Property Record
419 N WASHINGTON ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | DR. M. N. Barber House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 15353 |
| Location (Address): | 419 N WASHINGTON ST |
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| County: | Dodge |
| City: | Watertown |
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| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1855 |
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| Additions: | 1910 |
| Survey Date: | 19742004 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | North Washington Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 10/23/2009 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 4/17/2009 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Another map code for this building is DO 1/33, found on the DOT Watertown map. This two story house features elements characteristic of the Georgian Revival and Italianate styles. The house was probably built in an Italianate style in the late 1950s and remodeled to its present appearance at a later date. The building was constructed with a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a brick foundation, a stained brick exterior, a wood and brick trim and a shingled hip roof. The brick exterior walls were stained a pinkish color, and the facade is asymmetrical in its fenestration. The low pitched roof is truncated and has cresting around its curb (or a balustraded railing, suggesting a widow's walk). The moulded eaves are broad and overhang dramatically. (See Bib. Ref. A). The multi-paned rectangular windows on the facade are detailed with projecting, triangular shaped, pedimented lintels. These windows suggest the original style of the dwelling was Italianate. Projecting forward on the facade is a one-story, one-bay portico, whose roof is accented with a metal railing. Wide, fluted doric columns support the portico's denticulated and moulded entablature. The front entrance is flanked by sidelights and metal balconies adorn the first story windows. Bay windows, one of which has a low pitched hip roof and the other of which has a roof supporting a balcony, are other architectural elements of the dwelling. A two story brick addition with six-over-six windows is at the rear elevation. The residence is in excellent condition. Dr. M. N. Barber was an individual associated with this house from c. 1866 to c. 1893. (See Bib. Ref. B). Home was added on to on three different occasions. The home was purchased the Barbers and occupied for many years by the Elliott Parsons family. When the second story of the home was remodeled for two rental apartments, the central open stairway was removed and a new stairs added at the back of the house. The large central hall remains. Historical Background: This was the long-time home of Dr. Martin Barber (c. 1866-c. 1893), a botanic physician. (See Bib. Ref. B). Barber was born in New York and came to Watertown in 1848. He practiced for over 30 years in Watertown. After his death, his son, U. Neal Barber, a dentist, lived here until about 1924. (See Bib. Ref. C). Historical Significance: This house is significant for local history under National Register criterion B because it was the long-time home of D. Martin Barber. Barber was a pioneer physician in Watertown. He was a botanic physician, one of the several types of doctors who practiced in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. While they were not always effective health care providers, early physicians were an important part of the community, providing at least some relief to the ill and injured. Barber was probably the second most prominent physician in the community. The first was James Cody, who had many activities outside of his medical practice. Barber, although not as active outside of medicine, was probably as well known a physician as Cody. Barber's offices were located in Watertown's commercial district, but his long-time residence in this house makes it significant for its association with him. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Evelyn Ruddick Rose, Our Heritage of Homes (Watertown Historical Society, 1980), p. 33. B. Watertown City Directories, 1866-1930, Watertown, Wisconsin Public Library. C. C. W. Butterfield, History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin, (Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1879), p. 598; Watertown City Directories. “Architecture/History Survey: Reconstruct STH 26 (Church St.): STH 19 To Union Pacific RR.” WHS project number 04-0759/DO/JE. February 2004. Prepared by Carol Cartwright. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |