Property Record
222, 224, 226 MARGARET ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Faith House/Bethesda Lutheran Home |
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| Reference Number: | 15345 |
| Location (Address): | 222, 224, 226 MARGARET ST |
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| County: | Dodge |
| City: | Watertown |
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| Survey Date: | 1974 |
| Historic Use: | live-in care facility/sanitarium |
| Architectural Style: | Other Vernacular |
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| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
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| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Another map code for this building is DO 1/32, found on the DOT Watertown map. This two story other vernacular institutional building features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a brick foundation, a cream brick exterior, a brick trim and a flat roof. The block has three entrances, each of which is sheltered by an awning. The corbelled brick cornice is topped at various intervals by scalloped pediments ornamented by a panel of decorative brick work. (see Bib. Ref. A). Distinguishing the facade are segmental arched windows, each of which has a raised brick window head with corbelled ends. Apparently the brick has been sandblasted, and the entrance porches were a later addition. The structure is in good condition. This building, historically named Faith House and Bethesda Lutheran Home, was known as the first home of the Bethesda Institution. It functioned as such in 1903. It later included a residences from c. 1907 to the present. (See Bib. Ref. B). It is now used as apartments. Architectural/Engineering Significance: Although an interesting, well-preserved example of 19th century institutional architecture built in a vernacular brick form, the Faith House is not a particularly notable example of vernacular architecture. Built to house a Bible institute and faith healing, this building was used also by Bethesda Lutheran Home from 1904 to 1906. (See Bib. Ref. A). Historical Background: This building was the first home of the Bethesda Lutheran Home. In 1903 several Lutheran groups known as the Children's Friend Societies or Kinderfreund Societies established a home for the mentally retarded. Due to the strong Lutheran ties in Watertown, and because of an offer of 20 free acres of land, the groups located the home in Watertown. The group was not financially able to immediately build on the free land, so instead they leased this row house for the institution's first home location. Called Faith Home because of an earlier use as a bible school, the Lutheran Home used this building for about a year. When their lease expired, the home was moved to Milwaukee until 1910 when the group returned to Watertown and built on the 20 acres originally granted the institution. Bethesda Home grew significant in the twentieth century, and even today it is considered an excellent facility for the education and training of mentally retarded persons. (See Bib. Ref. B). Historical Significance: This building is significant for local history under National Register criterion A as the first home of the Bethesda Lutheran Home and the best preserved historic building associated with this institution. Bethesda Lutheran Home represents the cheritable activities of the Lutheran Chruch. It also represents the development of institutions for the disadvantaged citizens of the state. These institutions are important as part of the modern-day system of care for the handicapped and disadvantaged citizens of the state. Since this was the home's first location and because all the other historic buildings of the current home campus - save one that has a loss of integrity - have been demolished, this building is significant as the best representative of the development of this important institution in Watertown. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Elmer C. Kiessling, Watertown Remembered, (Milwaukee: Franklin Pub., 1976), p. 210. B. "Bethesda Lutheran Home is Training Institution for the 'Children of God'," Watertown Daily Times Centennial Issue, June 26, 1954, n.p. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |