860, he practiced medicine with Dr. Robert B. Treat. In 1861, Palmer enlisted as a surgeon of the 7th Regiment -- appointed Bridge Surgeon in December of that year -- promoted to Surgeon of volunteers in March, 1862 -- and mustered out as Lieutenant Colonel. On April 3, 1866, Dr. Palmer was elected Mayor of Janesville. He was re-elected the following year. Palmer served as vice president of the American Medical Association, and for ten years was surgeon general of Wisconsin.
"After the Civil War, Henry K. Palmer, a prominent surgeon, purchased this house from its builder, Arabut B. Blanchard. A native of Albany, New York, Palmer practiced in Janesville until 1860 when he served as a Civil War surgeon. After his return to Janesville in 1865, he returned to private practice and served as Mayor in 1866-67." THE LOOK WEST HISTORIC DISTRICT, PREPARED BY LANDSCAPE RESEARCH FOR THE JANESVILLE HISTORIC COMMISSION, JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN 1987. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Assessment Rolls: 1854, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1890.
B. Mouat, Biography of Henry Palmer.
C. Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County.
D. The History of Rock County.
E. Look West Historic District, Prepared by Landscape Research for the Janesville Historic Commission, Janesville, Wisconsin 1987.
"Cultural Resources Report For the Proposed Talman House Telecommunications Facility in Janesville, Rock County, Wisconsin." WHS Project #14-0719/RO. June 2014. Prepared by Marcy Prchal. |
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