| 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.
PAIRED BRACKETS AND DENTILS ON CORNICE AND EAVES. Sidney A. Sage (1805-1869), the son of Joel Sage, an early pioneer settler of Racine. Sidney settled in Racine in 1836, erected a flour mill in 1843, and became a successful businessman. A member of one of the first city councils of Racine. Elected to the Board of Directors of the Lake Shore Railroad Co. As a successful real estate businessman was the owner of an area called "Sage-town."
"In 1835, after walking a large part of the way from New York State, Joel Sage purchased a claim to 107 acres west and north of the Root River. Much of this area was beautifully wooded, and in the spring of the years a section south of State Street was a maple sugaring camp.
In 1838, with the help of his two sons, Joel Sage completed the first house in the 5th ward, a Greek Revival structure at Huron and State Streets. It was later moved to 913 State Street where it stood until 1968, then the oldest house in Racine.
Sidney A. Sage, the elder son of Joel and his wife Bethea, was a prosperous and prominent early Northsider. Sage was engaged in the mercantile business and owned a steam and grist mill. He served as an alderman and was a director of the Lake Shore Railroad.
The imposing Italianate home at 920 Wilson was built for Sidney Sage in the 1850's. IT was then an elegant showplace with broad lawns and shade and fruit trees surrounding the building. Dinner for 60 people could be served in one of the parlors. Today, the house is used as a factory.
Joel Sage's younger son Stephen was 18 when he came to Racine. He eventually became an insurance agent and served the community as city treasurer and later as a member of the County Board of Supervisors. His home on once-stylish Superior Street is similar to the one he helped his father build.
Stephen's daughter's were also active in the community. One, Fanny S. Stone, edited a much-used history of Racine entitled Racine-Belle City of the Lakes and Racine County, Wisconsin, published in 1916." Renewing Our Roots: The Northside, Racine, Wisconsin, Preservation-Racine, Inc., not dated. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago: Lake City Publishing Co. 1892, pp. 881-882.
Renewing Our Roots: The Northside, Racine, Wisconsin, Preservation-Racine, Inc., not dated. |
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